To the Editor,

Approximately 33 years ago, who would have thought that phone call would have reflected the rest of my life. Looking for an apartment at that time, I came across an ad for a 2-bedroom apartment on Kilvert Street. Calling that number, and answering on the other end, was the first conversation of many more with Donald Morash Jr.

A few months later in our monthly rent conversations, I told Don I could not afford $590. The person that he is, he lowered my rent to $325 with agreements for me to maintain the property. Approximately one year later, Don pulls up in his green Lincoln Continental. Chatting on Kilvert Street, he told me to get a contractors license and he would give me lots of work. Taking that advice, I opened a company called Maintenance Contractors, and today 30 years later its known as M|C Renovations, Inc.

Over the years Don has inspired me to grow, grow, and grow. We have become friends, speaking on a daily basis, etc. Years later, Don had me getting involved in places such as chambers, Rotary of Warwick, etc. I had attended a meeting at Rotary as Don’s guest. I have now become a member.

Finally moving on, I had to leave Kilvert Street, purchasing my first house. As Don and I had grown incredibly closer, we were in close contact daily as he began marketing for M|C Renovations and teaching me to do also. Years later, he introduced me to the political world, approximately 24 years ago. At a Rotary Christmas party at the Aldrich Mansion, he introduced me to Mayor Scott Avedisian.

Becoming closer and closer, Don has introduced me to nearly 60 percent of the people I know today. We hung out for many years down at 20 Water Street with other personal friends. We also have gained unforgettable memories. We have traveled to Florida where Don had a few condos, me staying at one and him at the other. St. Patrick’s Day was one of our weekends we enjoyed there.

Just to be said, Don Morash was the one person I needed in my life, as without him, I would not be where and who I am today. Today M|C Renovations, Inc. is still up and running. My wife and I are proud owners of Gels Kitchen in West Warwick, and Gels Kitchen 2 in Warwick.

Don’s heart has never stopped caring, not only for me, but also for so many people. Always giving back, always putting other people first, something that stuck with my wife and me.

Donald Morash Jr.: A legend, a hero, a mentor, and a dad.

He will always be the biggest part of my heart, I will never forget the person he was and the person he endeared in me. I will carry on the way he taught me. I will miss him dearly and until we meet again, rest in peace.

I love you, Donald Morash Jr.

Michael Penta