Donald Eugene Greenwell, Sr., age 86, of Venice FL, formerly Farmington Hills, MI, passed away Tuesday, Oct. 16, following sudden cardiac arrest.  He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 38 years, Mary Ann Duffy Greenwell, in 1989.
Mr. Greenwell, son of the late Bernard and Blondina (Seal) Greenwell, grew up on Belvedere Street, and later Joann, on the east side of Detroit.  His Father migrated from their land grant farm in southern Indiana and worked at Dodge Truck factory in Warren for his entire career.  His Mother was a homemaker and as the children grew older, worked at Montgomery Wards.
After graduating from St. Anthony's Catholic High School he enlisted in the Army Air Corps – boot camp at Great Lakes in Chicago and then stationed at Lowry Field in Denver, the location of the first Air Force Academy, and was honorably discharged at the end of WWII.
Returning from Denver, he went on to study civil engineering at the University of Detroit, ('50) while he held two jobs; one of which was at the post office next to Michigan Central where he would meet his future wife, Mary Ann Duffy, during the Christmas rush.
A talented and brilliant Civil Engineer, Mr. Greenwell started as a co-op student at A.W. Kutsche, later purchased by A.Z. Shmina & Sons General Contractors, advancing to Vice President of Estimating and also Operations.  Many of the projects he helped build can be seen in the Detroit area today – including Detroit Science Center, Osborn High School, Ann Arbor Huron High School, Washtenaw County Courthouse, Crittenton Hospital, St. Mary's Hospital and Wayne State Engineering.  He was particularly proud of the immense challenges constructing the UM School of Dentistry complex.  Mr. Greenwell was widely respected amongst his peers serving in Engineering Society of Detroit, Associated General Contractors, and Builders & Traders (CAM).
Mr. Greenwell helped raise his young sister-in-law, Ruth Duffy (Glynn), following the deaths of her parents.  He loved to tell the story of his prominence as the youngest member of the Marygrove College Dad's Club, at 28 years old, and then was elected Treasurer.  He later escorted her down the aisle in her wedding to Eugene Glynn in 1956.
Don and Mary Ann raised a family of 8 children, including Don, Jr (Jenny Dudley) of Bloomfield Hills MI, Ann (Bob) Cameron of Winter Springs FL, Mark (Lois Schuerman) of Bridgeport MI, Susan Meconi of Novi MI, Brian (Linda) of West Bloomfield MI, Jim (Patty Gasser) of Cherry Hills Village CO, Tom of Mountain View CA, and Ellen Stone of Wyandotte MI.  Mr. Greenwell leaves 21 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.  He is survived by sister, Carol Dannewitz, and brother-in-law, John Carlu, both of Warren.  He was predeceased by sisters Bernice (Richter) and Rita (Carlu) and brother-in-law Robert (Rick) Richter.
The family home of Dr. Edward Duffy, his father in law, on Rutland Road in Detroit became the Greenwell residence.  In 1969, he moved the household to Farmington Township in a new house that he personally served as designer, builder, subcontractor, and dictator.
Mr. Greenwell remained healthy and active throughout his life.  In retirement he enjoyed travel, genealogy, civil war research, and an unwavering service to God, Country, and Family.
The Greenwells owned a summer home on Lake Erie and the family enjoyed 27 summers on the Canadian shore, with Mr. Greenwell commuting everyday from Dearborn.  Friends and family will fondly recall "going to the cottage" and cold Canadian beer.
"Dad loved to socialize, and always had a crowd of people around him", said his son, Don Jr., of Bloomfield Hills.  "He was a giving Dad, the son of a factory worker putting his eight children through private schools, and a brilliant builder, engineer, mentor, coach, and advisor.  We've all lost a lot, but not his example."
Mr. Greenwell will be remembered as a smart, honest, and hard working man who created a fine family of honest and loving children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.  He was proud of every one of them, and took great joy in spending time with his large family and circle of friends, all of which will attest to the lively conversations.
He will be deeply missed by family, friends and his professional colleagues.
Visitation at O'Brien/Sullivan Funeral Home, 41555 Grand River Avenue, Novi, 248-348-1800, Sunday, October 21, 2-8 pm with a rosary at 7:00 pm.
Instate Monday at Our Lady of Sorrows, 23815 Power Road, Farmington from 9:30 am until time of funeral liturgy 10:00 am.
Interment at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Southfield.
Memorial donations may be made to Father Solanus Guild or http://www.solanuscasey.org/ .