Francis "Donald" Wynne

The Wynne family regret to announce the passing of Francis Donald Wynne, aged 98 who passed away peacefully on February 21.

Donald was a lifetime resident of Lyndhurst. He attended Lyndhurst High School where in his junior year, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He served in the pacific theatre during WWII on the USS LST 555 as a Gunner’s Mate 3rd Class from 1943-1946. The USS LST 555 was part of the Philippines campaign, participating in the Leyte landings in October and November of 1944 among other engagements.

As a young man Donald ventured west to Montana, working on the construction of the Hungry Horse Dam. He later returned home a worked professionally as a Journeyman plumber and was a member of UA Plumbers Local number 24.  He worked construction projects across the Tri-State area including the building and maintenance of The Meadowlands Sports Complex where he retired in 1987.

Donald was a quiet and stabilizing presence within the family with a dry wit and a strong will. An avid NY Giant’s fan, he spent many seasons tailgating and watching his team along with life long friends. In his retirement he enjoyed sailing, WWII history, Irish folk music, and a nice glass of red wine.

Donald loved his family.  He is survived by his wife, Lillian Barbara Simonak Wynne, his three children David Wynne (Charlee Martin) of Seattle, WA; Cathleen Burns (John Burns) of Brewster, NY; and Donald Wynne (Todd Katschke) of Washington, DC. Donald was especially proud of his four grandchildren, Kelly Tabor (Nathan Tabor) of Wappingers Falls, NY; John Burns of Brewster, NY; Morgan Wynne of Chicago, IL; Barrett Wynne of Chicago, IL; and his first great grandchild, Henry Wynne Tabor.

Donald is also survived by his sister Margaret Milowicki  of Anaheim, CA as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. He is pre-deceased by his brothers John “Jack” Wynne, and Robert “Bud” Wynne.

A funeral service will be held at Stellato Funeral Home, 425 Ridge Road, Lyndhurst, NJ on Friday, March 1 from 3-7pm.

A mass will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 324 Ridge Road, Lyndhurst, NJ on Saturday, March 2 at 10am with interment to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, 340 Ridge Road, North Arlington, NJ.

Floral arrangements may be delivered to   The Wynne Family at Stellato Funeral Home, 425 Ridge Road, Lyndhurst, NJ. In lieu flowers donations can be made to:

The Lyndhurst Historical Society
P.O. Box 135
Lyndhurst, NJ 07071
*checks payable to The Lyndhurst Historical Society

55 Kip Center
55 Kip Avenue
Rutherford, NJ 07070
55KipCenter.org
*checks payable to 55 Kip Center

The American Legion Post 139
217 Webster Avenue
Lyndhurst, NJ 07071
*checks payable to the American Legion Post 139

Donald will be dearly missed by all who knew him. The entire Wynne family thanks you for recognizing and celebrating his life.