Donald Neil Lehman

Donald Neil Lehman, 80 Moss Creek resident, Donald Neil Lehman, “Don,” as his friends called him, suddenly passed away on June 11, 2017 at MUSC after complications due to back surgery. His wife of 38 years, Kathleen Griffin, was by his side. Born in Queens, N.Y., on June 18, 1936 to the late Alfred Lehman and Elizabeth Bosofsky, Don was predeceased by his brothers, Alfred and Richard Lehman, and nephew Gregory Lehman. Don is survived by his wife Kathleen; stepson Keith Innes; nephews Rick Lehman and wife Dominique; Russell Lehman and wife Inta; niece Diana Casey and her husband Chris; as well as his beloved grandson, Hunter, to whom he was Godfather and mentor. Don graduated from Newtown High School in Queens, NY in 1954. He then attended the State University at Farmingdale, NY where he earned degrees in biology, plant pathology, entomology and other nature related fields. After serving 2 years in the Army, he owned and operated Lehman Tree Expert Company and became a licensed NY Real Estate Broker. He went on to combine his expertise and love of nature by converting 341 acres in Snow Hill, MD., into a fish and game preserve. Don and Kathleen met in Long Island on a fishing boat. They were married in 1979 and permanently moved to Moss Creek in 2008, where he was known for his culinary expertise. An avid sportsman, Don enjoyed fishing and hunting. He especially appreciated the comradery of his fellow members of the Hillside Hunting Club in PA. But foremost, was his dedication to giving back, as a strong advocate and member of the National Wildlife Association; The Nature Conservancy; The National Audubon Society; and The National Forestry Association, to name a few. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Andrew Roman Catholic Church, Pinckney Colony Road, Bluffton, S.C., on June 28, 2017 at 10:30 AM. A reception, immediately following the ceremony, will take place at 39 Peninsula Drive in Moss Creek. He will later be laid to rest in East Hampton, NY. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the National Wildlife Association.