Donald Oliver Thwaite, Jr.

Donald Oliver Thwaite Jr, 74, of Put-in-Bay, Ohio passed away Friday, August 12, 2022 at his home watching the Cleveland Browns and Cleveland Indians win their respective games. Those of you who know Don understand how symbolic and truly poetic this was to the biggest diehard Cleveland fan any of us will ever know. His love of sports, especially for his favorite teams in Cleveland and Columbus, will forever be remembered. Don was a driving force behind establishing organized softball on the islands in the early 1980’s. He helped create Put-in-Bay’s first softball team which was sponsored and supported by Teri Winchester and the Round House Bar and he played alongside some of his best friends in the process. Don remained active playing and coaching the Round House Bar softball team for over 30 years. A generous and giving man he supported many local, regional and nationwide charities and foundations. Don founded the non-profit Lake Erie Islands Browns Backers Club more than 20 years ago. After a plethora of fundraising efforts and annual rib burn off contests the LEIBB was named club of the year in 2007 by the Cleveland Browns organization. Along with his wife Susan, they created The Skyway’s Bachelor and Bachelorette Auctions, raising money for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society for several years and they were presented a Fundraiser of the Year award. Don loved the island and had so many friends over the years. Don was a savvy business man and lifelong entrepreneur. He worked alongside his parents at their laundry and drycleaning plant in Berea and later developed trailer parks in Florida. In 1972 he built the Put-in-Bay Dairy Queen. He owned and operated it for 40 years, was the owner of The Skyway Restaurant and Lounge twice & built and maintained hundred of homes on the Bass Islands. Don was a skilled electrician, plumber, carpenter and jack of all trades. He was one of the hardest working people you would ever meet. Don was also a selfless man giving back to his island community which he loved so much. He was the president of the Put-in-Bay Chamber of Commerce for over a decade and was a longstanding member of the Put-in-Bay Volunteer Fire Department. For over 40 years Don was a trustee of DeRivera Park donating his time, energy and resources to make it what it is today, a beautiful park for all islanders and visitors to enjoy. When Don first became a trustee DeRivera Park was a muddy mess with overcrowded foliage and no amenities. He alongside George Stoiber and others transformed the park into what it is today with a sprawling green grass lawn, light poles surrounding the park, playgrounds, picnic areas, bathhouse as well as many updates and major improvements including B dock, the beautiful shoreline walkway and more. The only thing Don loved more than sports was his family. He cared so deeply and passionately for his children, children in law, grandchild and loving wife Susan. He made sure to always put them first in everything that he did. He instilled the values of a strong work ethic, loyalty and honesty and he lived his life by the same standards to which he held his children and expected of others. Don came into this world on July 10, 1948 in Berea, Ohio. He is preceded in death by his parents, Donald O Thwaite, Sr and Laverne (nee Francis). Survivors include his wife of 38 years Susan; children: Amy (Efrem) Lewis, Charles, Oliver (Ashley), Brian; grandchild: Echo Lewis; sister: Carol; cousins: Jim, Diane and Molly Francis. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, August 18, 2022 at 11:00 am at the DeRivera Park Gazebo, Put-in-Bay, Ohio. All friends are invited to join Don’s family immediately following at The Boathouse Bar and Grill to Celebrate Don’s Life from 12:00 –3:00 pm. Please wear your Cleveland sports team attire. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Don’s name to the Put-in-Bay Fire Department or EMS. Neidecker, Crosser & Priesman Funeral Home & Cremation Service is assisting the family with arrangements and o line condolences may be shared at www.crosserpriesmanfuneralhome.com.