Don H. Rasmussen, 80, Canton

CANTON - It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Professor Don H. Rasmussen at age 80. Don was born and raised in Berlin, WI. He earned his PhD in Materials Science from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1974. Don moved to Canton, NY in 1977 with his wife and three daughters in order to join the faculty of Clarkson University as a Professor of Chemical Engineering. He retired in 2017 and Clarkson honored him with the distinction of Professor Emeritus.

Don had a keen passion for research. He helped establish Clarkson’s Center for Advanced Materials Processing (CAMP) while pursuing research in nucleation, aerosols, laser-plasma deposition of metal powers, and related topics. He received $2.8 million in external funding for his research at Clarkson and was inducted into the Million Dollar Club in 1998 in recognition of his achievements. Don authored more than 80 papers and his work has been widely cited in scientific literature.

In 2002, he received the Omega Chi Epsilon Chemical Engineering Professor of the Year Award. He supervised 19 MS students and 10 PhD students, many of whom went on to distinguished careers in industry. Don’s passion for teaching and research inspired countless other students.

Outside of his work, Don was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He loved taking care of his family, playing with his dogs, working in his garden with his wife, and completing carpentry and other home improvement projects. He was a long-time member of St. Mary’s parish in Canton, serving as lector, Eucharistic minister, and in the choir.

Don is survived by his wife, Judith, their three daughters, Karen Vella of Boston, Mary Rasmussen and Kate Rasmussen of Canton, their three grandchildren, Griffin Vella, Alexandra Vella and Naomi Vella, and his elder brother, Glenn Rasmussen of Champlin, MN.

Don leaves behind a legacy of innovation, excellence, and inspiration. He will be dearly missed by his family, friends, colleagues, and the I’m many students whose lives he touched throughout his distinguished career. A private funeral service is being held on Saturday, November 30.

Memories and condolences may be shared with Don’s family by visiting     olearyfuneralservice.com. Arrangements for Don H. Rasmussen have been entrusted to the care of the O’Leary Funeral Service of Canton.