Louis E. Donawa

Louis Edward Donawa – “Big Daddy” as he was affectionately called, was born on December 15, 1920, at Four Roads, Petit Valley, Diego Martin on the beautiful island of Trinidad and Tobago, West Indies.  He was the son of the late Edward and Mabel Donawa.

He fell in love and in 1944, married Vickey Lezama.  Through this union, seven children were born, two girls and five boys – Ann, Charmaine, Chip, Ezzy, Harold, Louis and Ray.  He was known as Daddy to his children and Big Daddy to his fourteen grandchildren and twenty great grandchildren.

In the early 60’s, he moved his entire family to New York in search of a better life. He worked tirelessly to fulfill the dreams he had for his family.  He was also instrumental in helping fulfill the dreams of others coming from Trinidad.  He could always be counted on for food, shelter and whatever else was needed.  He was a trusted confidant and loyal friend.

Daddy loved to travel and was quite the dresser, which was evident by his sense of style.  He loved animals and he loved nature.  Daddy just loved life!  Aside from his family and of course Vickey, Daddy loved music.  He had his own family band called The 5 Finger Combo, which provided music for multiple parties and special events in the Caribbean community.  He was always up on the most popular tunes, whether it was Cultural, Pop or Jazz.  Some of his other hobbies included photography, videography and painting.

On Tuesday, October 29, 2019, after a long and blessed life, God called Daddy home.  He is preceded in death by his brother, Ralph and sisters, Sybil and Olga who lived well into their 80’s and 90’s. 

His wife, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, in-laws and a host of nieces, nephews and friends, who were all valuable in his life, are left to cherish his memory.

A visitation will on Tuesday, November 5, 2019 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Aaron and Burney Bivens Funeral Home, 529 Kingsley Avenue, Orange Park, FL 32073, (904) 264-1233.

The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, November 6, 2019 at 12:00 noon at Aaron and Burney Bivens Funeral Home. The interment will immediately follow the service at Jacksonville Memory Gardens, 111 Blanding Blvd. Orange Park, FL 32073.

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