Donald Gow Scofield Sr.

He was the loving husband of Gwendolyn Rytter Scofield. He was born at home in Clifton, NJ, to the late Harry and Helen Scofield. He graduated from Clifton High School in 1952, earned a BA degree from Montclair (NJ) State Teachers College in 1956, and his MA degree from New York University in 1960. Don served in the United States Naval Reserve from 1953-1961. He began his teaching career in 1956 at Bogota High School and joined the faculty of Sparta High School in 1960 as a business teacher, spending the majority of his career as a guidance counselor before retiring in 1989 as Director of Guidance.

Don’s passion was coaching cross country and track athletes in Bogota and Sparta, where his teams enjoyed great success over the years, winning several district and state championships. He was recognized as Coach of the Year on multiple occasions. Don was elected to the Sussex County Sports Hall of Fame in 1989 and to the Sparta High School Athletic Hall of Fame in 2020. He also coached Little League baseball for many years.

Don was a member and trustee of Lafayette (NJ) Federated Church. Other memberships include the Sparta (NJ) Recreation Committee, the Green Twp (NJ) Board of Education (member 1972-1976, President 1977-1978), and the Sussex County (NJ) Judicial Youth Conference Committee (1977-1983). Don also was a big brother for ten years with Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Sussex County, NJ. In honor of Don and Gwen’s longtime support and dedication to an orphanage and school in Kenya, Africa, the school was named the Scofield Christian Orphanage and School by founders Ben and Emily Okello.

Following his retirement, Don and his family established and ran a children’s camp and conference center in North Carolina (1989-1995). After moving to Pennsylvania in October 2000, Don became a member of Gettysburg Presbyterian Church, where he served on the Board of Trustees and was a member of Young at Heart. While living in Hanover, PA, Don served as President of the Homewood at Plum Creek Residents Association. He also served the Adams County Habitat for Humanity as a Board member, Family Selection Committee Chair, and Family Support Committee member.

In addition to his parents, Don was predeceased by his older brothers, Robert and Harry, and his sister, Luellen Hin. Don is survived by his beloved wife of sixty-six years, Gwen; his children Donald Jr. of Rutherfordton, NC, Laurie of Wayne, NJ, David of Washington, PA, and James of York, PA; his ten grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter. Don believed in the importance of family and was a loving uncle to his numerous nieces and nephews.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” (2 Timothy 4:7)

Visitation will be held on Monday, October 14 from 2 to 4pm at Goble Funeral Home in Sparta, NJ. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, October 15 at 10am at First Presbyterian Church of Sparta, followed by a private family interment. A memorial service at Gettysburg Presbyterian Church will be held at a later time.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation or to Rutherfordton Presbyterian Church for the Okello Fund, which supports the Scofield Christian Orphanage and School. Please see the information below.