Donald C. Ancypa

Donald C. Ancypa, age 78, died on December 16, 2020 at the Wm. Beaumont Hospital in Troy from COVID-19 and related health issues.  He was born on August 8, 1942 in Detroit, the son of Edward S. and Irene C. Ancypa.  Don graduated from the University of Detroit Jesuit High School and received his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Detroit.  Later in his life, he completed his Master’s Degree from Wayne State University.

Mr. Ancypa began his teaching career in the Archdiocese of Detroit in 1964 at St. Mary's of Redford. From there he served as Principal at St. Pius in Southgate from 1971-1990. He  became St. Joan of Arc School's eighth principal on July 1, 1990. He was the school's first lay principal and the longest serving principal in the history of the school.  In fact, Mr. Ancypa was the school’s principal for over a third of the school's history! 

Don worked at the CYO Boys Camp from 1963-1979.  He held many jobs during his summers at camp including Unit Leader, Camp Health Director, Assistant Director and Director.  His love of camp carried over to his years as Principal at St. Pius School.  For twenty years he organized an Outdoor Education program for the St. Pius students at the CYO Camps. It was the highlight of the year for those students.

Mr. Ancypa’s commitment to Catholic education was based on his belief that well-formed young people are the Church's greatest hope for the future and that Catholic schools are the best means for helping young people develop a strong relationship with God. He also strongly believed that Catholic schools assist young Christians in understanding and responding to the world from a Catholic perspective. 

Mr. Ancypa was regularly the first person on the school’s campus in the morning, often arriving around 5:45 a.m., and the last person to leave at the end of the day. His dedication, zeal and love for St. Joan of Arc were without question.  He put his heart and soul into the school.  He was named “Principal of the Year” in 2015 by the Archdiocese of Detroit.  Even though Mr. Ancypa retired officially as St. Joan of Arc’s principal in 2015, he continued to lead school trips to Washington, D.C., Toronto and Chicago.

Don’s biggest hobby in life was his vocation; educating young minds.  But he also was fond of reading, travel, Detroit sports teams, and University of Michigan football.  He had a wonderful sense of humor and was a generous, devout Christian gentleman.

Don is survived by his siblings: Joyce Ancypa, Lawrence Ancypa (Lenore), Janice Nosakowski (Jim) and Judy Handley (Bob); his nieces and nephews:  Donna, Jennifer, Jonathan, Beth, David and Michael; his grand niece, Lilly; and grand nephew, Jackson.

Public visitation for Mr. Ancypa will be held on Sunday, December 20 from 1:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the A. H. Peters Funeral Home, https://www.google.com/maps/search/20705+Mack+Avenue?entry=gmail&source=g">20705 Mack Avenue at Vernier Road in Grosse Pointe Woods.  Because of COVID-19 and as an abundant caution for others, the family will not be present on Sunday and there will be a 25 person limit throughout.  Masks and social distancing are required.

On Monday, December 21, 2020, a funeral mass for Don will be held at 10:00 am at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, https://www.google.com/maps/search/21620+Greater+Mack+Avenue?entry=gmail&source=g">21620 Greater Mack Avenue in St. Clair Shores.  Church doors will open at 9:45 am.  Masks and social distancing will be required.  Interment at Resurrection Cemetery in Clinton Township will be private.  

The funeral mass will be livestreamed at livestream.stjoan.church 

The family has suggested tributes to Don's memory may be made to St. Joan of Arc School - Msgr. Bass Scholarship Fund which Don established as a tribute to his friend and former Pastor of St. Joan of Arc Parish. 

Msgr. Bass Scholarship Fund

c/o St. Joan of Arc School

22415 Overlake

St. Clair Shores, MI 48080.