Donald E. Zimmerman

Donald Edward Zimmerman (also affectionately nicknamed Big Z, Big Don and Chief) was born at home in Pontiac, Michigan to Edwin and Cecelia Zimmerman on July 12, 1938. He was a healthy 10lbs., a hint to the size he would grow to as a man.

Don attended St. Fred’s High School in Pontiac and graduated in 1956, when he enlisted in the United States Army. He served as Military Police (MP) in Inchon, Korea until his honorable discharge in 1959; this served as preparation for his career in law enforcement, beginning with his role as a Police Officer in the Bloomfield Township Police Department in 1960. Don’s work ethic, friendly demeanor, and dedication to duty allowed him to rise through the ranks in the department, ultimately leading to his appointment as Chief of Police in 1981. During that time, Don attended Madonna College in Livonia, Michigan where he graduated with a degree in Criminal Justice; he also attended the FBI Academy in Quantico Virginia for Law Enforcement Administration.

Don loved to tell stories and could recount many from his days in law enforcement. He received a medal for bravery when he survived an armed robbery attempt; he shook hands with Pope John Paul II during a visit to the Pontiac Silverdome in 1987; he was active in the Lions Club and the Bloomfield Hills Optimists Club; he was active in multiple police officer associations and served as president of the Michigan Association Chiefs of Police in 1995; and retired in 1996 - or so he thought. Don was asked to return in 2006 to serve as Chief for 1 ½ years while a new chief was recruited. Don had a particular talent for identifying police officers who would go on to have stellar careers in law enforcement in Bloomfield Township. He also spent 10 years helping police departments throughout the state of Michigan in recruiting, interviewing, and making hiring recommendations for officers at all levels.

Don was a dedicated family man. He married the love of his life, Phyllis Sylvia Aiuto, in Detroit in July 1961; and in 1967 bought a home in Waterford, Michigan where they live to this day. Together they raised four wonderful, successful sons: Daniel, David, Donald Jr., and Douglas. The boys are fond of telling stories of their childhood and how their Dad kept them in line and on the straight and narrow - and how grateful they are for the discipline and love that allowed them to reach their full potential as human beings. Part of those childhood memories were summers spent in Onaway, Michigan, at a little slice of heaven called Black Lake. Those memories include friends and family all going “up north” to rental cottages for the same two weeks every summer from 1973 until the purchase of their own property and cottage in 1988. Those memories continue to this day, with the addition of the boys’ spouses and their grandchildren and great-grandchildren. After Don and Phyllis both retired, they were able to spend 3 months of Michigan winters in North Port, Florida where they made new friends for life at the condo community where they would golf, swim, play bocce ball, and engage in all manner of weekly events to keep them active.

Don is survived by a large and loving family: his wife Phyllis; his son Dan (wife Amy nee Wallen); his son Don (wife Kristine nee Kulaszewski); and his son Doug (wife Evelyn nee do Nascimento). Their son David (wife Kate nee Whitman) passed away earlier this year in March. Adored grandchildren and great-grandchildren also survive him: Kaitlin; Claire nee Zimmerman Martin (husband Aaron, children Wyatt and Willow); Madeline; Lauren; Andres; and Kyle Minton (wife Michelle nee VanFleteren, children Sabrina and Kenny). His brother, Bob, who lives in Florida, survives Don.

A visitation for Don will be held from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Thursday, August 24th at Harry J. Will Funeral Home (37000 Six Mile Rd, Livonia, MI 48152) with a prayer service at 7:00 pm. A funeral mass will be on Friday, August 25th at St. Edith’s Catholic Church in Livonia (15089 Newburgh Rd, Livonia, MI 48154) at 11:00 am, lying in state at 10:30 am. A luncheon to share memories and celebrate Don’s life will be held at Laurel Manor Banquet Center (39000 Schoolcraft Rd, Livonia, MI 48150) immediately following the mass.

In lieu of flowers, to honor Don’s life and service to his country and community, send donations to Bloomfield Township Police Benevolent Association (4200 Telegraph Rd, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302) and Angela Hospice (14100 Newburgh Rd, Livonia, MI 48154).

Finally, in honor of Don and our public servants please wear Blue at the mass. There will be a motorcade police escort from St. Edith church to Laurel Manor.