Donald E. Wilhelmy Sr., 94, of North Port Florida passed away peacefully at his home on May 9, 2025 surrounded by his loving family. He was born on May 17,1930 in Ansonia, CT. to the late Philip and Florence Wilhelmy. He was predeceased by his wife Fay Pappas Wilhelmy and his son James (Jimmy) Wilhelmy.
Don is survived by his daughter Cathy Salinardi of Woodbridge, his son Donald Wilhelmy Jr. and wife Joanne of South Carolina, his daughter Denise Rykowski and husband Richard of Oxford, his son Daniel Wilhelmy of Florida, and his daughter Merry Esposito and husband Mark of Madison. He is also survived by several grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Don grew up in Ansonia and moved to Seymour where he lived most of his life. He served in the Korean War as an intelligence agent and received several medals and an open invite to the White House. He worked at B.F. Goodrich for several years and was the owner of Wilhelmy’s Deli Bake Shop in both Seymour and Oxford. Don was also a member of the Fountain Hose Fire Department.
Throughout his life Don was an avid bowler and played softball through his mid 80’s. He was an enthusiastic fan of all UCONN sports teams, as well as the The Boston Red Sox. As a father he lived by the virtue of patience and instilled this in his children in whatever they pursued in life. He loved to play basketball and was always up for a game of basketball with his children and their friends. Don’s kindness and caring never went unnoticed. He helped build wonderful and loving memories with not only his family but with everyone he encountered in his life.
A military burial service will be private at the convenience of family. The Jenkins King & Malerba Funeral Home, 12 Franklin St. Ansonia has been privileged with arrangements.
