Donald P. Wharton

Donald Patrick Wharton, of Landaff, NH, age 80, passed away on January 3, 2024, at the Grafton County Nursing Home in N. Haverhill, NH after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s. Don was born in Dayton, Ohio to the late Donald C. Wharton and Ann L. Wharton (nee Coughlin).

He grew up in Spring Creek, PA, where his family operated a restaurant, Deer Head Inn, for over 50 years. It was there along the Brokenstraw River in the Allegheny foothills that Don developed his love of nature and the rural life.

Don earned several degrees (English and Library Science) in his academic career including a BA at the University of Notre Dame, a MA and PHD at the Pennsylvania State University, and MLS at the University of Pittsburgh.  He served in the US Army as a First Lieutenant from 1965-1968. 

His academic career began in his home state as a professor of English and library director which eventually took him to Vermont, North Dakota, and finally New Hampshire where he served as President of Plymouth State University from 1993 until he retired in 2006. He was given the prestigious Harold E. Hyde Award for Distinguished Educational Leadership upon his retirement.  Don served on several NH boards while president including three years as chair on the Board of Trustees for the Society for the Protection of NH Forests (SPNHF) as well as the NH Charitable Foundation.

Upon retirement Don and his wife Carol made their part-time home in Landaff, NH their full-time home. He continued with the SPNHF for another six years as well as several local organizations including a brief stint with the Landaff Volunteer Fire Department.

He and Carol spent more time at their Lac Bernard cottage in Quebec, where he enjoyed fishing and boating with his children, grandchildren, and fellow cottagers. Although reading and writing were his favorite past times, Don also was a self-taught sailor, fly fisherman, hiker, traveler, and passionate gardener.  He planted numerous unusual trees around their Landaff home copying the species found on the grounds of Plymouth State University. Driving his truck around Landaff with his dog, Scotch, was a favorite activity all the while collecting material for his book, “Landaff Days," short vignettes of rural Landaff.  

Don is survived by Carol G. Wharton (nee Julien), his wife of 39 years. He was the dearest father of, Donald C. (Lisa) Wharton and Anne Elizabeth Wharton, stepfather of, Lesley (Dave) Milne and Charles Papps, grandfather of, Dylan, Ryan, Ben, Oliver, Riley and Holly, brother of, Sally (John) Dicmas, and uncle to Hannah and Courtney.

He will be forever remembered for his quick wit, Sean Connery good looks, his wonderful laugh and engaging smile. Think of him whenever you read a good book, see a bird of prey, or when you are enjoying nature. He often reminded us that, “Not every man who wanders is lost.” 

Visiting hours will be held at Pillsbury Phaneuf Funeral Home, Littleton, from 5 - 7 p.m. January 12, 2024. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held January 13, 2024, 10:30 a.m. at St. Catherine of Siena Church, 14 Highland Ave., Lisbon, across from the school. A Military Honor Guard Burial will be held in Landaff Town Center Cemetery in the spring, date to be announced.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to Grafton County Nursing Home, Meadow Unit, 3855 Dartmouth College Hwy., N. Haverhill, NH 03774.