Donald Leonardo Wilkinson

Donald L. Wilkinson (88) passed away peacefully on February 10, 2026, surrounded by family while in hospice at Concord Healthcare in Lakewood, NJ. He lived there nearly 4 and ½ years after living for 49 years in East Orange, NJ., with his wife Meredith, before her passing.

Donald was born to Charles and Mary Wilkinson in Hampton, VA. He graduated from George P. Phenix High School before earning his Bachelor of Social Science at Hampton Institute (currently Hampton University).

Sixty-six years ago, Donald was called to serve in the United States Army in Vietnam as a Second Lieutenant on February 2, 1960; specializing in air defense artillery. He was promoted to Captain, and became the Commander of the Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) Air Defense Unit in November 1963 before honorably completing 8 years of military service in 1967. He later received a Master of Business Administration degree in February 1971, and a Doctor of Education degree in February 1973 from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst.

Donald’s career spanned 24 years in the East Orange school district primarily as principal of Kentopp, Elmwood, and Stockton elementary schools. He touched many lives of numerous students, teachers, and administrative staff. He was incredibly beloved by all in his educational orbit. After his retirement, his staff kept in contact with him for fellowship, luncheons, and birthday gatherings. He was lovingly referred to as “Doc” and “Doc Wilkinson”. In retirement, Donald and his wife enjoyed a life of traveling all over the world as much as possible; and this is in addition to the numerous places traveled during his military career.

He is preceded in death by parents Charles and Mary Wilkinson, and siblings: Charles Wilkinson, Jr, Cameron Wilkinson, James Wilkinson, Ervin Wilkinson, Junius Wilkinson, Nelson Wilkinson, Morris Wilkinson, and Joseph Wilkinson.

He is survived by children: Camille with spouse Vincent, Meredith L., and Paul with spouse Holly; grandchildren: Annalisa, Nathaniel, and Julian; great-grandchild: Dani; and siblings: Vernell, Florence, Pocahontas, and Grace.