Don J. Lurito brought together a rare diversity of extraordinary and creative talents. He was, in fact, the consummate Renaissance man, embodying a limitless capacity to embrace knowledge and develop his own abilities to the fullest. He put himself through college playing the piano, and even when he hadn't made music for years, he could sit down at a piano and captivate everyone around with his lively and playful keyboard artistry. His love for music and dancing, especially classic jazz and the jitterbug, remained unwavering. He oftentimes taught dance steps to much younger swing dancers right until COVID ended the community's Friday night gatherings.

​Don had an insatiable curiosity and was always studying philosophy, culture, and history, just as he constantly explored developments and theories in science. Oftentimes he created his own theories that challenged conventional thinking or established norms,relishing spirited discussions with friends. When he taught at a junior college in Boston, he was so engaging that people often stood outside his classroom to listen. In recent years, he was an enthusiastic participant in a Boston-area philosophy and science discussion group, whose subjects ranged widely.

​In a completely different area, Don had an unmatched eye for nineteenth-century

commercial art and the beauty of chromolithography. He cared so much about those wonderful historical objects, both two- and three-dimensional, that he developed techniques to preserve them for generations to come. When necessary, he applied high level artistic skills to restore them. Over several decades, he built a national reputation among collectors, who sought out his knowledge, advice, and restoration services. Thankfully, because of Don's commitment to preservation and restoration, collectors today and into the future will be forever grateful to be able to love and cherish their treasures.

​Throughout his life's endeavors, Don connected with countless people who appreciated his humor, unending curiosity, and energetically shared ideas. His absence will be deeply felt and leave a profound void in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him.