Donald A. Kidder

Donald A Kidder passed away on June 4, 2026 at the age of 90. Born in Philadelphia, PA, he grew up in Yeadon, graduating from Yeadon High school in 1953. He attended the University of Vermont (UVM) where he made life-long friends, was a member of the Sigma Phi fraternity and nominated into the Boulder Society which recognizes senior undergraduates for outstanding leadership, scholarship, and service to the University. After graduation from UVM in 1957, with an active draft, Don chose to enlist in the Army reserves, serving six months on active-duty training and then as a member of the Ready Reserve.

Returning to Lansdowne PA after his Army training, he started dating “that nice Barbie Brock” on the advice of his mother and worked briefly for Bell Telephone before he realized he needed a career more aligned with his independent nature. In an unusual pivot for the early 1960s, where you joined one company for life, he obtained his Chartered Life Underwriter certification and began his career in financial planning and insurance as an agent for Connecticut General. With young wife and baby on the way, he settled in Lansdowne, across the street from his parents. Raised a Presbyterian, Barbara’s Quaker faith and its belief that all people had “that of God” within them - resonated deeply with him – and he became an active member of Lansdowne Meeting.

He was a vital contributor to the Lansdowne Community, leading the creation of the Landsdowne Park Historic District, which was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1987.  He was active in leadership of the Lansdowne Civic Association, Neighbor’s Club, Lansdowne Monthly Meeting and Philadelphia Yearly Meeting. He worked quietly for racial justice in Lansdowne, earning both respect and resentment. As School Board President of the William Penn School District, he thoughtfully led court mandated reorganization to end racial segregation, leading to some interesting experiences for his family during this contentious time. His nomination of a mixed-race family for membership at the Lansdowne Swim Club (LSC) led to the district court ruling that the LSC engaged in a pattern of discrimination. He served on numerous boards, and was deeply interested in Quaker Continuing Care Communities, serving on the Boards at the Hickman and Kendall-Crosslands. His appreciation of UVM and its contribution to the arc of his life was an ongoing theme, he was an active and devoted alumnus.

He will be remembered for his mischievous smile, infectious laugh, and love of life. He was a captivating storyteller and was also genuinely interested in people – those he knew, and complete strangers. He made friends wherever he went, even in the last months of his life.  Family was very important to him, he was a devoted son and father, and he particularly enjoyed spending time with sisters, nieces, nephews, and cousins. He enjoyed planning and hosting extended family, bringing multiple generations to his late in life home in Edgmont, PA on Hunters Hill, his wife’s family farm.  

He enjoyed travel in his later years, visiting China and Terra del Fuego, and cruising on the Danube. He especially enjoyed the slower pace of recurring visits to Sanibel, FL and hosting friends and family at his summer home on Seymor Lake in Morgan, VT and when the steep slopes became difficult to manage, on Lake Memphremagog in Newport, VT.

He is survived by his three devoted daughters, Susan D. Kidder (Emily H. Wells), Katherine B. Kidder, and Linda K. Yarlott (Robert M. Yarlott); his grandchildren Kathryn E. Hollender-Kidder, Joseph A. Yarlott, and William D. Yarlott; his sister Mary Ann K. Marshall; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and beloved cousins.

Donald was predeceased by his parents, Allan H. and Esther B. Kidder; his wife, Barbara B. Kidder; sister Joyce Davis and brother-in-law Stephen Davis; brothers-in-law William Marshall, Lynmar Brock, and Charlie Brock.

Family and friends are invited to a viewing on Friday June 12th from 2-4 at Logan-Videon Funeral Home in Broomall, PA. A memorial service will be held on Saturday June 27th from 10-11 with a reception following at Willistown Friends Meeting on 7069 Goshen Rd. Newtown Square, PA.  A Celebration of Life will be held at Whitehorse Village in the Auditoriumon Saturday June 27 at 1:30pm. Reception to follow.

In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Don’s honor to The Hickman Friends Senior Community 400 N. Walnut, West Chester, PA 19380 and Lansdowne Friends Meeting 120 N. Lansdowne, PA 19050.