Colonel Donald R. Buchwald

Colonel Donald R. Buchwald, U.S. Army Retired (King of Prussia, PA), born June 6, 1956, in Frankfurt, Germany died peacefully on February 19, 2024 surrounded by his loving family after a valiant fight of 20 years with Parkinson’s disease.

Born to a second generation military family Donald had the heart of a servant leader always knowing his purpose was to serve others as part of the United States Army. He attended Arizona State University where he met the love of his life, Ellie. He later earned a master’s degree in Business Administration from Mount Saint Mary’s and a master’s degree in Public Policy at Harvard Kennedy School. As a commissioned officer he started his 27 years of service in Aschaffenburg, Germany reaching the pinnacle of his career as military director of Medical Material for the Defense Logistics Agency in Philadelphia, PA. His dedicated, forward-thinking and successful leadership generated an endless array of innovations and efficiencies that will shape the art and science of Department of Defense medical material management for years to come. Throughout his career he received many awards culminating in his induction to the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support Hall of Fame. A man of gentle humble strength he always made it very clear that any success he had individually was a direct result of the men and women he had the privilege to serve with and the steadfast support of his wife and two children.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 43 years, Ellie (Wallmuth) Buchwald; son, Donald James Buchwald; daughter, Mary Kathryn “Katy” Buchwald; father Colonel Donald M. Buchwald, U.S. Army Retired; sister Lucy Buchwald; brother Lieutenant Colonel James E. Buchwald, U.S. Army Retired, husband of Peggy; sister Margaret “Maggie” Landis; brother-in-law James Wallmuth Jr., husband of Mary; sister-in-law Julie Wallmuth; sister-in-law Josie Wallmuth; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, great nieces and beloved two year old great niece Sadie Ingell.

He is predeceased in death by his mother, Carole (Roberts) Buchwald; brother-in-law Colonel Steven Landis, U.S. Army Retired and nephew James “Jimmy” Wallmuth III.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend Donald’s viewing on Sunday, February 25, 2024 from 2-4pm at Bacchi Funeral Home & Crematory, 805 DeKalb St. Bridgeport, PA 19405. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, February 26, 2024 at 10:30am at Mother of Divine Providence Church, 333 Allendale Rd. King of Prussia, PA 19406. Interment will be at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Donald’s memory to the Wounded Warrior Project and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia department of Gastroenterology.

Arrangements are by The Bacchi Funeral Home & Crematory, Bridgeport, PA

Condolences to the family may be made at www.bacchifh.com.