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Donald Wonderly Obituary
Donald MacKay Wonderly, of Aurora, Ohio, died September 17, 2013.
Donald, son of Ross and Augusta (nee Elfreich), was born April 26, 1920, in New York City. He received his BA in Psychology at Oberlin College in 1950; MA at Oberlin in 1951, and his PhD in Education at Western Reserve University (now Case Western) in 1963. He was employed as a professional musician from 1935-50; served in the Armed Services during World War II; was a family service case worker from 1950-51; teacher of developmentally disabled children from 1951-52; school psychologist for Oberlin, Amherst and Wellington Public Schools, 1957-'62 Associate Assistant and Full Professor from 1970 until retirement in 1983 when he became Emeritus Professor. He founded PSI, a consulting organization, in 1977.
He served as President of the Ohio School Psychologists Association 1962-63 and was awarded the first Honorary Life Membership in 1967. He also worked as a consultant to the Avon Lake Social Service Agency.
Don was pre-deceased by two brothers and a sister. He is survived by sons, Donald Jr., Hugh, Christopher (CaryAnn) and daughter, Laurel, as well as cherished wife, Barbara.
Calling hours will be at Bissler & Sons Funeral Home and Crematory on Saturday, September 21st from 2 to 3 p.m., followed by a brief service at 3 p.m., with Rev. Lorie Lerner officiating. Donations may be made to Crossroads Hospice at 3743 Boettler Oaks Drive, Suite E, Green, Ohio 44685-3743.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Donald Wonderly
Sponsored by Akron Beacon Journal.
Marilou Hamilton Metcalf
September 16, 2023
Dr. Wonderly had a philosophy that went beyond the usual teachings of our profession, which ultimately helped me to be a better school psychologist. One of those ideas was to recognize that every parent(even ones which one disagree with regarding what's best for their child)wants good things for their child and that you share those goals with them, although you might disagree with the approach or way of reaching them. this helped me to connect with a number of parents and ultimately move them in a more positive direction or at least a compromise which ended up working well for the child.
Marilou H. Metcalf
September 12, 2022
We called him: "Dr. Wonderful" and his classes were the most stimulating and useful for my later experiences as a School Psychologist that I ever had. I wish that I had kept some contact over the years. He was my advisor for my Masters degree in 1970, a rather difficult year. I would like to know if he ever published his book? He gave us a copy for discussion in class, which I just looked at today.
Jeanne Simpson
December 15, 2013
I just found out Don passed. He was the most intellectually stimulating person I ever met. It was a privilege to study with him. He changed my life.
December 4, 2013
So sorry; just found out. He was a wonderful teacher.
Jeanne Simpson
JoAnn Deak
December 4, 2013
Barb,
So sorry for the loss and emptiness that is left.
Wish I would have known, I would have come to pay my respects.
September 21, 2013
Dear Barbara and Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you in these grievous hours. Fortunately we have lots of fond memories of Don. He did wonders for the people who came to know him. I feel fortunate to have been "recruited" to Kent State by Don about 45 years ago. I still have contact with a couple of the six grad students in our first Child Development Specialist class. I hope your love and fond memories of Don comfort you and your family as he is laid to rest. Love, Ansel Woldt
Lisa Pudlik Barrett
September 20, 2013
Dear Wonderly family,
With heartfelt sympathy to you at this most difficult time.
Janet Paul
September 19, 2013
Barb and family, I am so sorry to hear of the your great loss.
Hugs and prayers
September 19, 2013
Dear Wonderly Family,
Edie, Sarah, Beth, Lissy and I have you in our hearts and prayers during this sad time.
Your love for and memories of Dr. Wonderly will comfort you and others for eternity.
With love, Jim Kuhn and family
The Staff of Bissler & Sons Funeral Home
September 19, 2013
Offering our deepest sympathies during this time.
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Memorial Events
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Sep
21
Calling hours
2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Bissler & Sons Funeral Home and Crematory628 West Main Street, Kent, OH 44240
Sep
21
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Bissler & Sons Funeral Home and Crematory628 West Main Street, Kent, OH 44240
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