Donald Maxwell Pearson Jr.

Donald M. Pearson, Jr., age 82, died on September 20, 2025 as a result of autoimmune disease with underlying cancer. He was born in Cincinnati, OH, the third child of Donald M. Pearson, Sr., and Rachel Sawyer Pearson.

Upon graduating from Bellevue High School near Pittsburgh, PA, Don attended Rice University and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. In 1964, he married Nella Martin, the love of his life, with whom he had four children. He then joined IBM, where he worked for 30 years as a Systems Engineer, Marketing Representative, Account Manager and Marketing Manager. Upon early retirement from IBM, Don cofounded Critical Path Strategies, a large account strategy consulting firm, where he served for 10 years.

He was an athlete (basketball, tennis, golf, handball, marathon runner), avid sports fan (Pirates, Steelers, Astros, Oilers, Mariners, Seahawks, Spurs), musician (piano, guitar, mandolin, dobro, chorus, choir), and lifelong reader. After retiring, Don participated in the Grand Rapids Symphony Chorus, All Souls and Fountain Street Church choirs, and continued learning through OLLI and Aquinus College.

Don was preceded in death by his parents Donald Maxwell Pearson Sr, and Rachel Sawyer Pearson; brothers Phil Pearson and Larry Pearson, and his daughter Rachel Sawyer Pearson.

He is survived by his loving wife, Nella Martin Pearson; two daughters, Jennifer Boxrud (Rod) and Dell Reistad (Garth), and one son, Robert Pearson (Debbie); grandchildren, Brad (Katie) and Brooke Boxrud, Rachel and Max Pearson, and Lilja Reistad. He is also survived by multiple cousins, nieces and nephews.

Don was dedicated to being the best version of himself, valuing kindness and being a good person. Mister Fred Rogers was one of his heroes. Throughout his life people said Don looked a lot like him. And, actually, he also imbued Rogers’ character. He presented himself to the world through storytelling. Ultimately, the way he lived his own life story is one to be admired.