Donald H. Wilkins, 90, passed away Friday August 8th. He was born in Buffalo, NY to Hazel (Rook) Wilkins and Lawrence Wilkins on Nov. 5, 1934. At the age of 14 he was chosen to be a coxswain at the Olympic trials in Buffalo. When he was 17 he ended his education to serve his country in the Navy during the Korean Conflict. When he was in the Navy he was stationed at Westover. While attending a boxing match at the Valley Arena with a friend, he noticed a girl and gave her a wink. August 11th would have been their 69th wedding anniversary. While he was in the Navy he learned his trade as an electronic technician. After an honorable discharge he worked for many years at Hamilton Standard. He was later the owner of Don's Lunch where he not only cooked for them, he also entertained them. He had many hobbies including bowling, fishing, golf, running and trips to Atlantic City.

Don is survived by his wife Sandra (Nicodemus) Wilkins and three children Brenda Sheridan of Chicopee, Renee Scott of Springfield and Donald Wilkins and his wife Deborah of South Hadley. He also leaves behind 4 grandchildren Robert, Candace, Nicholina and Dominique and five great grandchildren Aubriana, Mary, Genevieve, Kohltin and Vivienne. He was predeceased by his brother Dewitt Wilkins.

The funeral will be Friday Aug. 15th beginning with calling hours at the O'Brien Family Funeral Home in South Hadley from 9:00 to 11:00 am followed by Mass in St. Patrick's Church at 11:30 am. Burial in the Massachusetts Veteran's Cemetery is private. For more information or to make online condolences please go to obrienfamilyfh.com. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Childen's Hospital or to Beacon Hospice.