Donald C. Hampson

Donald C. Hampson, of Bluffton, South Carolina passed away at home on September 11, 2024, he was 77. Born in Orange, New Jersey, he joined the Army as soon as he could and was on active duty for three years, half of those spent overseas. In 1969, Don began his career with the Irvington, NJ Fire Department, retiring as a Captain in 1994. His love for the brotherhood of the fire service coursed through his veins. He mourned the 343 firefighters who perished on September 11, 2001, with fervor … making it fitting that he too left this Earth on the same day. He pursued hobbies with an intense passion. He was a photographer, writer, bird watcher, musician, and avid sports fan.

His daughters remember a childhood in which their dad never missed a soccer, softball, basketball, or field hockey game. How he managed that, as a firefighter with a rigorous schedule, remains a mystery. Summers were spent camping and road tripping, with Neil Diamond, The Beatles, Elvis, the Four Seasons, and Christopher Cross as the soundtracks to their travels. Dogs who wandered into the firehouse became family pets. He went all in on Christmas every year, sketching the garland and lighting plan for the tree and ensuring piles of gift were under it. And he’d happily stand in line, at Mueller’s Bakery in Bay Head, for the best crumb cake in all the land.

Later in life he struggled with mental illness which made maintaining relationships difficult. His family takes solace knowing he was a spiritual man. They believe he is now free of his pain and back to being the funny character many will remember, comparing fish stories in Heaven.

Don is survived by his two daughters, Courtney Hampson (Allen Cramer) and Sharon McMahon (James), and two granddaughters, Erin and EmmaKate, all of Bluffton; his sister Hope (James) Grimes, of Atlantic Highlands, NJ; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dorothy and Spencer Hampson, and two brothers, Peter and Patrick.

A private family remembrance will be held in New Jersey. Donations in Don’s memory can be made to the Bluffton Firefighter Foundation at www.blufftonfirefoundation.org. The family wishes to thank the Bluffton Fire District Honor Guard for beginning Don’s final journey home.

Bluffton Firefighter Foundation
Web: http://www.blufftonfirefoundation.org