TAPS: Colonel Donald H. Bott, USAF (Ret.)

02 May 2017, Colonel Donald H. Bott, USAF (Ret.), of Tucson, AZ, and formerly of Lower Saucon Township, died peacefully at home at the age of 85.

Born in Brooklyn, NY, he was the son of the late Herman and Mary (Driscoll) Bott, and the husband of Miriam (Johnson) Bott.

An alumnus of Lehigh University, Col. Bott had a distinguished 29-year career in the U.S. Air Force serving as a command pilot in a variety of assignments, including 69 combat missions over Vietnam and service on the staff of the HQ European Command. His legacy of service is carried proudly by his children.

Don's military decorations included the Legion of Merit and Bronze Star. His second career was as Executive Director of the Lehigh University Alumni Association, where he served for twelve years.

He is survived by his wife, son Chris (stalwart of the San Diego NIP Chapter) and his wife Shelley Boyd, daughter Suzanne (Iraq veteran) and son Timothy, granddaughters Emily and Haley, and many nieces and nephews, including Nikhil Bott, Lehigh University class of 2000.

Interment services with full military honors are planned for Arlington National Cemetery at a time yet to be determined.

Contributions: In lieu of flowers, donations to honor Don may be sent to Pet Partners of Southern Arizona (Email info@petpartnerssoaz.org) or the Lehigh University Alumni Association (866-758-ALUM (2586) or askluaa@lehigh.edu).

He was dearly loved and is deeply missed by his family and many friends, of which NIP is proud to be a part.