Don Gustin's Obituary
Don Gustin of Williams Island, Aventura, passed away at 94 years old after a brief illness surrounded by his loving family. Don was an exceptional human being; a patriarch in every sense of the word. He was caring, loving, giving, and an exemplary provider to all his family and friends.
He leaves behind his loving wife, Arline, his loving children, Barry and Sharon, his loving grandchildren and great grandchildren, David, Crystal, Sasha, Adam, Amy, Mikhael, Tania, Neveah, Eliana, Tatiana, Veronica, Elise, Matthew, Alyssa, and Elijah, his loving in-laws David, Carolina and Pam, and his step-children Gary, Jill, and Kim. His other son, Bobby, tragically died in 1985.
Born and raised in New York City, after graduating from New York University with a degree in political science, Don took over his father’s shoe manufacturing business, and expanded factories from New Jersey to Florida and abroad to Spain and Italy. His shoe brands became very popular, and were sold in all major department stores. For a period of several years Don was Executive Director of the American Shoe Manufacturer’s Association, and a business consultant to the U.S Department of Commerce.
During this time Don became involved in philanthropic work and became a board member of the American Cancer Society of Broward County, and a board member of the Broward County School Board. Don was also a past president of B’nai B’rith of Hollywood.
After selling his company, Don became active in local politics and community affairs. Florida Governor Bob Martinez appointed Don to the Board of Commissioners for Hollywood Memorial Hospital, South Broward County’s central hospital district (SBHD). Soon after his appointment, Don was elected Chairmen of the Board of Commissions and maintained this position for more than a decade. Don was instrumental in the expansion of Broward County’s Health system, and helped to design and build additions to Hollywood Memorial Hospital which has now been renamed, Memorial Regional Hospital, Broward County’s major hospital system (Memorial Healthcare System Hospitals). Don was a frequent speaker regarding Broward County healthcare at various Broward County Chamber’s of Commerce.
Don had a love for boating and water, swimming laps every day well into his 90’s. He was also a terrific athlete when he was younger, playing baseball, basketball, tennis, and golf. His passion for professional baseball culminated with Don being named one year by the Florida Marlins as “Fan of the Year”.
Don was also a wonderful musician. Playing trumpet, he composed, copyrighted, and performed music with his first wife, Helaine, who preceded him in death. Don was also a great fan of Broadway shows and Broadway music.
Don was an extraordinary family man. His family was always central to his life. He coached his sons’ baseball teams every year until they went to high school; he took his family on traveling adventures year after year, and he was a living example of how to work hard, balance work and play, and how to be kind, caring, considerate, respectful, and giving to others.
Don was loved by all, and will be sorely missed by family and friends.
Chapel service 2:00 p.m. Monday, August 15, 2022 at Levitt Weinstein Beth David Memorial Chapel, 3201 N. 72 Avenue, Hollywood, Florida 33024. Arrangements by Levitt Weinstein Blasberg Rubin Zilbert (305) 932-2700.
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