Don Wilson

Donald Andrew Wilson, 85, passed away peacefully on March 20, 2022 at his home in Mission Viejo, California.

Don was born on July 9, 1936 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to John and Marion Wilson. As a child and throughout his life, his closest buddies were his older brother Jack Wilson and his cousins, Billy West and Norman West. He and his family were faithful members of Mt. Airy Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia. Don graduated from Germantown High School in Philadelphia.

Following high school, Don served for three years in the United States Army as a Quartermaster, stationed at Fort Knox, Kentucky. After leaving the Army, he met and fell in love with Claire Flaherty, who he married in 1964.

Don had a 25-year career with Insurance Company of North America (which later became CIGNA), where he held a variety of leadership roles over the years and was well-known as a personable and caring leader. His career started in Philadelphia but ultimately led Don and his family to California.

Don’s retirement from CIGNA enabled him and Claire to fully embrace their love for travel, including frequent trips to Baja in their motorhome. Don and Claire especially enjoyed cruises and international travel, and visited 78 countries together. They were most grateful to enjoy a final cruise to Panama in January before illness robbed his energy.

In addition to his wife Claire, Don is survived by his son Jim Wilson and wife, Amy; his daughter Donna Sandidge and husband, Clay; his daughter Claire Killeen and husband, Brett; and his grandchildren Becca West (spouse Trey), Evan Killeen, Slate Sandidge, Sarah Wilson, Austin Killeen, Eve Sandidge, Wilson Sandidge and Claire Marie Killeen. 

Don hated to see children suffer. His soft heart and compassion led him to support Covenant House, Ronald McDonald House, and Shriners International. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a donation be made to one of these organizations in Don’s name.

Please contact the family directly for information regarding memorial services.