By alley - Oct 14, 2015, 4:49 AM ET

Performance Friction founder Donald L. Burgoon passes away

Donald L. Burgoon, the owner and founder of Performance Friction Brakes Corporation, passed away September 12, due to a tragic car accident while traveling overseas. He was 60.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Donald L. Burgoon Formula SAE Scholarship Fund. Donations may be made

here

Burgoon built PFC from the ground up based on one absolute philosophy: No Compromises. And he lived by that philosophy every day. Donald's wisdom and technology in his business earned the respect of some of the most influential people in motorsports.

Donald's ambition and will was equally matched by his humbleness and modesty. He touched the lives of many people, both in business and in his personal life. He was a valued leader, mentor and colleague. He challenged people to be the very best they could be, and not to settle for anything.

Donald attended the University of Arizona on a wrestling scholarship where he earned his Bachelor's degree in Accounting. Throughout high school and college he had a very successful wrestling career, earning an invitation to the National Olympic trials. Donald met his wife of 31 years, Mary Ann Burgoon, in Canton, OH where they were later married. The two of them relocated together in 1986 to Gastonia, NC to pursue and expand his manufacturing business. Donald was an avid cyclist, loved to ski, and loved racing, having raced formula cars in his adult years. He loved rolling his sleeves up, getting his hands dirty, and breaking a good hard sweat.

Donald is survived by his beloved wife, Mary Ann Burgoon; daughters, Nina and Ariel Burgoon of Gastonia, NC; mother, Genevieve Vanderbilt Burgoon, of N. Canton, OH; sisters, Marcia Torrence of Canton, OH; Cheryl Humbert and husband Bruce; father-in-law, Henry Palombo both of N. Canton, OH; sister-in-law, Nina Moock and husband Brad of Raleigh, NC; brothers-in-law, Stephen Palombo and wife Jennifer; Joseph Palombo, all of Canton, OH; numerous nieces and nephews; and his family at PFC.

Condolence messages and remembrances may be shared with the family online at www.McLeanFuneral.com.
McLean Funeral Directors of Gastonia is serving the family of Mr. Burgoon.
- See more at: http://www.mcleanfuneral.com/obituary/Donald-Lee-Burgoon/Gastonia-NC/1546279#sthash.SbgFfp40.dpuf