At the age of 82 yrs old, on April 4, 2020 at approximately 2:00 am Donald Lee Litvak died at Hoag Hospital, in Newport Beach, CA. Born on April 14, 1937 in Buffalo, NY.
When he was 4yrs old, his parents, Norman, a Pharmacist and Mary Litvak moved to Southern California. As a child he hung out at his parents business, Santa Monica Homeopathic Pharmacy, a small family business, started in1944 and at a local airport to watch planes land and take off. When he was 12 years old, he meet a pilot who saw him coming to the airport every weekend. He shouted out to him one day, “Hey kid! How would you like me to take you for a ride?” Within seconds he had his first experience flying. He never told his parents for fear he would be in Big trouble, but on that day his passion to fly never left him.
Anxious to learn to fly, in 1954 he joined the United States Air Force, with approval from his parents, he was only 17 yrs. old. While in the Air Force, his requirement to graduate from high school were meet. Being too young to be a pilot he opted to apply for training as an Air Traffic Controller. June 1955 his first training was at Keesler Air Force Base, in Biloxi, Mississippi, received a “Certificate of Proficiency”. November 1955 to August 1956 continued his training at St. Louis Air Route Traffic Center, under the Air Force AACS/CAA by April 1957 continued as Apprentice Air traffic Control Operator in a combination Control Tower and Approach Control Facility at Eglin Air Force Base Florida at the Eglin GCA facility for orientation and cross training. received excellent facility ratings in the Air Force at the Airman level: Airman Basic and Airman 2nd Class. Received an Honorable Discharge in 1957.
On July 19, 1962 he received a Private Pilot Certificate. independently hired to pick up newly manufactured planes and deliver them to various owners across the United States. He was also privately hired by clients to fly them to many different locations. In April 1965 he obtained rating Certificates from FAA including Second Class Medical, received a Commercial License and Instrument Rating. In Jan 1967 he was assigned training in Bakersfield, followed by training at the Los Angeles Air Traffic Control Center, returned to Bakersfield to become Air Traffic Control Specialist qualifying him for a transfer to Southern California. On Apr 11, 1967 he was certified as Air Traffic Control Specialist by the United States Government Federal Aviation Agency. In May 1968 he was assigned to the Long Beach Tower until 1978 when he was transferred to do Traffic Control Duties in El Toro. On Jun. 15, 1981 he became Facility Chief at Fullerton, CA. until he retired.
Following his dream in Aviation, over 25 years, he joined the California Association of Realtors, serving Los Angeles and Orange County. In the 1980’s he was at the helm of Santa Monica Homeopathy Pharmacy and became the CFO with many other responsibilities. His brother, Robert Litvak, joined the store in 1991 and eventually they became part owners. August 10, 1992 he received a Diploma from the Institute of Homeopathy. He worked from his home office while continually monitoring the store. It was important for him to continue the legacy and run the family business, honoring his parents. He considered his employees as family. To customers, he referred to himself as being the Bookkeeper. He was funny, generous. kind, compassionate, a peaceful loving man. Incredibly genuine and kind to everyone. Always giving crispy $2 bills (thousands) especially to children and those in celebration. Generously giving financially to those in need. He won a bowling trophy for a perfect 300 score. Enjoyed Motorcycling in his youth, Health Spas, Performing Arts and mostly fun times with his family.
He leaves behind Josephine J Jones a/k/a “Jojo” the Love of his Life for 19 years, his wonderful son, Steven Litvak, loving memories of his daughter, Debra Litvak, favorite daughter in law, Kimberly and loving grandson, Joshua Donald Litvak. Also is survived by his brother, Robert Litvak, his children Dustin Litvak, Shira Frantzich, her husband Joshua and their two children, Ella and Colin. He will live in many hearts forever!
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