Donald Wilson, OFM

1927 – 1965

Br. Donald Wilson, OFM, was born in Baltimore, Md., on June 19, 1927. After attending Xavier University in New Orleans for a year, he applied to enter St. Joseph’s Seraphic Seminary in Callicoon, N.Y., to study for the priesthood. While at the seminary, he decided to become a lay brother and was received as a tertiary at St. Francis College in Rye Beach, N.H., Dec. 8, 1952.

He was received into the Province’s novitiate at St. Bonaventure Friary in Paterson, N.J., Aug. 12, 1954, and professed temporary vows Aug. 13, 1955. Br. Donald made his profession of solemn vows Aug. 21, 1958.

Throughout his Franciscan life, Br. Donald used his musical talents as an organist and had a thorough knowledge of Gregorian chant. He also worked in the kitchen at Rye Beach from 1956 to 1958, and at St. Stephen’s Friary in Croghan, N.Y., from 1958 to 1961. His final assignment was to Siena College in Loudonville, N.Y.

He died in an Albany hospital June 19, 1965, his 38th birthday. He was a professed friar for nearly 10 years.