Donald "Don" Mark Wunderlich

Our hearts are filled with sadness and love as this world lost someone very special. On Friday, July 9, 2021, Donald “Don” Mark Wunderlich, loving husband, father of four children, five grandchildren and nine greatgrandchildren, passed away surrounded by loved ones at his home in Griswold CT.  
Born April 25, 1934 in Norwich CT, he was the son of the late John and Anna (Chappell) Wunderlich and grew up in the Greenville section of Norwich. Donald attended St Mary’s and Norwich schools before enlisting in the Navy and served on the aircraft carrier USS RANDOLPH (CVA 15) from 1951-1955 and was honorably discharged. He returned to his hometown and worked in the family owned Goyette & Sons Garage, Lehigh Oil and retired from Caffeine at Pfizer Inc. in 1996. Wherever Don was employed he worked hard, made lifelong friends and created stories.
On March 14,1953 he was united in marriage to his soulmate and love of his life, Shirley Goyette, at St. Mary’s Church in Norwich by the Reverend Michael Donahue. He chose to marry her again 3 more times, renewing their wedding vows on their 25th, 40th, and 50th wedding anniversaries. Don and Shirley celebrated their 68th anniversary on March 14, 2021.
Don and Shirley lived the first half of their marriage in Uncasville, CT where they raised their family, many litters of German Shephard’s and opened their hearts to so many relatives and friends. Their backyard was always a playground for the neighborhood kids. It was not unusual to have 12 children, several adults and assorted pets all living together.
From 1975 to 1985 Don and Shirley enjoyed summers at the cottage on Pachaug Pond where they and their extended family decided to build permanent home.
Don, the dearly loved patriarch of his extended family of hundreds, was known as Pa, Donny, The Don, Uncle Don, and Big D. He was always the life of the hundreds of parties he and Shirley hosted at “The Lake”.  Don was a diehard Yankee fan, loved piloting his boat taking skiers and tubers for the ride of their life, enjoyed many trips on his Goldwing, his two Corvettes, Cruises with “The Girls”, attending family functions, giving advice, telling the funniest stories that no one ever got tired of hearing and his Red Solo Cup.
Don opened his arms and heart to everyone and had a special way of making everyone his friend, welcoming them into his home and family. His smile, laugh and joy of life will be deeply missed by countless people who have been part of his exceptional life.
Don is survived by his beloved wife Shirley.
Daughter – Debra (Philip) Schenna of Voluntown; granddaughter Karen (Steven) Mazyck and greatgrandchildren Marley and Ziggy of Charleston, SC.  Grandson David Schena of Uncasville CT.
Son - Donald Jr of Uncasville CT.
Daughter – Diane (Michael) Denomme of Griswold; granddaughter Brandi (Adam) Arpin and greatgrandchildren Dillan and Kaydance of Bozrah, CT.  Daughter Rebecca (Jason) McGarry and greatgrandchildren Nicholas Cajigas (US Navy), Hayley, Merida and James of Huntersville, NC.
Daughter – Darlene (Kevin) McCarthy of Uncasville; grandson Matthew (Rachel) McCarthy and great-granddaughter Scarlett of Ledyard.
Don is also survived by his sister-in-law Joanne Goyette of Virgina Beach, VA and many nieces, nephews, adopted family and dear friends.
He was previously deceased by daughter-in-law Dorothy Wunderlich, his parents, sister and brother-in-law Claire and Al Lajeunesse, bother and sister-in-law John and Rose Wunderlich, mother-in-law and father-in-law Eva and Leonard Goyette, brother-in-law Richard Goyette.
The family wishes to extend their deepest appreciation and gratitude to Lenore, Jim and Kayla from Hospice and care giver Erika who made his final days comfortable, peaceful, and helped us through this transition in life.
In lieu of flowers, we suggest a donation to the Norwich Hospice.

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