Birth date: Jul 30, 1947 Death date: Nov 5, 2025
Donald S. Novitt, born July 30, 1947 in New York City, passed away on November 5, 2025 in Tucson. He was a devoted husband to Morleen, a loving father to Lisa (Rick), and proud “Pa” of Mia and Ruby, who brought him endless joy. Do Read Obituary
I miss my dad beyond anything I could ever articulate. These photos and memories about him are very comforting.
I first met Don in 1976. We were starting a four year test of endurance as night students at St John’s School of Law. We worked full time all day and went to class every evening, summers included. We sat next to each other every night for four years as attendance was taken and all were seated alphabetically.
When we graduated, Don planned a terrific party to celebrate. For most of those four years Willa and I and Morlene and Don lived near each other in Jackson Heights. Don and I rode home with each other late every night after class. We regaled each other with stories from our past. Don had attended SUNY Buffalo where he’d met Morlene. Buffalo loomed large in his memory!
During his college years he’d taped dozens of radio broadcasts of Buffalo weather, specifically the huge snowstorms that made Buffalo famous. He also told me about the Anchor bar, and its famous Buffalo Wings, which back in 1980 when we graduated, nobody had ever heard of.
And so, as we were wrapping up our last finals we determined to throw a big party. And, Don decided we had to have wings. He managed to get Anchor Bar to fly a huge package wrapped in multiple layers of plastic to the DHL hangar near La Guardia. I went with him to pick them up. Our excitement was palpable.
The attendant, complaining about the spicy aroma wafting through the packaging, stinking up this huge hangar space, thought we were nuts. Maybe because we were high fiving and deliriously happy.
And so off we went to party.
This is thepart I remember most. Pure Donny.
Don was one pf the most generous people on the planet. To celebrate he must have invited half the class. Everyone was welcome. We had a blast…wings, celery sticks, blue cheese dressing…and oceans of beer.
Don knew how to celebrate. That’s for sure.
All our hard work paid off. We both had successful careers. And always kept in touch over the years.
This is how I like to remember him. Throwing a party. Laughing about lake effect snow so deep you could get lost just looking for your car. And just sharing his good fortune and his favorite food…with all his friends.
Ed Moulin
There’s so much to say about what a special and unique man Don, or Dad, was. He lived a full life with a very successful career in law and his cup ran over in his personal life with love from his actual family as well as his chosen family. Those who he adopted as family members. All who knew him would agree that he was fiercely loyal and wickedly funny.
There are so many memories that my family and I will cherish - both big moments like family celebrations at restaurants and homes and while traveling together. But also the smaller moments like strolling the beaches of Montauk and taking nature walks around Tucson with his granddaughters.
May he rest in peace and may his memory be a blessing for all.
❤️❤️❤️
I will forever remember the 19 amazing years I had with my Pa. He was such a caring, funny, loyal, and loving grandfather and I’m so lucky to have had him. He taught me so much and never failed to show his love every day for our family. He will be greatly missed ❤️❤️
We are all heartbroken over the loss of this extraordinary man. We share so many wonderful memories of fun times with Don. He was a special bonus that came with Lisa when she married Rick.
It with such a heavy heart that cousin Donnie, will no longer be with us.
He was always smiling and had the kindest words, was always positive and took interest in me and my family. His heart was huge 💓
Loved how he called us all cuz and was always so engaging. He loved and adored all his family and couldn't be prouder of them.
Cuz was a great Man. My sincerest condolences to you all.
Love and prayers Dawn 🙏 ❤️
Beautiful memories of visit with Gladys in Fredericton, September 2011! Love, Barbara
