Donald Bruce, Nippard, Jr., 63, passed away peacefully in his sleep from heart failure December 31, 2020.

Don was born on December 11, 1957 in Baltimore, Maryland to Donald Bruce Nippard, Sr. and Sandy Wade Nippard. Don grew up in Glyndon, Maryland, where he became an avid Colts and Orioles fan. He worked as lifeguard at the Glyndon pool, where he was affectionally known as "Bear," a nickname by which many in the Baltimore area knew him in his youth.

Don graduated from St. Paul's School for Boys, where he played lacrosse and developed a love for the game that would continue throughout his life. He earned a lacrosse scholarship at the University of Baltimore, graduating in 1980 with a degree in Political Science and Government. The highlight of his lacrosse career came in his senior year, when UB defeated Maryland 11-10 on May 17, 1980. Don continued his love of lacrosse, playing for the Mt. Washington Lacrosse and Glyndon Lacrosse clubs for a number of years after college and in recent years volunteering for Charm City Youth Lacrosse League, which provides underserved girls and boys with opportunities for personal and educational development through the game of lacrosse.

Don worked in the technology field for over 35 years. His career began at Maryland Casualty, in Baltimore. In 1987 an opportunity led him to Atlanta, where he met his wife of 30 years, Janet Anderson. They were married September 2, 1990. After living in Baltimore initially, Don and Janet moved to Severna Park, where they have been avid participants in the community, enjoying the beauty of the Severn River and boating, including a good raft up. Some of their most memorable raft ups were this past summer.

Don worked for some of the leading technology firms in Maryland, including Comcast, MCI, and Skyline Technologies, where he spent the last 10 years. He was excited about beginning a new role as a Sales Executive at Marathon Technology Solutions. Don was also active with the University of Baltimore Dean's Business Advisory Council, Leadership Anne Arundel, Maryland Tech Council, and TCP Youth Empowerment, which offers programs that unleash the leader within young people, inspiring them to become future business and community leaders.

Don's love of sports continued throughout his life. He was an avid cyclist, golfer, and armchair quarterback. He was a dedicated fan of the Chelsea Football Club, Toronto Maple Leafs, Orioles, and of course the Ravens, where he and Janet were season ticket holders.

He logged several thousand miles each year on his bike, riding with friends who often could not keep up with him and hanging with the fast Arnold Bike Doctor group on Wednesday and Saturday rides. One of his more memorable cycling events was completing the L'Etap du Tour, which includes one leg of the Tour de France a week before the Tour begins. As part of the L'Etap, Don climbed the Col de Tourmalet, one of the highest paved mountain passes in the French Pyrenees, with an elevation of 6,939 ft.

Don also loved golf, playing with Janet both locally and abroad. His love for golf and travel allowed him to lose golf balls and swear off the game in over 15 countries and to gather a collection of over 150 unique course balls. His travels with Janet also resulted in an extensive collection of refrigerator magnets from around the globe, which now completely cover their refrigerator.

Don was also passionate about his furry friends. His beloved Boo, Tookie and Guinness were by his side for the past 16 years; and he is joining Guinness who recently journeyed across the rainbow bridge in November.

And speaking of Guinness, he did love to have a good time! His life of the party attitude made him a hit at all gatherings large and small, lighting up dance floors from Severna Park to the UK and Sweden. 'Big Red,' as he was also affectionately referred to by some neighbors, enjoyed a good laugh, a great dance, as well as beautiful sunsets on the Severn River. He was a walking smile.

Don was known and loved by so many different people in the area and internationally. He was always known for his caring heart, infectious smile, and joie de vivre! He will be deeply missed and never forgotten.

Don is survived by his wife of 30 years, Janet Anderson, his sister Kelly Groseclose (Glenn), his mother, Sandy Wade Nippard Harris, his niece Kate Ritchey Webster (Allan Webster), his nephew Matthew Ritchey, and his nephew Aaron Copher (Shannon Copher). Don was also the proud godfather to Morgan Pritchett, Kate Webster, Lizzie Lloyd, and Dane Milleker.

Due to COVID restrictions, a celebration of life will be planned for later in the year. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the following organizations, in memory of Donald B. Nippard, Jr.:

Leadership Anne Arundel www.leadershipaa.org/donations/

TCP Youth Empowerment https://www.tcpyouthempowerment.org/

The University of Baltimore Foundation

1130 N. Charles Street

Baltimore, MD 21201

Charm City Youth Lax

Please make checks payable to Charm City Youth Lacrosse c/o Bob Douglas

446 Park Creek Road

Pasadena, MD 21122 http://www.charmcityyouthlax.com/donate/