"Captain Palen (he was a Commander at the time) was my first Commanding Officer onboard the USS Pensacola (LSD-38) home ported in Little Creek, VA. I often tell my Navy JROTC students about the time in 1983 when we were off the coast of Beirut, Lebanon and the ship took a heavy roll that resulted in Captain Palen being tossed out of his Captains chair directly on top of me. Fun times! I also remember him as a true professional, leader and a skilled mariner. My condolences to the Palen family. Respectfully, QMCS(SW/AW) David McDermott, USN, (Ret)"
In loving memory of
Donald Gilbert Palen
Don Palen, Captain USN (Ret), died on December 31st, 2020 at his home in Middletown, RI. He was 82 years old.
Born in Greenwich Connecticut to Cora and Clyde Palen, Don grew up in Cos Cob and was a graduate of Greenwich High School. He attended Union College for one year before enlisting in the Navy. After three years in the enlisted ranks, he received a fleet appointment to the US Naval Academy (Class of 1963) where he forged friendships that would deepen throughout the rest of his life. Don was immensely proud of his 34 years of military service, which included multiple tours in Vietnam, teaching at the US Naval Academy and Naval War College, commanding the USS Pensacola (LSD-38), serving as the inspector general of the Military Sealift Command, and as the Director of Navy Sailing.
After retiring from the Navy, Don lived in Newport and Middletown, RI, and continued to sail as a commercial captain for several years, sending his children postcards from nearly every port on the globe. He finally eased into retirement by starting an internet business trading in militaria, and learning to pilot hot air balloons. He traveled the globe once again, participating in balloon festivals up and down the East Coast, and making a pilgrimage to the Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque, NM, as well as several trips to fly in the French and Swiss Alps. Don had an adventurous spirit and loved sailing, skiing, and photography, sharing his enthusiasm whenever possible with family and friends. He spent many winters in Florida with his brother and family, defying both the state patrol and possibly the laws of physics with his 5th wheel and balloon trailer towed in tandem.
Don gave time and energy to many community organizations on Aquidneck Island and beyond, volunteering for food pantries, political campaigns, and helping those around him in need. His outgoing and kind nature earned him countless friendships over the years. He will be remembered for his intellect, integrity, and optimism. He loved lively debate over beers and cull lobsters, corny puns, and singing old sea shanties while playing guitar.
Don is survived by his partner, Carole Berren; his brother, Ted (Fay); his children Penny (Michael), Scott (Karen), Julia (Evan), and Wendy (Tom); and three grandchildren, Carter, Gina, and Lilly.
Don will be buried at sea with full military honors. His family and friends will host a Celebration of Life at a later date, but remembrances and condolences can be left in the online guest book link.memorial/Palen. Memorial contributions may be made to the Rhode Island Community Food Bank, 200 Niantic Avenue, Providence, RI 02907 or the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, Attn: Development, 875 N. Randolph St. Ste 225, Arlington, VA 22203.
Tributes
"I served on the USS Pensacola under CMDR Palen when he was the Executive Officer and when he returned as Commanding Officer. He was an incredible man and a great leader...the best! He wore a ball cap with an alligator on top,(gator Navy). My condolences to his family and friends."
"I was Don?s Plebe year roommate. He was more than three years older than me, and had been former enlisted. I was 17 and had never been away from home. Don took me under his wing and was a great help in my surviving plebe year. One particular sadist firstie tried to ? bust my chops?, and Don backed me up in uniform races, 10 sets of sweat gear, human thermocouple, plebe roulette ( one hand in sink one finger in light socket). He was an original and a good guy! Bravo Zulu Don!!!"
"Sadly, we havent seen Don in person for a number of years. But the slideshow of his life - some of which we were part of - demonstrates several things. That he had a very full life of rich experiences at home and abroad; clealy a fellow who loved life and intended to participate in it to the fullest. And he certainly did that successfully. That he loved his kids deeply and had many memorable adventures with them. That he was basically an upbeat person who turned his face to the sun more often than to the dark. His smile shows that perfectly. That he devoted his life to service, both in and out of the military. An all-round wonderful man who seized the day and made the most of it. The world is diminished now that his life-candle has extinguished. It is so sad for us to know that his wonderful smile is no more; he will be very missed. In this dystopian time of covid, we are sad that we cannot honor him in person, but we are grateful that his family put together this wonderful visual tribute for those of us left behind. It brought a lot of tears. Since we cannot gather right now, it is so fitting that he will have a burial at sea with full military honors. The sea was in his blood. It seems proper that it should be his final resting place at the end of his life journey. At the appropriate time we will float a flower in the ocean to commemorate Don, all that he was, and his love of the sea. Our sincere sympathies to his daughters, Wendy, Penny and Julie; to his son Scott; to his brother Ted; to his partner Carole; to his grandkids Carter, Gina and Lily; and to all his family and many friends. Ginger and Jeff Stein -( former sister and brother-in- law)"