Donald Leo Newton

Donald Leo Newton was born on July 30, 1946 at the United States Naval Hospital of Newport, Rhode Island to Helen B. (Shields) and Donald Leo Newton. Don was the oldest of three siblings and while they were young, they lived in several areas; however, they settled down in Lake Ronkonkama, Long Island where Don graduated from Sachem Junior and Senior High School in 1964. From 1964 to 1966, he attended Ball State in Muncie, Indiana and then decided to transfer to Long Island University where he was accepted into the Brooklyn College of Pharmacy. While he was a student there, he worked as a Pharmaceutical Technician and Intern at the Hotel St Regis Pharmacy, New York, NY. Upon graduation in 1972, he worked as a pharmacist for AC Pharmacy, in Queens, NY for three years. While working there, he formed life-long business relationships and decided to start-up Salem Drugs in Port Washington, NY with three partners. They sold the successful business after 12 years (the store is still in operation) and he went to work for Northport Veterans Medical Center. With the knowledge and wisdom that he acquired through the years, he was able to obtain a pharmacist position at Caremark Specialty in Carey, North Carolina. In 1998, he was offered the position of Branch Manager of Caremark Specialty in rare diseases specifically using injectables to treat: hemophilia, children's growth hormone, and schizophrenia located in Tampa, FL and servicing the southeast United States. He led the Tampa team to complete the merger of CVS-Caremark with a program called Specs in 2007. Additionally, he received the Caremark President's Award for the highest sales and leadership in the southern United States. Upon retirement in 2008, he and Victoria finally decided to settle down in Safety Harbor, Fl. Retirement suited Don well as he enjoyed spending his time with his three step-children, their families and beloved dogs. He was an avid reader studying Presidential history, United States history and European history. Moreover, Don had numerous United States Coast Guard certifications, was an excellent boater and a master wood carver. He was previously a member of the Stoneybrook Yacht Club and Safety Harbor Boat Club. Don is survived by his wife Victoria, his brother David, his sister Helen, 3 step children, 5 grandchildren, many sister and brother-in-laws, cousins, nephews, nieces, and a wide circle of friends. Don's greatest assets were his love for family, gaining knowledge and the importance of inspiring others, and his life-long service in the field of medicine. He truly lived to serve. May he rest in peace.

A Celebration of Life Service will take place Sunday September 22, 2024 at Sylvan Abbey Funeral Home starting at 1:30pm with a reception to follow.