Danvers, MA Mourns Longtime Coach and Yellow Jackets Gymnastics Founder Donald ‘Don’ Lothrop, 81, Survived by Wife Joan and Children
September 17, 2026
This article was last updated by Alisha Shrestha on September 17, 2026
Donald Lothrop, a Massachusetts native and longtime gymnastics coach, passed away on Sunday, September 14, 2026, at the age of 81, surrounded by his family.
According to his family, Donald Lothrop had been experiencing health issues and was placed in hospice for several days before his death.
Donald Lothrop touched the lives of many with his decades-long career as a gymnastics coach and his kind and helpful nature.
Many of his loved ones are paying tribute to the late Donald and extending their heartfelt condolences to his family during this difficult time.
In addition to being an exceptional coach, Donald Lothrop also won the hearts of many with his athletic skills, playing multiple sports in high school and college.
Born on June 12, 1944, in Somerville, Massachusetts, to late parents, Bill and Betty Lothrop, Don began his athletic journey from a very young age.
He played basketball for the men’s varsity team at high school and ran track while attending Springfield College.
Furthermore, Yellow Jackets Gymnastics in 1985 at the Sterling YMCA in Beverly, before relocating the business to Conant Street in Danvers, MA.
Through his gym, Donald helped shape the athletic journeys of several renowned gymnasts. Peter Kormann later bought Yellow Jackets Gymnastics.
Donald Lothrop is Survived By His Longtime Wife, Joan, Children, and The Entire Family
In addition to being an exceptional coach, was a devoted husband to his wife of 45 years, Joan Lothrop.
Like Donald Lothrop, his longtime wife, Joan Lothrop, is also a former gymnast and gymnastics coach. Together, the couple founded Yellow Jackets Gymnastics and ran it successfully for over three decades.
Joan Lothrop, a native of Danvers, Massachusetts, graduated from Danvers High School. In addition to Jacket Yellow Jackets, Joan also coached at Rock Hill Gymnastics for years before retiring from her career.
Similarly, the couple passed on their athletic genes to their children. Their daughter, , is a former American artistic gymnast. She was an alternate for the US’s 2008 Olympic women’s gymnastics team.
Corrie also won three silver medals and one gold medal in the Pan American Championships representing the United States.
Born on March 26, 1992, in Wuhan, China, Corrie was adopted from China at age two by Donald and Joan Lothrop. She trained at her family’s gym, Yellow Jackets Gymnastics, under the guidance of her father, Don Lothrop, and played at the University of Utah.
Their other daughter, Christie Lothrop, is also a former gymnast and currently works as an artist at MadPotters, living with her family in Fallbrook, California.
In addition to his wife, Joan, and daughters, Corrie (Ryan) Dury and Christie (Alferdo) Irizarry, Donald Lothrop is survived by his other children, Wendy Foster and fiancé Tim Atwood, Wayne Lothrop, and Craig Lothrop.
He also leaves behind his loving sisters, Sandra Cullen and Beverly Tierney, as well as his grandchildren: Taylor Hall, Jordan Crystal Marie, Paige Foster, Brooke Foster, Tonie Tucker, Rhyann Rhyan Foster, Alyssa Lothrop, and Jackson Dury.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Details about his funeral and memorial services will be shared once Donald Lothrop’s family has finalized the arrangements.
- His son Craig Lothrop is the chef at The Goldton in Venice and a former Josper coal oven grill cook at Fins at Sharky’s.
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Suruchi is a business management student with a strong passion for writing, particularly when it comes to sports. She loves creating articles and blogs that explore various aspects of the sports world. With a curious mind and a love for both academics and creativity, she constantly seeks to expand her knowledge and share her insights through her writing.
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