Donald O. Bodden, 80, of Easton, PA passed away unexpectedly, Tuesday, July 8, 2025 at home. Born November 1, 1944 in Jamaica, West Indies, he was a son of the late Owen and Norma (Hinds) Bodden. A true renaissance man, Donald was an artist, businessman, and activist with a charitable nature, splitting his time between New York City and the Lehigh Valley. He was well-traveled and had a deep appreciation for beauty in all its forms—painting, music and nature. Donald was a fine antique bookseller and owner of a custom picture framing shop in Manhattan, specializing in art restoration and picture framing. His aesthetic was distinctive and elegant, drawing inspiration from past historical periods while not conforming to trends. Donald was also a lover of animals. He lived his life with authenticity, wit and social grace.
He is survived by brothers: Milton and Wayde; sister-in-law: Wendy; nephew: Daniel Suarez; and among his many cousins: Marlene Stewart and her husband Herb.
Contributions in his memory may be made to any of the following:
GLAAD @ https://glaad.org
Human Rights Campaign @ https://www.hrc.org
Arts Community of Easton @ https://www.eastonart.org
First Moravian Church of Easton @ https://www.firstmoravianeaston.org
Easton Cemetery Stabilization and Growth Fund @ https://www.thehistoriceastoncemetery.org/support
The Ashton Funeral Home, Easton, PA is handling arrangements. Interment is in the historic Easton Cemetery. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.
Cynthia Myers-Morrison
July 18, 2025 at 5:03 pm
Condolences to family and friends of Donald. I don’t believe I ever met Donald or that our paths ever crossed; however, I do know the impact of his life and death on a mutual friend. I wish I had known Donald. His generosity in time and gifts of his talents evidenced with my friend helps me celebrate his life well lived.
In each day, let us recognize the gifts that we give one to another and the love shared. These are the real sweet treasures of our lives.
Basha Durand
July 19, 2025 at 8:54 am
A great loss for me—Donald was a good honest friend, a gentleman and a generous soul. He knew and was friends with my husband. I am so sad, bereft, actually at his passing. I miss his terribly. It was a huge shock—he looked so healthy when I recently saw him. I will miss his wonderful sense of humor, his great knowledge of artistic expression and his kindness. Rest in peace my friend
Melissa Amator
July 19, 2025 at 9:50 pm
You have meant more than you could ever know, Donald. I am deeply grateful that God granted me the gift of your wisdom at a time when I so needed healing and guidance. I know we will meet again. I look forward to hugging you then.
Bob Huffstutler
July 20, 2025 at 7:21 pm
Donald, you were a true inspiration to many people. Always there to take care of our friend Paul, I’m sure he will be greeting you with open arms at the gates to heaven. Thanks for being a true friend, rest in peace.
Marcella Durand
July 21, 2025 at 2:34 pm
I am so sorry to hear of Donald’s passing. He was a great friend of my father, Michel Durand, and was so warm and lovely the last time I saw him, last year at my father’s memorial. I have fond memories of his visits to NYC with my father, and our visits to his farm and pond at the end of the lane. I enjoyed my conversations with him greatly and will miss him very much.
Herbert and Marlene Stewart
July 22, 2025 at 1:29 pm
My husband Herb, and I have loved cousin Donald forever! We were in contact frequently and shared recent warm memories of reaching out, touching him, and sharing the joy of being first cousins. Donald was an innovator, an inspiration, artist, and lover of life! We will miss him without question, and hope to meet him again in the great by and by …
Love, Marlene
Denise Drake
July 24, 2025 at 4:26 pm
To my friends, Wayde and Wendy, my deepest condolences on the loss of your dear brother Donald. Your brother certainly came through in the obituary. And before that Wendy shared in heartwarming stories who he was. Wayde I am so sorry for your loss. He will be forever in your heart. Remember the laughs and all the good! Love, Denise ox ox
Robyn (Vye) Trimble
November 12, 2025 at 7:46 pm
I just learned of Donald’s passing today, and was so very saddened by the news. He was a dear friend of my uncle, George Vye, who just passed away a couple of months prior. I remember visiting Donald decades ago in New York and the times he came to visit at my grandparents’ home in Wisconsin. I will always remember his kindness and the many laughs we shared. My deepest condolences to his family and friends.