Donald E DelPlace Jr.

Don was born February 12, 1945 to Donald Sr. and Lillian (nee Beaupre) at Cottage Hospital in Grosse Pointe Farms. He graduated from St. Paul High School in 1963 and went on to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Florida. Throughout his childhood, Don was a passionate sports fan and turned out to be quite the athlete himself, lettering in baseball and hockey in high school. He continued to be an avid sports fan his entire life and loved to golf. He was a gifted bowler too, with a high game of 287. Don was a devoted Miami Hurricanes fan, season ticket holder and a big baseball and football booster for the Hurricanes. He attended many games as an honored supporter of the programs and coaches of the baseball and football teams over the years.

In his professional career, Don worked for some of the top advertising agencies in Detroit, including J. Walter Thompson. He later moved to Florida, working for Nivel, and then decided to go into business for himself, creating and becoming the publisher of a leading golf industry magazine. Upon retirement, and selling his magazine, Don then bought a summer home back in Grosse Pointe, to spend his summer-fall retirement years near three of his children, his grandchildren, sister, and his four nieces. A true snowbird, Don would then winter at his Clermont, Florida golf course home with his wife, Betty.

In retirement, Don’s favorite pastimes were spending time with his seven grandchildren, watching all their games, attending school events, golfing, and watching sports and movies. He loved animals and took in two rescue dogs and three cats which he spoiled dearly. His days golfing with his grandsons and granddaughter at Gowanie Golf Club were days he especially looked forward to, every week.

Don was predeceased by his parents, wife Betty (nee Andrews) and his beloved first dog, Loki.

Don is survived by his sister, Sharon Reardon (the late Patrick Reardon), daughter Tambre Tedesco (Joe), son Donald E. DelPlace III, son Mickey DelPlace (Thuong) and daughter Jessica Hodges (Dave), He will be forever missed by his grandchildren Joey Tedesco, Jake Tedesco, Mia Tedesco, Andrew DelPlace, Ellie DelPlace, Lillian Hodges and Layla Hodges. Don’s four nieces, Darlene Reardon, Debbie Perkins, Sherry Reardon and Denise McCloskey (Jon) were also quite dear to him. Don will be eternally remembered for his big heart, his quick wit, competitive spirit and his generosity.

Services and viewing will be from 3-8 on Sunday, August 4th, at A.H. Peters Funeral Home, followed by a memorial mass/celebration at St. Paul’s Church on Monday, August 5th at 10AM with internment immediately following at White Chapel Cemetery in Troy. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Grosse Pointe Animal Adoption Society, in his name, at gpaas.com.