Joseph A. Doumar

Doumar, Joseph A., a resident of Ft. Lauderdale for 58 years, passed peacefully at 86 years of age on April 22, 2008. He was born on November 1, 1921 in Norfolk, VA, and spent part of his childhood visiting the south Florida area with his parents, Abraham and Rose Doumar, and two brothers, Ed and Raymond. His father, Abraham, became well known as the inventor of the ice cream cone, and Joseph shared his father's entrepreneurial talents. Soon after relocating from Virginia to become a full-time Ft. Lauderdale resident, Joseph joined with his brother Ed and opened the city's first drive-in restaurant on Oakland Park Boulevard and Federal Highway. The restaurant, Doumars, quickly became one of Ft. Lauderdale's most popular destinations for food, fun and spirits, and attracted many national celebrities visiting the area. Known for its progressive, modern design and unique waterfall concept Doumars received several national architectural awards. With the restaurant's success, Joseph went on to apply his remarkable skills and energy to the liquor industry, working successfully in sales and opening his own liquor store. An avid sports fan, Joseph was very involved in the Fort Lauderdale Boxing Commission, which arranged for frequent matches at the newly formed War Memorial Auditorium during the 50s. He was an active member of several business and community organizations, and he was dedicated to helping Ft. Lauderdale grow and prosper during the last five decades. His civic-mindedness was an extension of his consummate patriotism, which was reflected by his enlistment in the United States Marines after the attack on Pearl Harbor. He became a celebrated World War II veteran after serving in the South Pacific for five years. Joseph's enthusiasm, wisdom, honesty and integrity will be dearly missed by his loving family. He is survived by his brother Raymond (Mitzi), who is also a south Florida resident; his five children Michael Doumar, Patricia (Carlos), Steven Doumar (Linda), John Doumar and Ed Doumar (Lisa), as well as five grandchildren, Clinton, Rachel, Andrew, Jillian and Elvis. His memory will be cherished by all of the many people he touched during his lifetime. The Wake will be held Thursday, April 24th from 4-7 PM at Baird-Case Jordan-Fannin Funeral Home located at 4343 North Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale with Services and Interment Friday, April 25th at 11AM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the VFW Foundation in his name. www.vfwfoundation.org