Donald Carr Nelthropp, better known as Hardy, passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, March 15, 2025.
He was born on January 12, 1931, at Estate Granard on the South Shore of St. Croix. Arriving during the “hard times,” he was given the nickname “Hardy,” which stayed with him for life.
After high school, Hardy briefly left St. Croix to attend the University of Portland, where he obtained an engineering degree. While stateside, he met the love of his life, Joyce, and they were married in Portland before returning to St. Croix.
In 1959, Hardy was recruited to work for the rum distillery that would later become Cruzan Rum. In 1982, he succeeded his brother Ceddie as president, guiding the distillery through a period of remarkable growth. Under his leadership, production soared from 3.4 to 8.4 million gallons by his retirement in 2007, securing Cruzan Rum’s place in the industry and strengthening the island’s economy.
Hardy dedicated himself to the rum distillery, but his commitment went beyond business—he was deeply invested in the well-being of the Virgin Islands and its people. He lived by a simple philosophy: “Never do anything to hurt the Virgin Islands. If you have to choose between the good of the company and that of the Virgin Islands, always put the good of the Virgin Islands first.” His dedication earned him the Virgin Islands Medal of Honor.
Above all else, Hardy’s greatest devotion was to his family. As a sibling, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, he provided unwavering support and care to those he loved.
He is survived by his children, Donald Jr., Gary, and Karen; his grandchildren, Carly, Jennifer, Thorn, Chelsea, and Sean; and his great-grandchildren, Beatrice and Maeve.
A celebration of Hardy’s life will be held at St. John Anglican Church in Christiansted June 20, 2025 at 2pm. In lieu of flowers the family requests a donation to St. John’s Episcopal Church in Hardy’s name.
