Donald L. Jacobson's Obituary
Donald L. Jacobson, beloved husband, father and grandfather, passed away in Bal Harbour, Florida on November 4th, 2016. He was born in Boston, Massachusetts, the son of Benjamin and Anna Jacobson. Donald was educated in Boston and New Hampshire and went on to serve in World War II as a paratrooper in the 101st Airborne Division where he was awarded the Purple Heart and other metals of valor.
In 1948, he married his wife Lola Gordon Jacobson and shared 68 years of marriage together.
Donald served as vice president of Maurice Gordon and Sons in Massachusetts, a residential and commercial real estate company. He later expanded the business as President of Jacobson Toccin Properties in South Florida.
While in Boston, Donald was a member of the Euclid Lodge of Massachusetts, a Shriner and avid golfer at Pinebrook and Blue Hills Country Clubs. In Miami, he served as president of Westview Country Club.
Donald, along with his wife Lola, have been recognized as leading philanthropists in the South Florida and Boston communities dedicating themselves to various charities and organizations close to their hearts. He was a Founder and Society Member at Mount Sinai Hospital. He was also a Founder of Baptist Hospital where he recently supported the new Miami Cancer Institute. Donald was a member of the University of Miami’s prestigious George E. Merrick Society and a major supporter and fundraiser for the Diabetes Research Institute where he served on the Board of Governors. He served, along with his wife Lola, as honorary chairman for the health crisis network in 1998 and raised funds for the Community Alliance against AIDS. He was a Founder of Children’s Resources and a Platinum Angel for the Jackson Memorial Foundation. He supported the Humane Society, The Miami City Ballet, The Florida Grand Opera, Miami Jewish Federation, Fairchild Tropical Gardens, Vizcaya, Douglas Gardens and Temple Beth Sholom.
After two of Donald’s grandchildren were born premature in Jackson Memorial Hospital’s Neonatal Unit, he became a major benefactor for Project Newborn with the “Lola and Donald Jacobson Family Hall of Honor” dedicated in their names.
Most recently, they have been honored by and proud to support the Women of Tomorrow Mentor and Scholarship Program and have provided college scholarships to at-risk girls in the South Florida community.
Donald was definitely a family man. His wife, children and grandchildren were most important to him. His joy in life was to be with family and to share special moments with those he loved most. He is survived by his beloved wife Lola; his children Ferne and Danny Toccin and Peter and Madeleine Jacobson; and grandchildren Marisa Toccin Lucas and Hal Lucas, Brian and Kelley Jacobson, David Jacobson and Michael and Alexandra Toccin.
A memorial service will be held on Sunday, November 6th at 2:00 p.m. at Temple Beth Sholom located at 4144 Chase Avenue, Miami Beach, Florida.
Donations in Donald’s memory can be made to Project Newborn at Jackson Memorial Hospital or the Women of Tomorrow Mentor and Scholarship Program. A scholarship will be made in his name (305) 371-3330.
Arrangements by Blasberg-Rubin-Zilbert Memorial Chapel (305) 865-2353
What’s your fondest memory of Donald?
What’s a lesson you learned from Donald?
Share a story where Donald's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Donald you’ll never forget.
How did Donald make you smile?