Donald Perlyn Obituary

Obituary

Donald Perlyn, beloved husband, father, grandfather, entrepreneur, loyal friend, and larger-than-life optimist whose warmth touched everyone around him, passed away, leaving behind a legacy built not only in business but in love.

Born in New York in 1943, Don came of age in South Florida, where his leadership qualities were evident early. He graduated from North Miami Senior High School in 1961, serving as president of the student council. As a young Miami Beach lifeguard, he was credited with saving a life—an early sign of the courage, instinct, and calm presence that would define him throughout life.

He attended the University of Florida, where he became president of his fraternity, and later earned his law degree from the University of Miami School of Law. Though trained as an attorney, Don’s gifts extended far beyond the practice of law. He possessed an uncommon blend of intelligence, charisma, resilience, and entrepreneurial vision.

His professional life became a remarkable journey through business, leadership, and reinvention. He began in public service with the Office of Economic Opportunity before rising through the restaurant industry to become president of Lum’s, one of the era’s notable national chains. He later worked alongside John Y. Brown Jr. during Brown’s years as Governor of Kentucky and in subsequent business ventures.

In time, Don returned to his entrepreneurial roots, launching ventures of his own and continuing to build businesses with the same energy and confidence that marked every chapter of his career. He later reconnected with Brown and Gus Boulis to create Miami Subs. When the company was acquired by Nathan’s Famous, Don went on to serve as Executive Vice President.

Yet the titles he valued most were not executive, founder, or president.

They were husband, father, grandfather, and friend.

For 55 years, he was the devoted husband of Marilyn, his partner in life and love. Together, they built a family rooted in loyalty, laughter, and encouragement. He was the proud father of Chad, Eric, and Amanda, and a loving grandfather to Ethan, Merritt, Luke, Eva, Sawyer, and Bennett. Few things made Don happier than speaking about the people he loved. He was proud of his children, proud of his grandchildren, and proud of the lives they were building.

Don embraced life fully. He traveled the world, visiting 75 countries with curiosity and gratitude. He loved photography and had an eye for preserving moments that mattered. He loved the outdoors, adventure, and the feeling that there was always something more to see, learn, and experience.

He was equally proud of the friendships he built over a lifetime. Surrounded by an extraordinary circle of lifelong friends, Don celebrated their successes with sincere happiness and unwavering loyalty. He took joy in seeing others thrive and had a rare ability to make people feel valued, remembered, and believed in.

­­Those who knew Don will remember a man who was warm, charismatic, generous, and deeply loving. He had a gift for connection, a talent for making life feel larger, and a presence that made people feel better simply by being near him.

His legacy lives on in his wife, in his children, in the lifelong friends who cherished him, and in the many lives made brighter because he was in them.

He will be deeply missed, forever remembered, and ALWAYS LOVED.

Funeral Services

Services were held at Temple Beth El in Boca Raton on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, followed by entombment at Bel El Mausoleum.

Instead of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Howard’s memory to:

Project Peru
We provide complete and affordable medical care to the community, combining healthcare services, preventive education, and solidarity-based programs.

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