Donald L. Komp, a longtime grounds superintendent at the University of Hartford, passed away this past summer. During his nearly four decades at UHart (1982–2018), Don was known for his extraordinary dedication to the campus, meticulous attention to detail, keen sense of humor, and the genuine care he showed for the people and places important to him.
Don retired from the University in 2018, but his relationships with many UHart colleagues continued. Terry Spencer, a former UHart Facilities employee who worked closely with Komp, described him simply as "a good man, a really good man."
"He rarely said a bad word about anyone," Spencer recalls. "He was never boastful or critical of others. He did his job every day, above and beyond what many do."
As head groundskeeper, Don took great pride in making the UHart campus a welcoming and beautiful place. He was known for keeping detailed files and copious notes, particularly in preparation for Commencement and other major events. Don's careful planning ensured that when big days arrived, everything was in place and events ran smoothly.
"I doubt most people realized how hard he worked to make the campus a true showplace," Spencer emphasizes.
Their work together extended well beyond Commencement. Throughout the year, they were in frequent contact about the start of the academic year, holidays, special events, and unexpected challenges such as campus flooding and snowstorms. They also kept each other informed about news and developments that could affect the University and its operations.
Don was someone Spencer could rely on completely, and their connection continued through the years. When Spencer returned to campus after her retirement, often to attend women's basketball games, the two would catch up in Don's office, surrounded by St. Louis Cardinals memorabilia.
"He'd send me texts with good music links, mostly country, some Christian," Spencer explains. "He had good taste." Don would also share updates and photographs of his family, another subject never far from his thoughts.
Born in Valdosta, Georgia, Don earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Illinois before joining the University of Hartford staff six years later. Those who knew him remember his dedication, but also the person behind it. Don loved sports, had a quick sense of humor, and had a way of making people smile. He was deeply devoted to his family and spoke with great affection about his wife of 42 years, Karen, whom he often called "the love of my life." Their two children, Kelsey and Casey, are both UHart graduates, and Komp was especially devoted to his six grandchildren.
Don's commitment to family extended to his parents as well, whom he visited each year and spoke of with great respect and affection.
Even when facing difficult circumstances, Don remained characteristically focused on others and on the things he enjoyed. He might share an update about his health, Spencer notes, but he would quickly move on to talking about his family, sports, music, or the University.
In the days before his death, Spencer had the opportunity to spend time with her longtime friend. They talked about their years at UHart, remembered colleagues, and laughed together about their shared experiences on campus.
For the many people who knew and worked with him, Don Komp was much more than the person who cared for grounds. He was a trusted colleague, a loyal friend, a devoted husband and father, a proud grandfather, and someone who quietly gave more of himself to the University than most people ever knew.
"I thought the other day," Spencer contemplates, "who can I brag or lament about the Red Sox to, or ask how the Cardinals are doing? And who is going to send me those new songs?"