Donald Bridgham Small

Donald Bridgham Small, 91, of Bangor, Maine, died peacefully on June 4th, 2026. He was born on May 25th, 1935, in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania, son of Alvah and Julia Small. He led an exemplary life of service to others and will be greatly missed.

Don grew up in Havertown, Pennsylvania, and graduated from Friends Central High School. He received his BA from Middlebury College in VT., and MA from Kansas University. Don earned his PH.D in Mathematics from the University of Connecticut. Don built a distinguished career teaching mathematics at Colby College in Waterville, Maine for 20 years, followed by 16 years as the first permanent civilian math professor at the United States Military Academy at West Point. In addition to his published Calculus and Algebra college textbooks, Don worked to use his position to speak for those who didn't have a voice, especially through his innovative work with the Historically Black Colleges (HBCU), the Tribal Colleges of Montana and creating the national programs Women and Math (WAM) and Blacks and Math (BAM). His work demonstrated his leadership philosophy - empower others to do something extraordinary. His West Point colleagues recognized him: "Don Small is considered to be one of the primary leaders of the movement to refocus and reform college algebra and calculus throughout the nation."

At heart, Don was a family man, a loving father and devoted husband. As soon as the school year ended each year, the family moved to their log cabin on Schoppee Hill in Beddington Maine, on the family's wild blueberry farm. Don enjoyed trips to the lake, canoeing, camping, and cookouts, and walking in the woods with his beloved beagle.

Don was active in the Methodist Church and its mission work. He was a Scoutmaster for 14 years. Don developed a special passion for the people of Haiti, making several trips to work with the community of Latannerie, where he founded and continues to sponsor a school. Volunteering at Habitat for Humanity in Newburgh, New York became his second career in retirement.

Don is survived by his devoted wife of 67 years, Margaret Barton Small of Bangor; their three children, James Barton Small and wife, Bianca, Janet Ellen Pollack, and Robert Theron Small; seven grandchildren; and three great grandchildren; as well as his older brother Charles Robert Small.

The family will hold a Celebration of Life Service at the First Congregational Church in Cherryfield, Maine, at 11:00am on Saturday July 18th, 2026. In lieu of flowers, Don had requested that each person 'do something for someone else.'