Donald Pomerantz

Born July 31, 1937, to Joseph and Alice Pomerantz in Brooklyn, New York, Donald and his five year older brother, Allen, were raised from Donald’s infancy by their mother’s angelic best friend, Doris Robinson. Both boys were exceptionally brilliant. Don was accepted into the special progress program, graduating from high school at the age of fifteen. At a young age he was impressed by the movies and Broadway productions where fantasy, glitter and beauty offset his mundane world. His verbal wit and interest in all of the fine arts continued throughout his life.

He attended Brooklyn College, majoring in French, then spent a year in Paris, attending The Sorbonne. Accepting a position as teaching assistant, he earned his Master’s degree in French at Florida State University where he met his wife, Irene Cons. He then spent two years at Tulane University studying and teaching.

In 1962, he became an assistant professor at Old Miss and immediately moved on to Central Connecticut State University where he rose to full professor while also completing his PhD in French literature at the University of Connecticut.

While at CCSU, Donald became chairman of the Modern Language Department, president of The Faculty Senate and helped develop and teach in an honor’s humanities program. He also participated in the Partners in the Americas program, traveling to and building relationships with the University of Paraiba, Brazil.

Donald wrote and published many scholarly papers and made presentations at universities throughout the United States.

Retiring to Naples, Florida in 2001, Don became involved in the FGCU adult courses, teaching literature, leading Sunday movies, and participating in Great Books discussions. He was president of Naples Jewish Congregation where he wrote grants for their Artist in Residence programs.

Don was a devoted family man, taking pride in and supporting all the interests of his two daughters, Loren and Karen, his grandchildren Emma and Benjamin and son-in-law Peter.

Don lived a full, rich cultural life, traveling and going to the theater and concerts. His quick wit and humor amused all who knew him.

The family wishes to thank Avow Hospice and all the caregivers from Miss Daisy’s who took such wonderful care of Don.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Alzheimers Network, Avow Hospice, or a charity of your choice.