Daniel Ortiz Peregrino

Born on August 26, 1949, in Kittery, Maine, Donny was the second of eight children—four boys and four girls—in a large family that would remain at the very center of his life.

Anyone who met Donny seemed to love him instantly. He had a kind, sweet and gentle spirit and a genuine goodness that people simply felt when they were around him. He loved his family deeply. He was present. He was willing to help. And perhaps most endearingly, he was always willing to try something new simply because someone he loved asked him to join in.

In his younger years, Donny worked as a pipefitter at General Dynamics Electric Boat and Newport News Shipyard. He also worked in produce at the Navy Commissary. But a life is measured by far more than the places a person worked, and Donny’s was a life rich in the simple things that brought him happiness and brought him closer to the people he loved.

He loved going to the movies and listening to music. He enjoyed chess and fishing with his cousin and his brothers. He loved animals and once had a beloved pigeon named Lucky. At home, his aquarium brought him great enjoyment. He treasured his mother’s cooking, and those who knew him will surely remember the red Ford van he loved so much.

These seemingly small details are part of what made Donny, Donny—and they are among the memories his family will carry with them.

Donny’s family story was also a special one. His biological father, Elias Peregrino, passed away while Donny was still an infant. Through the years, he was fortunate to have two more fathers in his life: Alfredo C. Limson, who preceded him in death, and Raymond P. Belisle, Jr., who survives him. Each was part of the family that helped shape his life.

Donny was preceded in death by his beloved mother, Nellie Ortiz Belisle; his biological father, Elias Peregrino; his stepfather, Alfredo C. Limson; and his brothers, Elias O. Peregrino and George O. Limson.

He leaves behind his sisters Zenida Baker, and her husband, Wayne; Mila Limson, and her husband, Joe; Toni Roberts, and her husband, Morrell; and Judy Limson; his brother Raymond Belisle, and his wife, Catherine; his stepfather, Raymond P. Belisle, Jr.; his sister-in-law, Sylvia Limson; and a wonderfully large extended family of nieces, nephews and cousins who loved their Uncle Donny dearly.

Donny never married and did not have children of his own, but his life was anything but lacking in family. He belonged to all of them. He was a brother, an uncle, a cousin, a son, and a constant presence in the lives of the people he loved.

There are people whose goodness is quiet. They don’t seek recognition for it; they simply show up, help when they can, love without condition, and make life a little gentler for everyone around them.

That was Donny.

His family will miss his sweet nature, his willingness to be part of whatever adventure came along, and simply knowing that he was there. The space he leaves behind is immeasurable, but so too is the love he leaves within his family.

And for everyone fortunate enough to have known Donny, that love—and the memories of his kind and gentle soul—will remain.

A Celebration of Life honoring Donny will be held on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at Mision Lago Estate in Thonotosassa, Florida. Gates will open at 1:00 p.m., with the service beginning at 2:00 p.m. Family and friends are invited to gather together to remember Donny, share stories and laughter, and celebrate the kind and gentle soul who meant so much to so many.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that memorial contributions be made to the National Kidney Foundation in memory of Daniel “Donny” O. Peregrino, honoring his life while helping others affected by kidney disease.