Donald D. Padgett

Donald D. “Don” Padgett, 85, of Raritan, passed away on March 9, 2026. Born in Blawenburg, he lived in Rocktown, Hillsborough, Manville, and Raritan over the years. He graduated from Middlesex County Vo-Tech and spent more than two decades as a handyman for Doris Duke, caring for her estate in Hillsborough Township, now known as Duke Farms, as well as her other properties, including her residence in Newport, Rhode Island. He later worked at Foothill Acres Nursing Home until his retirement in 1996.

Don had a quiet, generous spirit and a very big heart. He was always ready to help anyone who needed him. He shared a special bond with his dog Kenny III, convincing everyone that the dog understood commands in German. Don enjoyed long daily walks from Raritan to Somerville, collecting cookbooks that filled his apartment, and trying new recipes. He spent many hours on the phone with his sister Rilla, listening patiently, and stayed up late playing Chinese Checkers. In his free time he dabbled in egg art, tended his garden, cooked, followed the New York Mets, and loved browsing yard sales and visiting Alfonso’s in Somerville and local farmers markets.

He was predeceased by his four brothers and his former spouse, Alice “Linda.” He is survived by his sister Rilla Mae Chipps, his sister-in-law Gloria Padgett, his nephew Bill Chipps and wife Susan, and many other nieces and nephews.

Don will be deeply missed by all who knew him.