Donald J. Slowinski Sr.

Dr. Donald J. Slowinski, Sr., Ed.D., a devoted educator, family man, and servant of his faith, passed away on February 19, 2025, at the age of 89. Donald's life was a testament to his love for his family, his devotion to education, and his commitment to the Catholic Church. His legacy will forever be held in the hearts of his loved ones, colleagues, and the countless students whose lives he touched during his remarkable career.
Born on July 3, 1935, in Newark, New Jersey, Donald was the son of Julius and Nora Slowinski. He grew up in Irvington, New Jersey, where he graduated from Irvington High School. It was there that he met the love of his life, Val Jean, and the two would go on to build a family and life together that would span decades.
Donald and Val Jean shared a partnership rooted in love. Their enduring bond was the cornerstone of their family, which includes their six children: Donna Jean (Stanley), James (Victoria), Christopher, Donald Jr., Mary (Joseph), and Patricia (Patrick). He was a brother to Julian (Betty). He was a proud grandfather to thirteen grandchildren: Elizabeth (Kevin), Michael (Amanda), Christopher, Samantha, Jillian (Tripp), Sarandon, Landon, Joshua, Jacob, Jenna, Carly, Sophia, and Madison. His legacy also lives on through his four great-grandchildren: Olivia, Noah, Nora, and Abigail.
Donald was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Val Jean who he affectionately called Missy, his son Christopher, and his granddaughter Carly. He often reflected on how he and Val Jean were "just two dumb Polish kids from New Jersey," a statement that could not have been further from reality. The impact Donald had on those around him, especially in the Baltimore community, was profound and immeasurable.
A Lifelong Dedication to Education
Donald's professional journey was one of constant learning and teaching, fueled by his commitment to education and his desire to help others succeed. After earning his Bachelor of Science degree in English and Social Studies from Rutgers University in 1957, he went on to obtain a Master's in Education with a specialty in Guidance and Counseling in 1963. His determination to learn never waned, and while raising six children and managing a full-time career at Towson State College, he earned his Doctorate in Education in 1969 from George Washington University. His dissertation focused on the role of students as change agents within higher education, a theme that would define much of his work in the years to come.
Donald's career in education was nothing short of exemplary. He began as a High School English Teacher at Highland Park High School in Highland, New Jersey and then as an Assistant Director of Admissions at Rutgers University. He then was hired at Towson State College in 1963, where he became the Director of Admissions. He later transitioned to Essex Community College, where he served in several key administrative roles, including Associate Dean of Instruction and Dean of Students. In 1990, Donald became the President of Essex Community College, a position he held until 1996. His contributions to the college were invaluable, and in recognition of his outstanding service, he was named President Emeritus in 1996.
Beyond his role at Essex Community College, Donald also served as a visiting professor at several prestigious institutions, including Johns Hopkins University, Coppin State College, and Towson State College. His passion for education and his drive to shape the minds of future leaders were evident in every interaction, and his influence reached far beyond the classroom.
On March 24, 2010, in recognition of his half-century of dedication to higher education in the state of Maryland, Governor Martin O'Malley proclaimed that day as a day of tribute to Donald J. Slowinski. He was a Participant in the Inaugural class of Leadership Maryland and went on to serve on their Board of Directors. This honor was just one of many accolades that reflected his impact on the field of education and his commitment to serving his community.
Later in life, he would often represent the alma mater of his grandchildren, especially when he would see them. He supported and celebrated his children and grandchildren's achievements with unwavering enthusiasm.
Service to Family, Community, and Faith
In addition to his work in education, Donald was deeply committed to service, particularly through his Catholic faith. A lifelong Roman Catholic, Donald's faith was the guiding force in his life, and he devoted much of his time and energy to his church. After moving to Towson in 1963, Donald and Val Jean became active members of Immaculate Conception Parish, where Donald's service was manifold. He served as a lector at mass, was President of the Parish Council, and also worked as a Lay Minister, embodying the spirit of service that characterized his entire life.
Donald's commitment to his faith was further reflected in his membership in the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, an honor reserved for those who have demonstrated a lifelong dedication to the Catholic Church.
A Legacy of Love and Dedication
Donald's family, faith, and career were the pillars of his life. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, whose smiling eyes and laugh would light up a room. He was a man of deep integrity, compassion, and humility, always putting others before himself and offering support and guidance to those who sought it. His legacy will live on through his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who carry with them the lessons he taught them – lessons of hard work, perseverance, faith, and the importance of family.
Donald J. Slowinski, Sr. was a man who gave much of himself to others, and his life will always be celebrated by those who had the honor of knowing him. May he rest in peace.
Visitation will be held at Ruck Towson Funeral Home, Inc. 1050 York Road Towson, MD 21204 on Friday, February 21, 2025, from 2PM-4PM and 6PM-8PM. A funeral Mass to celebrate Dr. Slowinski's life will be held at the Church of the Immaculate Conception 200 Ware Avenue Towson, MD 21204 on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at 10AM, followed by interment at Dulaney Valley Memorial Gardens. The family requests that memorial donations be made to The Joseph House at www.thejosephhouse.org, an organization that Donald supported in his lifetime, or to the Donald and Val Jean Slowinski Scholarship Fund at CCBC Foundation 7201 Rossville Blvd. Rosedale, MD 21237.