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Donald Edwin Koelsch, 80 of Hanover died Friday, January 28, 2011. Don began his life on October 22, 1930 in the small town of Park Ridge, NJ, but traveled throughout the world as an oceanographic engineer, known for his renowned research and development work in this field. He graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in Electrical engineering, which he applied to the field of Oceanography while working at Lamont Geological Labs in NY, and the Department of Oceanography at Texas A&M University. He ended his distinguished career at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute in MA. He retired in 1995, and enjoyed traveling with his wife; sharing his knowledge of many places he had visited during his extensive career. Don also was an accomplished woodworker, whose beautiful furniture remains as a tribute to him at his home in Hanover, MA, as well as the family retreat in Washington, NH. He served in the military (Navy) from 1950 to 1955 as a senior Electronic Technician, aboard the destroyer, USS Larson, and was a Master Mason in good standing of Brazos Union, Grand Lodge of Texas. Don was also an active member of the Lutheran Church of The Cross in Hanover, MA. Don's high standards set the benchmark for his family of whom he was so proud. He will be missed by his wife of 55 years, Josephine (Delligatti), children, Janet Lynn Koelsch Schwartz (husband, Eric) of Tolland, CT, Dyana Ruth Koelsch Dana (husband, Mark) of Barrington, RI, Donald Christian Koelsch (wife, Susan) of Wilmington, DE and Eric Joseph Koelsch (wife, Lori) of Wilmington, DE. He was blessed with 13 grandchildren and a great grandson. Don is also survived by a sister, Frances Erickson of Seminole, FL. Don passed from this world in the comfort of his home, surrounded by his loving family. A private burial will take place at Hanover Cemetery. A memorial service in celebration of his life will be held at Lutheran Church of the Cross in Hanover, MA was on February 5 at 11 a.m. Immediately following the service, Donalds family and the Ladies of the Cross will host a reception in the Church Hall. In place of flowers, the family asks that donations please be sent to Norwell VNA Hospice, 91 Longwater Circle Norwell, MA 02061. Arrangements by the Sullivan Funeral Home in Hanover. For directions and our online guest book, visit SullivanFuneralHomes.com 781-878-0920 Family Owned & Operated Since 1897