Donald Anthony Chinnici

Donald Anthony Chinnici, known by friends and relatives as “Don”, 87 of Lake City, passed away on July 27, 2026, after an extended illness. He was born in New Jersey on October 24, 1939, to the late Frank and Consetta Chinnici, who were both from Italy. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 53 years, Nellie Melba Chinnici, and they had moved from Miami and resided in Lake City since June of 1982.

Mr. Chinnici is survived by his two sons, Earl Chinnici and Paul T. Buyama, Jr. of Lake City; and his two daughters, Annette Neice (Raymond, Sr.) of Cooper City, Fla. and Rebecca “Becky” Jean Buyama of Lake City, Fla. He leaves behind his two brothers, Tony Chinnici and Robert “Bobby” Chinnici (Leighanne) of Polk City, Fla.; four grandchildren, Raymond J. Neice, Jr., Steven J. Neice-Cortes (Lizzy Borden), Michael Paul Antunovic and Paola Buyama. He leaves behind many other special friends and family, and he was especially grateful to his caregivers for the emotional support he received from them.

Mr. Chinnici was notably known as a frequent customer of Waffle Houses and Walmart. He helped his beloved wife, Nellie, with her Plant Nursery Business called Chinnici Nursery. He was a disabled veteran of the Florida Army National Guard and served from 1956 to 1961 in Miami, Florida. He suffered with long-term mental illness, and he is extremely grateful for all the kindness showed to him in support of his condition.

Funeral services for Mr. Donald Anthony Chinnici will be conducted on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Gateway-Forest Lawn Funeral Home Chapel in Lake City, FL. Visitation with the family will be held one hour prior to the service at Gateway-Forest Lawn Funeral Home. Interment with Military Honors will follow the service at Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of GATEWAY-FOREST LAWN FUNERAL HOME, 3596 S US Hwy 441, Lake City, FL 32025. Please leave words of comfort for the family at www.gatewayforestlawn.com.