Donald J. Givens Named 2016 Outstanding Senior Citizen of the Year

Donald J. Givens, a lifelong resident of Linden has been chosen Linden’s 40th Annual Outstanding Senior Citizen of the Year. This award is bestowed annually by the Linden Department of Public Property and Community Services Recreation Division upon the Senior Citizen who displayed the most exceptional service to the community.
Donald was born October 2, 1934. He is a proud graduate of Linden High School. Not long after graduation, he heard the calling of his country and jointed the United States Air Force, where he served four years.
Returning home to Linden, he married his sweetheart, Geneva Davis. They were married for 51 years prior to her passing in 2006. Donald and Geneva have three sons, Donald Jr., Derek, and Tyrone. Donald is also the proud grandparent of 5 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.
Donald is retired from Exxon Chemical Center where he worked for 25 years as a Senior Research Technician. He also served on the Union Bargaining Committee for 20 years.
Donald is currently serving as Clinician for the USA Boxing New Jersey Association. He is also the first African American to serve as president of the same. He is an inductee to the New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame and the Linden Athletic Hall of Fame. He is also a certified National and International USA boxing coach.
Donald has always been youth oriented and serves as PAL POP Warner football coach and teaches karate and boxing to local youths and young adults. There is no greater satisfaction to Donald then to watch a child develop into a disciplined well rounded young person who gets their education and goes on to bigger and better things in life.
Donald has also served as president and vice president of the New Jersey Association USA Boxing, president of the Third World Inc., president of the 4th Ward Democratic Club, and board member of the Linden PAL.