Donald Henry Chmura

Don was born April 20, 1929 on Charest Street in the city of Hamtramck. Don grew up in a traditional Polish household. His first language was Polish and was taught to him by the Felician Sisters where he attended school and Mass at St. Florian Catholic Church. His leadership skills became apparent early on, even as a young boy, when he was named “Captain of the Slide” on the St. Florian playgrounds. He further developed these skills at Northeastern High School where he was the yearbook editor, and quarterback on the school’s football team.

Upon completing his military service in the United States Army, Don enrolled himself at Michigan State University. He graduated in 1954, majoring in economics which, at that time, was part of the School of Social Science. Since then, Don was filled with an abiding love for his alma mater which he carried within his entire life, and which manifested itself by teaching his sons the MSU fight song at very young ages.

In 1957, he married the love of his life, Delicia “Dolly” Cywinski. This also began a love affair with traveling which endured throughout the rest of their lives. From a very young age, they included their sons in their travel plans which always involved substantial time outside of the state of Michigan. They explored the entirety of the U.S.A., and taught the boys about this great land. These vacations also took the family to the islands of the Caribbean, as well as to the beautiful countries of Canada and Poland. When John and Mark began college, Don & Dolly reached even further destinations. They spanned the globe, visiting every continent except Antarctica. With the arrival of their grandchildren, Jonathan, Emily, Andy, Stephen, and Lillian, the entire family, including daughters-in-law, Ann Marie and Angela, made memorable excursions to Walt Disney World and the wonders of Hawaii.

Don’s leadership skills served him well as he enjoyed a long and successful career working for the Michigan Bell Telephone Company. He ultimately rose to the position of District Manager which put him in charge of the company’s computer billing operations.

Don was extremely involved in community affairs. He served as president of the Kiwanis Club of Warren, and as Lieutenant Governor of the Michigan District. He was elected on two occasions to be president of the Warren Symphony Orchestra. He was also a board member of the Warren Family YMCA.

Don was known for his intelligence. wit, and affability. He loved his Spartan football and basketball teams, the pleasures of opera, his Polish heritage, and his country. But mostly, he loved spending time with his family. There was no better husband and father. We celebrate a life well-lived. 

A Memorial Visitation for Donald will be held on Tuesday, June 1st from 3-9 pm at the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home, 30009 Hoover Road at Common (12 1/2 Mile Rd) in Warren, Michigan. His Memorial Mass will take place Wednesday, June 2nd at St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church in Warren, with the family welcoming guests for a gathering at church from 10:30 am until the time of Mass at 11:00 am.

Donald's Committal Service & Inurnment, with military honors, will follow on Thursday, June 3rd at 1:00 pm where he will join his beloved Delicia at Great Lakes National Cemetery, 4200 Belford Road in Holly, Michigan.

Please share memories of Donald at his guest book below.