John D. Azelvandre, Jr.

John D. Azelvandre, Jr. (“Don”) was born in Clarksburg, West Virginia in July, 1939. All of his paternal ancestors were glassmakers.

A lifelong Roman Catholic, Don was educated in Catholic schools from first grade through college, graduating from Xavier University with a degree in English and Communications. He then began working in broadcast journalism, principally radio. He retired in 2000 after a long career at 610 WTVN AM in Columbus, Ohio where he broadcast under the radio name Don Alexandre for well over 30 years.

He loved the stage and was very active in community theatre productions in Columbus and Hilliard, both as a performer and by working tirelessly behind the scenes. He served as Board secretary for the Hilliard Arts Council for many years.

Don was also very active in sports, playing football and basketball in his youth, coaching girls’ softball and basketball, and appearing with the WTVN exhibition basketball team. He loved to golf.

He met his wife Mary Lee in 1962, and as a DJ in Cynthiana, KY he would play the song “Mary Lee” while they were dating. They were married for 63 years. In retirement they traveled extensively, and he always enjoyed learning and cultivating new experiences.

Don is preceded in death by his parents John D. Sr. (“Jack”) and Vina, his infant daughter Mary Catherine, by his sisters Mary Ann Melvin and Clare Glenn, and his nephew Kenny Glenn. He is survived by his wife Mary, his sons John (Anthony) and Jim (Julie), and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: the American Heart Association, https://www.heart.org/en/

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