Donald Wetzel (fondly known as Donnie, Dossid, Superman, Dad and Padre), age 57, of Macedon, New York, passed away due to complications from cancer on Saturday, February 5, 2022. He is survived by his children, Haleigh and Eric; Mother, Patricia (Gary Smith); Father, Thomas (Carol Wetzel); Sisters, Carly & Leslie; and Brother, Andrew (Adriana Wetzel) and loving partner Maryanne; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends he considered family.
Don was born in Mexico City, Mexico on March 4, 1964. His family later moved to Madrid, Spain in 1968 before moving to Stamford, Connecticut and ultimately growing roots in Rochester, New York for the past 40 years. He graduated from Penfield High School and later attended Monroe Community College, studying business, before using saved bartending money to buy a lawn mower and starting his company, Twin Oaks Lawn & Landscape. The landscaping company he started with his father at the time grew to become a long-standing landscaping provider for more than 30 years and one of his biggest legacies, which will continue thriving with his son Eric at the helm.
In addition to his company, Don considered his biggest accomplishments to be his children Haleigh and Eric. He bragged about them constantly, supported them in everything they did, and made sure they always knew how loved they were. Don’s life, business and personality ensured that he met many people along the way. Don never met a stranger, he was warm and engaging and cared deeply about every person he met. “I know Don!,” was a statement his family heard frequently. Don was a generous-hearted, kind-spirited, and fun-loving man who opened his home and shared the fruits of his labor with those that he loved. From taking his family and friends tubing on his boat and letting his nephew borrow his Corvette for prom night to opening up his barn for a friend’s wedding and reception, there was never a limit to his outpouring of love and support.
Don was also known for his summer parties, poolside, where the more people, food and fun, the better. His barometer for joy was if his friends and family were taken care of and enjoying life to the fullest. There was always a job open at Twin Oaks for a friend or stranger in need. He was the first one to grab the check at dinner or pay for the order of the car behind him at the drive thru. Don saw the best in everyone around him. He changed many people’s lives for the better. Anyone that knew Don, knew he had a big heart; his light and love will shine forever more. In the meantime, heaven now has a new town mayor.
Calling Hours will be held at Richard H. Keenan Funeral Home on Pittsford Palmyra Road on Friday February 11, 2022 from 4:00 pm to 7:00PM.
Comments
15 responses to “Wetzel, Donald Evan”
Donnie you will be missed my friend. You were one of my favorite customers and a good friend. May the lord welcome you home with open arms my friend. Till we see each other again.
Haliegh and Eric, We are so very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you both and also to the family.
We didn’t know Don but we do know Jack and Carol. If Don was anything like his dad he must have been a special person. Our condolences, love and prayers go out to the family. Sandy and Ray Buchanan
Don, you leave a huge void. You are an amazing man. Always so generous and kind. You were very loved. Glad that you are now free of pain and suffering. Heaven’s landscaping is about to get a serious update!
Love,
Tammy
I am so deeply sorry to hear about the loss of Donnie. While it’s been many years since I’ve seen Donnie, I have such fond memories of spending time with Carly & the family at the house in Stamford. What a beautiful life Donnie lived…my thoughts and prayers are with all of the family & friends that are missing him and I am wishing you peace, strength and comfort during this sad time.
Eric, Maryanne and Family, my sincerest sympathy on the loss of Don. I first got to know Don when he did his first landscape lighting job. I met with him on his job site and showed him how to install the lights and the tools he was going to need. We would continue to see one another at breakfast at the Cowlick or the Log Cabin and sometimes Maryanne would be there. I and many others are going to miss Don.
Dick Weldgen
Haleigh, Eric ,,Maryanne and family , I am so sorry for your loss! I have not seen Don in a while but I fondly remember good times with him when my husband , Joe was alive. He was always kind and welcoming! He will be missed by many. I very glad I was his friend!
My condolence to his friends and family. Don and i lived in the same dormitory at Darrow boarding school. I remember Donald having the greatest laugh of anyone I’ve ever met and he laughed all the time. He was always cheerful and positive. I’m glad to have known him. I am so sorry for your loss.
To the Wetzel Family, my sympathies and condolences to all of you. Donnie will be greatly missed, working on projects with him was always full of laughter, fun and great ideas. The best of friends know they were loved for who they were in life and will be remembered for their heart and love of life in their death.
I remember Don as a student in my Spanish class at Darrow. I loved his smile.
Don employed my brother Andrew for several years and was great to him. He did some landscaping at my house and my parents house and so friendly and talented. My brother had a lot of respect for him and our family was always impressed with the stories he’d tell us about what Don had taught him at work. Everything I’ve read above sounds just like the Don I met on a few occasions and the Don my brother would talk about. My heart goes out to his family. So sorry for your loss. He was a good guy!
Don hired our son to work at Twin Oaks . He was generous ,kind and a wonderful mentor and friend to Andrew. His company has done work for our family and it was always great to see Don and chat. Even though it was a business arrangement, it was like seeing an old friend .What a void there will be in your family, but what loving memories you have. Sincerely, The Hermann family
I couldn’t agree more! He was a great guy and so kind to my brother. Deepest condolences to his family
Donnie baseball. I’m still in shock. I can’t believe you’re gone. I know you’re in a better place. Heaven needed the best landscaping so he chose you to do it. RIP my friend. Not saying goodbye., I’m saying see you later.
We just heard of Don passing and send our thoughts and prayers to his family. Don was one of the nicest guys you ever wanted to meet. Always talked about his children and how proud he was of them. You were a big guy with a big heart. You will truly be missed. Sincerely, Barb and Lew