Wild, Donald Edward

Donald "Don" Wild, 85, of Charlottesville, Virginia, formerly of West Hartford, Connecticut and Bradenton, Florida, passed away peacefully on March 5, 2023 at home surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Hartford, Connecticut, to Raymond and Winifred (Harris) Wild on August 30, 1937. He grew up in West Hartford and attended Hall High School Class of 1956, where he participated in track, soccer and sang in four singing groups. He and his family spent summers at Crystal Lake in Stafford Springs, Connecticut and had many happy memories from that time. He was an Ordinance Supply Specialist in the US Army while serving from 1956 - 1960 in the peacekeeping forces in Germany. After returning home he worked for Hamilton Standard Corporation, Aetna Insurance Company and Connecticut General (CIGNA) before retiring to Florida. Don was a devoted husband, father and grandfather and loved spending as much time as possible with his children and grandchildren. He is survived by his loving wife, Shirley (Michaud) Wild, his daughter, Debra Lafond of Charlottesville, VA, son and daughter-in-law Keith and Bonnie (Gramlich) Wild of Columbus, OH; his grandchildren Brian and Megan Lafond and Abigail and Grace Wild. Other family members include nieces Sheryl Wild, Sharyn (Wild) and Andrew Morrison, Catherine "Katie" Wild, Michele (Michaud) and Jim Kinchla, Jeannine (Michaud) and Geoff Rachor other grand-nieces, grandnephews, and friends. He was predeceased by his two brothers and sisters-in-law, Raymond and Joyce Golnick and Sheila Davis, and Robert and Lucy Breault. All are welcome to attend a memorial service, on Saturday, March 25, 2023 at 1:00 pm at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 2416 Jefferson Park Avenue, Charlottesville, VA. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of the Piedmont.