Don Follett Remembered for Growing Manufacturing Company

Don Follett, a former chairman of the Follett Corporation, now part of Middleby, and a past president of the North American Association of Food Equipment Manufacturers (NAFEM), passed away at his home in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, on Oct. 13 at the age of 96.

Born in Kansas City, Missouri, in 1929, Follett moved frequently during his formative years and finished high school in Iowa City, Iowa. After graduating, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1946 and was stationed in Hawaii for most of his 18-month tour of duty. Once his service was completed, Follett used the GI Bill to fund his college education at Cornell University, where he graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering in 1952.

Follett began his professional career in 1952 with Reliance Electric in Cleveland. After his father’s passing, he went to Long Island, New York, to close the family business, the Roy Follett Corp. While there, he decided to stay and became the third employee of the company. He moved the business to Lehigh Valley in 1958 to start manufacturing operations and went on to hold leadership positions in numerous industry associations. In 1981, he chaired The NAFEM Show and became president of the organization a year later. He retired from the industry in 1994.

A calling period will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. Nov. 29, 2025, at the Ashton Funeral Home in Easton, Pennsylvania. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Nov. 30 at Grace Church in Bethlehem. Contributions to his memory may be made to ProJeCt of Easton.