Kappa Frater Donald Willin, educator and veteran dies at 80

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Donald Willin, a teacher in Philadelphia public schools for 30 years, an Army veteran and devoted family man, died Tuesday at age 80.

Donald taught at a number of schools. He retired from the George Clymer Elementary School, in North Philadelphia.

“While there, he taught, mentored and molded many, many young lives into productive, achieving adults,” his family said.

He was born in Seaford, Del., to Andrew and Eva Lee Willin, one of twins. His late brother was Ronald Willin.

Donald was educated in the Seaford public schools, graduating from Frederick Douglass High School. He earned a bachelor of science degree in elementary education from Delaware State College, in Dover.

He pledged Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity and was initiated into the Beta Sigma chapter in 1953. He remained active with the fraternity for 56 years.

He was drafted into the Army and served stateside for two years. He was discharged in 1955. He moved to Philadelphia and married Vivian Hagood in 1956.

Donald was close to his twin brother and his brother’s death was a shock, his family said. “He greatly missed him and would often comment about this to others. They both loved jazz, and just being together brought them many hours of listening pleasure.

“They had a love that truly bonded them together. Both were sports enthusiasts, especially baseball, and they were lifelong fans of the New York Yankees.”

Donald was thrilled when his granddaughter, Deanna, was born. “She was the love of his life, and Pop-Pop would do anything or give her anything she wanted,” his family said.

Besides his wife, he is survived by two daughters, Julynn and Donna.

Services: 11 a.m. Tuesday at Oak Lane Presbyterian Church, 6637 N. 11th St. Friends may call at 9 a.m.

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