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Donald J. Wilson, 73, a resident of Albuquerque, passed away at his home on Saturday, May 6. He was a long-time, active member of the Heights Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Known as"Poppa Don" or"Mr. Don" by many children and young people, he was a retired Greyhound Bus driver with 32 years and over 3 million miles of service. A courageous and decorated veteran, Don served in the U.S. Navy during WWII. In retirement years,"Poppa Don" worked alongside wife, Shirley, in the DLD Sycamore School located at their church. His love for children and young people was well known. While he could, at times, be firm, he was extremely compassionate and caring, and his God-given gifts of faith, helps, and giving were constantly evident to young and old alike. An avid fisherman, he will always be remembered for his 12 foot fly rod and his love of fording the Cimarron River in Northern New Mexico, near Dawson, where he was born, December 19, 1926. One of the truly special"Dinosaurs" he will also be remembered for his radiant smile, wonderful sense of humor, penchant for taking out the trash, and gifts of two dollar bills. Married 54 years, Don is survived by his devoted wife, Shirley; sons, Don and wife, Linda, Rocky and friend, Flo, Gary and wife, Laura; grandchildren, Kimberly Ellison and husband, Jason, Kelly Wilson, Yvonne Arrossa and husband, Sean, Brock, Lacey, and Jake Wilson; great-grandaughter, Nikeya Arrossa; father, Jack Pacetti; brother, Jackie Pacetti and wife, Marian; sister, Sheryl Casias and husband, Robert; and a number of nephews and nieces. Visitation will be 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Thursday, May 11, at Heights Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 8600 Academy N.E. A Memorial Service of Thanksgiving is scheduled at 10:00 a.m., Friday, May 12, also at Heights. It was"Poppa Don's" desire that, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to DLD's Sycamore School or HCPC's Good Samaritan Fund, both at Heights Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 8600 Academy N.E.
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