Daut Don Azem

Daut (Don) Azem, 95, of Tarpon Springs, FL passed away Friday, February 19, 2021 surrounded by his family. His life’s journey began on December 15, 1925, in the tiny village of Dobroshte, (Macedonia) Albania with his father, Veli Azem, his mother, Rukije (Baki) Azem, and two older siblings, his sister, Shija, and brother, Yusuf. When Daut reached the age of 15 he and his brother Yusuf were taken from their family, (which now included his brothers Suleiman, Servet, Azem and a younger sister Selima) by the Serbian controlled government. WWII was tearing the world and families apart, taking Daut and Yusuf to displacement camps from Reggio Emilia, Italy to Beirut, Lebanon to Damascus, Syria.

Daut entered North America through Halifax, Nova Scotia August 12, 1949 then found his way to Toronto, Canada in 1950 where he met his wife Rose N. Hysen while attending a family wedding. During their courtship, he danced the nights with his soon to be bride at Casa Loma in Toronto. They were married on June 28, 1953 when Daut immigrated to Chicago, Illinois.

Daut continued to dance through life with Rose by his side until she passed away in 2010. His devotion to Rose, his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, friends and those in need is what defined his life.

Survived by children Sandra (Sam) Premtaj and Ramsey (Corie) Azem; grandchildren Suzanne (Mark) McKay, Sarah (Paul) Hittos, Andrea (fiancé Eddie) Azem, Caroline Azem and Katharine Azem; Great-grandfather of Aiden, John, James, Liam, Spiro, Lucas and Elena.

Visitation for Daut will be from 3-8 PM on Sunday, February 28, at Blake-Lamb Funeral Home, 4727 W 103rd, Oak Lawn, IL 60453. Funeral service to begin at 11 AM on Monday, March 1, at Blake-Lamb Funeral Home. Interment Elm Lawn Memorial Park in Elmhurst, IL.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Albanian American Islamic Center, 5825 St. Charles Rd., Berkley, IL 60163.

In consideration of the safety of our guests and associates, Blake-Lamb will adhere to the current gathering restrictions in the state of Illinois, which allow 50 or fewer guests at services. Proper social distancing must be practiced and all guests will be required to wear face masks at all times. Thank you for your cooperation.