Donald Edward Nowakowski

Born on January 17, 1939, in Buffalo, New York, Don married Angeline “Toni” Nowakowski, in 1961 with whom he shared 29 years of marriage until her passing in 1990. Together they built a life rooted in family, dedication, and commitment. Their story began in the Buffalo area, surrounded by large, lively families filled with cousins, traditions, and support that shaped their early years. In the early days of their marriage, Don served in the Army Reserves while he and Toni worked hard to build a wonderful life together. Those years in Buffalo were full of love and formed the foundation of the family they cherished. In 1983, the family moved to Safety Harbor, Florida, so Don could continue his important work with the Conax Corporation.

For most of his career as a Mechanical Engineer, Don proudly served at Conax, contributing to the aerospace and aeronautical fields he loved. His ingenuity led to the invention and patent of the “Automatic Release Mechanism for Breathing Mask,” a device designed to automatically deploy life-saving breathing equipment used in aviation, underwater operations, and other critical safety environments. Don was also part of the engineering team for SEAWARS (Seawater Activated Release System), which developed automatic parachute-release systems and automatic safety-vest inflation mechanisms. These innovations, created under contract with the U.S. military, have protected—and continue to protect—the lives of countless service members. His work stands as a lasting testament to his skill, dedication, and meaningful impact on the safety of those who serve our country.

Later, in 1994 Don married Margaret “Peggy” Nowakowski, with whom he shared many years of loving companionship and deep friendship. They eventually retired to the tiny beach town of Redington Shores, where they became part of the close-knit coastal community they loved so much. They traveled together, enjoyed music festivals, and hosted a jewelry, precious gems and minerals booth at arts and crafts fairs. Together they poured their energy into fixing up their little home on the water, creating a place filled with the simple joys they cherished.

In 2024, Hurricane Helene swept through and flooded their beloved home of 30 years, prompting Don and Peggy to relocate to Navarre Beach to be closer to Don’s daughter. The comfort of family, along with many treasured visits and shared moments, supported them through this difficult transition as they began a new stage of life. Shortly after the move, Don faced new health challenges with bravery and strength until his peaceful passing.

Don is survived by his wife, Peggy Nowakowski; his children, David Nowakowski and Dawn Meyer; their spouses, Susan Nowakowski and Bill Meyer; and his loving grandchildren. Don is also survived by his two stepsons, Adam and Bobby Papale, and their families, whom he welcomed into his extended family warmly.

Don will be remembered for his steady presence, his dry humor, his strong work ethic, and his love of good food and good company.

He is preceded in death by his first wife, Toni, and by his brother Thomas “Tommy” Nowakowski.

Services on honor of Don will be held at Sylvan Abbey Memorial Park & Funeral Home in Clearwater, Florida on June 13th, 2026, with a Memorial Service at 1:00 and a Burial Service to follow directly after.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Blue Angels Foundation, honoring Don’s legacy, supporting veterans and the very aviators whose lives were made safer by the systems he engineered.