Donald "Don" Thomas Farmer

Donald Thomas Farmer died peacefully on Father’s Day, June 21st 2026 at home in Mount Dora, Florida. He had late-stage dementia and was 90 years old. Donald was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and attended St. Mark’s parochial boys’ school where he excelled in music and choir. He transferred to Haverford High School where he was on the crew and basketball teams, active in drama club, a known ‘mathlete’, and summertime lifeguard. He began singing live in the community at local supper clubs throughout his high school years and touring the region after graduation.

Don’s musical career accelerated quickly, so he opted against accepting offers to Cornell and West Point Academy and instead attended The Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York in between music tours. ‘Donny’ Farmer was referenced in Billboard Magazine multiple times, he performed on Dick Clark’s American Bandstand and released two records in the late 50’s and again in 1960.

Music took him to Las Vegas at the end of the rat pack era where entertainment trends moved from jazz standards to rock and roll/pop and he did not intend to transition.

Don was offered an opportunity to run the Sahara Resort’s Casino as the Executive Pit Boss. The timing was perfect. His natural showmanship, charisma, social connections and excellent math/analytical skills made him a natural fit to manage both celebrity guests and run a tight ship to ensure games were compliant.

Don’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to form a travel company that leased commercial jets in New York for cross country charters from the East coast and Caribbean to Las Vegas. His office was a testing ground for one of IBM’s first computers.

Don finally met his soulmate Janet who was a flight attendant instructor while he was negotiating jet leases with TWA. They married and settled in Southport Connecticut and grew the travel business together that turned into timeshare and hotel development. Multiple ventures gave them the opportunity to travel all over the Americas and Europe and live in San Andrés Island, Columbia where Don honed his sailing skills. They later moved to Florida where Don helped grow a Sarasota Travel Company as the Vice President which awarded him press and career honors.

At early retirement age, he continued to work on several start-up ventures while being an avid gardener and was elected as President of the local Camellia Society chapter. He ended his career as the Chairman of the Float Plan Foundation in partnership with the Sea Scouts of America and the Coast Guard to sell memberships that allowed boaters access to expedited rescue services.

Don never met a stranger, and therefore made diverse acquaintances and business partners whom he always welcomed into his home with Jan. His inclusive spirit, jolly attitude, faith, and ability to see the good in all situations, was the cornerstone that supported his family.

Don is preceded in death by his mother Helen Delahunty Farmer, and father John Farmer. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Janet Farmer, their daughter, Jessica Diday and her husband Sanford, his children from previous marriage, Gregory Farmer, Traci Farmer Landig, Mandy Farmer, and grandchildren, Benjamin, Sky, Racquel, and Drake, in addition to his half-siblings, Peter, Jane, and Geoffrey.