Donald Francis Wynne

Donald Francis Wynne, 83, of Rancho Palos Verdes, CA, passed away on Saturday, May 24, 2025, from complications of a serious injury.

Known as “Uncle Don” within and beyond his family, he was described by one of the multitude of his friends as a “fountain” of goodness, capturing seemingly every opportunity to encourage those within his ever-expanding circle to count their blessings, live intentionally and love one another. His genuineness had a disarming character that inspired others to follow suit. He was truly a universal friend in a divinely connected class of his own.

Don Wynne was born on July 5, 1941, to Francis and Mary (Goscinski) Wynne in Detroit, MI. After graduating from South Bend Central High School, Don went on to study at Indiana University. Having graduated with a degree in fine arts, he started his first job at Uniroyal Corp. designing footwear at the corporate headquarters in Naugatuck, CT. Don enjoyed a 15-year career that included significant world travel. Despite his aversion to seeking attention, he was often the chosen ambassador for the company both domestically and internationally. Virtually everyone liked working with Don.

In 1978, Don crossed the continent to southern California to join his siblings in real estate development. His roles in the family business included product design, project management and marketing. The firm developed and operated numerous residential and commercial properties in the Los Angeles area, eventually transitioning into passive investing.

Beginning around 2000, Don entered the volunteer field of parish ministry at St. John Fisher Catholic Church in Rancho Palos Verdes, gradually progressing from curious exploration to full immersion. Don’s passion was living the Gospel in his daily life. Family members and friends have been deeply touched by his caring nature and full-time effort to helping others find happiness in their lives. Handwritten cards with words of encouragement flowed regularly to his long list of loved ones. Among his inspirational messages were phrases like, “Count your blessings - then go hug them,” and “Love is contagious.” It’s quite probable that he singlehandedly kept the US Post Office in business.

Uncle Don surely holds the Guinness record for the number of families who consider him an adopted son, brother or father.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Francis and Mary Wynne. He is survived by his brothers Ted (Katie), Jim (Barbara), and Tom (Kathy), and his sister, Kathleen Branconier (Dennis).

He was a beloved uncle to 23 nieces, nephews and spouses, 30 grand-nieces, nephews and spouses, and two great-grandnephews.

A viewing and rosary (7:00pm) will be held at Green Hills Cemetery on Wednesday,
June 11, 2025, from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. A funeral Mass will follow at St. John Fisher Church on Thursday, June 12, 2025, at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to count your blessings—then hug them. Donations may be made to the Mary & Joseph Retreat Center in Rancho Palos Verdes, CA and to St. Bernadette Mission (check payable to SJF Mission Circle #272 c/o St. John Fisher Parish).