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Don Vincent Obituary
of St. Petersburg passed away peacefully on Friday, July 11, 2025, at the age of 96. He was born on December 12, 1928 in Pittsburgh, PA and was an Army Korean War Veteran. He attended Julliard School of Music, earned his Master's Degree from Carnegie Melon and became a musical legend best known for 30 years as the conductor, musical director and pianist for Wayne Newton. Don's illustrious career as a songwriter and composer in Los Angeles earned him appearances on The Tonight Show, The Merv Griffin Show, The Lucy Show and The Jerry Lewis Telethon. He also shared the stage with Frank Sinatra and Stevie Wonder, among others. Although Don loved music, his greatest love was his family. He was preceded in death by Lois, his beautiful wife of 57 years. Don is lovingly remembered by his sons, Steven (Karyn), Mark (Melissa), Gary, John (Annie); his grandchildren, Jenn (Paavo), Todd, Steven, Sierra, Kacee, Gabrielle, Trevor, Daniel, Anthony; his great-grandchildren, Kyra, Rylise, Cali; and his great-great-grandchild, Camila. Don was a loving husband, father and grandfather who will truly be missed by his family and friends. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Disabled American Veterans.
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Memories and Condolences
for Don Vincent
2 Entries
Diana Pasquini
July 22, 2025
Donnie and I were second cousins. When he was an unmarried young jazz musician in Miami, he would often drop by our house on his way to a Friday night gig. My mom would make a little extra for dinner on Fridays, knowing how much Donnie appreciated a home cooked meal. He would drop by just as we were finishing our dinner. With gusto, he would attack the serving dishes, until one by one they were clean as a whistle. He would stay and chat a bit, then rush off to his gig. We were so proud of him.
Our family was close to his mother , Antionette. She was my grandmother´s sister. We all loved Donnie. He and my mother Virginia were especially close, having spent much of their early years in Pittsburgh together. He was such a warm, kind, and generous human being. He also led rather a charmed life, marrying the girl of his dreams, having a very successful career, raising three sons, and living to see his grandchildren and great grand children grow. A life truly well lived!
Kevin Beasley
July 19, 2025
Mr. Don Vincent played piano at my mother's eightieth birthday party nearly eight years ago in Saint Petersburg. I remember him as such a lovely and gracious man with enormous musical talent. A real piano man who touched so many lives with his music. My sister's dear friend Melissa is married to Don's son, Mark. I learned she regarded Don more like a father. My heart goes out to Don's family and friends.
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