Donald William Carter passed away July 30, 2024 at the age of 74. He was the loving husband of Susan Giannotta for 39 years.

Donald William Carter was born in Adrian, MI on Friday, Sept. 2, 1949 to Hazel, McBride and William H. Carter.  He had an older sister Joanne, and a younger brother, Brian.  Don lived in Adrian till he graduated from high school.  While in Adrian, he was in Boy Scouts, attaining the rank of Eagle Scout; played trombone, built minor explosives, and was considered a clown in class.

Don graduated from MSU in 1971 after abandoning engineering for broadcasting.  He married Betsy in 1971 and their son Drew was born in 1981. After working at smaller television stations in Jackson and Toledo, he was hired as a director at WXYZ-TV Ch. 7 in Detroit in 1980.  He directed newscasts, segments for ABC News, Good Morning America, Michigan Replay and many other productions. His longest tenure was lead director for Good Afternoon Detroit which earned him two Emmy Awards.  He married Sue Giannotta and they had daughter Diana in 1991.

Among other interests were ham radio, flying, volunteering. Later in life, he created and produced the lighting for plays, musicals, and other Farmington Public School events and extended his experience in TV to the high school video department, TV 10. He did many parttime and freelance jobs all through his career and into retirement. He loved ice cream, his cats, and an occasional Guiness.

Don is survived by his wife, Susan Giannotta, stepson Mario Corsetti, son Andrew (Sara) Carter and daughter Diana Carter.

Don Carter was integral to the North Farmington theatre and TV-10 programs as well as the lives of students for over 30 years.  His passing is terribly sad for us all, but we're sure he has "magic to do" in his new calling.

Don’s family and friends will celebrate his life on Saturday, August 10th, from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. at Laurel Manor, 39000 Schoolcraft Rd, Livonia, MI 48150.

To honor his memory and in lieu of flowers, Don's family has created a Memorial Fund to help do what he did best; enhance every show, performance, and TV-10 production at North Farmington High School now and in the future.

To contribute, please use the attached QR code, or send a check to TV-10 c/o North Farmington High, 32900 West 13 Mile Road, Farmington Hills, 48334.