Donald Lee Anderson of Manhattan and Southampton died on October 22, 2019, at Mary Manning Walsh Home on Manhattan. He was 87.
Mr. Anderson was born in International Falls, Minnesota in 1932. He graduated from Falls High School and the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities with a Bachelor of Arts degree. He went on to attend the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York.
Survivors said he was a highly creative and multitalented milliner and designer. He worked for Irene of New York, Scheer Brothers, S&S Hats, Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdale’s, Neiman Marcus, Lord & Taylor, Macy’s, Bergdorf Goodman, and various specialty stores throughout the United States and Europe. Many magazines and books featured his designs of beautiful hats and wedding veils.
He enjoyed traveling, reading and gardening and had several other hobbies, including ballroom dancing. He often attended the theater in New York City, and he enjoyed getting together with friends.
Mr. Anderson was predeceased by his husband, William Blanton; his parents, Edward and Dorothy Anderson and Lucille Anderson; and uncles, Carl “Red” Anderson, Charlie Anderson, Harry Erickson and Lauren Erickson.
His brother, Edward N. Anderson survived him, but died just a few months later. He is survived by his brother Edward N. Anderson; sisters, Kristen (Charles) Helleloid and Brenda (Chad) LeDuc; nieces, Michelle Stapleton, Tabitha (Kevan) Caswell, Karin (Ty) Erickson, and Jaime LeDuc; nephews, Lars (Tara) Helleloid and Charles (Heather) LeDuc; aunt Charlene Erickson; and cousins, Wayne (Robin) Erickson, Sheri Erickson and Joni (Stuart) Feaver.
Memorial donations may be made to a charity of choice.
A family memorial service will be held this spring in International Falls.