Dr. Donald Williams -- Rochester

Published March 19, 2019 at 1:00 PM

Dr. Donald Edward Williams, 61, of Rochester, passed away on Sunday, March 17, 2019.

Donald was born Oct. 2, 1957, in Brooklyn, N.Y., to Edward and Joan (Held) Williams. In 1972, he moved with his family to Minnesota, where he was a graduate of Wayzata High School.

Donald went on to receive his bachelor’s degree in psychology and biology from Hope College in Holland, Mich. He then continued his education, receiving his master’s in psychology from the University of Georgia, served his Fellowship at University of Alabama Birmingham and received his Ph.D. in psychology from the University of Florida. Donald then went back to obtain his MBA from the Carlson School of Management.

He enjoyed boating, going to horse races, especially the Kentucky Derby each year and deep sea fishing, which took him all around the world. Donald’s enthusiasm for lacrosse was evident from his high school days, on to coaching his children and finally being a lacrosse coach at John Marshall. He had a love for cooking and entertaining family and friends. Donald was a boisterous, fun loving man. He was professional, passionate about life and his family, loyal and generous with his time for others. Above all, he loved his family.

Donald is survived by his children, D’Angello (Lizzy) Williams, Brooklyn Williams, August Williams, Patrek Williams and Julius Williams; granddaughter, Evelyn; sisters, Debbie (Bruce) Jergenson, Diana (Dennis) McClay, and Dawn (John) Cowle; numerous nieces, nephews and a host of other family and friends. Donald was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Joan.

A funeral celebrating Donald’s life will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 23, at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes, 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester. Visitation will be held from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, March 22, at the funeral home, and one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at Oakwood Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the family in memory of Donald.

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes is honored to be serving the Williams family; special memories and condolence may be left for the family by visiting www.ranfranzandvinefh.com.