Donald Louis Vieth September 20, 1940 - May 8, 2025
Donald Louis Vieth (84) P.E., PhD of Springdale passed peacefully with his loving wife of 62 years, Jo Ann, at his side.  Son of the late Edward Louis and Mary Elizabeth (Sorrell) Vieth.  Donald was born in Cincinnati, raised in College Hill attending St Clare parish and school.  He graduated from Roger Bacon High School class of 1958, which later awarded him the Astrolabe Award.  He then went on to the University of Cincinnati, where he earned his BS {1963} and PhD {1972} in Metallurgical Engineering and was a member of Tau Beta Pi.  UC recognized him as a Distinguished Alumnus in 1985.  A Professional Engineer, he had a long and distinguished career in government service, starting with the National Bureau of Standards in 1963, at NBS he rose to the position of Special Assistant to the Director of NBS.  In 1975 Donald moved to the Energy Research and Development Administration, ERDA. ERDA become the Department of Energy in 1976.  While at the DOE, Donald served in roles related to nuclear energy at DOE headquarters.

In 1982 Donald and family moved west to Las Vegas where he became the Director of the Yucca Mountain Project. As leader of this project, he was affectionately known as Captain Waste. Participant in the Presidential Executive Exchange program, 1989 to 1990. Donald continued with DOE serving in many leadership roles in Las Vegas field office and the Richland site until he retired in 1998. After retirement Donald continued to support DOE as a contractor for special projects. Donald and JoAnn moved back to the Cincinnati area, settling in Maineville, OH in 1998, close to family and friends. They spent winters in San Diego, enjoying the warm ocean views.  As a gift of love and charity Donald donated his body to the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine Body Donation Program supporting his beliefs in science and education.

He is survived by Jo Ann (nee Westerman), son Edward (Maria) and four grandsons, Charles, George (USMC) (Kaitlyn), Donald and Henry (US Army).  He is also survived by his sister Dian (Ronald) Korb, their children, Michele, and Greg, and Greg's children, Haley Matthews (John), Logan and Sam.  He was preceded in death by niece Jennifer (Michael) Wessel. A loving and supportive husband, father, grandfather, and friend, he will be long remembered and cherished by those who were fortunate enough to have him in their lives.

Remembrances may be made to Roger Bacon High School or the University of Cincinnati.  Gifts may be made to Roger Bacon High School to assist students with tuition by visiting www.rogerbacon.org/giving/donate , selecting "Scholarship/Endowment Fund" as the Donation Type then entering "Don Vieth" when it asks to enter the scholarship or fund name. You can call in to donate at 513-641-1313 or mail in a check to Roger Bacon High School at 4320 Vine Street - Cincinnati OH 45217.  Gifts to the Van Wye scholarship at the University of Cincinnati can be sent to University of Cincinnati Foundation, PO Box 19970, Cincinnati, OH 45219 or a direct donation may be made at https://foundation.uc.edu/vieth.
Services in care of Frederick Funeral Home, 2553 Banning Road Cincinnati, Ohio 45239. Special condolences may be expressed at frederickfh.com