In Memory of

Donald

August

Van

Becelaere

Obituary for Donald August Van Becelaere

Don Van Becelaere, age 91 of Harper Woods, MI passed away peacefully on September 24, 2018 in Franklin, TN.

Don was born in Grosse Pointe City, MI in 1927. After graduating from Grosse Pointe South High School, Don joined the Navy and served in the Naval Air Corps during WWII. He then attended Michigan State Normal College (now Eastern Michigan University) and graduated with a degree in Marketing.

Don married the love of his life, Patricia Brown, in 1952 and raised four children. He was a dedicated member of the Knights of Columbus and made many lifelong friends through this organization. He retired after several years working as a Market Research Analyst, and then spent his retirement years enjoying his family and traveling with his wife Pat. Until he was 90 years old, Don was an active member of the Grosse Pointe Men’s Tennis Club and was a driver for Meals on Wheels. His sense of humor, positive outlook, kind heart and love for his family will be greatly missed.

Don is preceded in death by his wife of 54 years Patricia (Brown) Van Becelaere; parents Arthur and Louise Van Becelaere; sisters Loretta Gibney and Phyllis Champine.

He is survived by daughters Julie (Jim) Hoffman and Liz (Steve) Janicak, both of Franklin, TN; sons Steve (Vicki) Van Becelaere of Chesapeake, VA; and Tom (Debbie Schmitz) of Anderson, SC; plus 9 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.

A funeral mass will be held on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018 at 10 am at Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church in St. Clair Shores, MI.

If desired, memorial donations may be made to Meals on Wheels - Macomb County, MI.