Donald W. Thomson, 85, of Trinity, FL, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 18, 2024, surrounded by his children. Born in New York, NY, Donald lived a rich and fulfilling life, leaving behind a legacy of love, innovation, and dedication.
Donald graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from Brooklyn Polytech. His career spanned over four decades at Lea Ronal, where he served as Vice President of Research and Development and was instrumental in creating multiple patents, reflecting his passion for innovation and excellence in his field.
Beyond his professional achievements, Donald was an avid sports fan, deeply loyal to his New York Yankees, Giants, and Rangers teams. He found joy in the simple pleasures of life—fishing, golfing, and traveling the world with his beloved family and lifelong friends.
Donald was predeceased by his cherished wife just five weeks earlier, a loss he felt profoundly. He is survived by his devoted son Donald J. (Linda) and daughters Diana (Jerry) Lukash and Debra (Caesar) Mayorga, along with his treasured grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. To his family, Donald was more than a provider—he was a hero, a mentor, a man of integrity and love who always put his family first.
Donald and his wife Ellen will be honored at a funeral mass held at St Peter the Apostle Church located at 12747 Interlaken Rd, Trinity FL on Saturday, September 7, 2024, at 10:30 am. Both Donald and Ellen will be inurned at Curlew Hills Memorial Gardens located at 1750 Curlew Rd, Palm Harbor, FL 34683 following the Mass.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any contributions in Donald’s name be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (https://give.michaeljfox.org/give/421686/#!/donation/checkout).
Elise Martin
August 23, 2024, 1:55 pm
What a beautiful tribute about your beloved dad.
Your father was one of the kindest people I’ve ever met and I was lucky to know him. Cherish all of your wonderful memories. Sending my heartfelt sympathy to all of you.
Golda Nsang
August 23, 2024, 2:00 pm
I am so sorry for your loss. I’m grateful I had the opportunity to care for Donald. I always admired his love for Ellen.
Nicole
August 23, 2024, 5:48 pm
Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with you and your family. We continue to prayer for comfort and peace during this difficult time. You have two amazing parents and what an honor and blessing to have met and known them. God bless
Merav
August 24, 2024, 3:15 pm
I’m so sorry for your loss. Don was a wonderful person and will be missed. I’m so grateful I had the opportunity to get to know him and Ellen. They loved each other so much and it showed everyday. Ellen took such good care of Don. He always came first to her.
David and Betty Schram
August 24, 2024, 6:09 pm
Donald was such a special person, mentor and friend. He developed much of the technology and patents that helped launch Lea Ronal into a global market leader, and was involved in all of the technical aspects of the company.
Donald always had the respect of all the employees and was always the champion of the young people coming up in the company, including me. He was so generous with his immense knowledge about the development of the company’s technology and manufacturing of all the products.
Don was always encouraging me and the other people in the Lab. He even helped me with my chemical equations when I was going to school at night ! Donald was very smart, kind, and humble. My memories of him will always be an inspiration.
Betty and I enjoyed our friendship with Don and Ellen when they lived in Northport….our hearts go out to your great big loving family on the loss of both your parents. Their love is truly eternal. Betty and David Schram
Janet
August 28, 2024, 3:54 pm
My heart breaks for you all. Losing both parents so close together is devastating.
Your parents willingly accepted me as the crazy neighbor and they loved on my kids as if they were Raymond and Zander. One of my favorite pictures of Sydney as a baby is where your Mom is holding her so snug . Your parents were absolutely wonderful humans and built a beautiful family. Their legacy lives on. Please reach out if you need anything.
Jack McCaskie, Ph.D.
September 3, 2024, 9:53 pm
Jack McCaskie
Dear Donnie Thomson,
I was an R&D colleague of your father from 1972 to 1987 at Lea Ronal in Freeport NY. I liked ,admired and respected him personally and professionally and am saddened to hear of his passing. He was very creative in his chemical/plating knowledge and accomplishments. He was also enjoyable to work with.
Jack Leibel
September 6, 2024, 3:22 pm
Donald was a very special person in so many ways. Let me share just one of his characteristics. Donald and I would periodically play a round of golf after work. Mostly at the Sunken Meadow course but also at the Bethpage Golf course. One day we decided to play the most difficult course at Bethpage. The Black Course. Whenever there are pro tournaments at Bethpage the Black Course is used, as it is the longest in length as well as having difficult green placements. Well after the first nine holes Donald was flirting with shooting Par on the Black Course. Over the many rounds of golf that we played over the years neither Donald or myself ever came close to shooting par. As we went to the tenth hole to tee off there was no discussion between us as to how the next nine holes would go. Too much pressure! By the Fourteenth hole I was just about jumping up and down with every good stoke that Donald made. Donald “allow” a peek at a grin to come out as we went to the sixteenth tee. Donald finished the Back Course with a 74 that day, 3 stokes over Par. Over the years I would bring that day up with Donald and that grin would come out. What a gentleman. Ever humble with all his talents.