Donnie Baumann on a sandy beach with a football and coconut, remembered through The Donnie Baumann Foundation.

about donnie

Donnie Baumann was the kind of man you never forget—fiercely loyal, endlessly generous, and full of life. A proud Miami native, Donnie was deeply rooted in his city, and he wore that pride like a badge of honor. From the football fields of his high school and college days to the sidelines as a lifelong fan of the Miami Hurricanes and Dolphins, his love for Miami ran deep.

Donnie found great success as a real estate developer, earning his license, flipping homes with his own hands, and managing rental properties as a trusted landlord. He brought hustle, heart, and vision to every project. But beyond his career, what truly defined Donnie was his compassion. He was always the first to help a friend in need and had a soft spot for animals, often rescuing strays and giving them a home.

Family was everything to Donnie. He was a devoted son, a protective and loving brother to his four sisters, and a fun, supportive uncle to their children. His daughter Deanna—aka “Jones” or “Pookie”—was the light of his life.

Donnie loved to run, to be outdoors, and to spend time on his boat, soaking up the sun and sea. His energy was magnetic, and his legacy lives on through every life he touched.

The Donnie Baumann Foundation honors his memory by continuing the work he cared about most—helping others, building community, and making second chances possible.

Life is not the same without you.

Donnie is so deeply missed by everyone who knew and loved him. He brought so much joy and laughter to our family — the kind of person who could ease tension and make heavy moments feel lighter. His presence had a way of bringing people together. He was always reminding us not to take life too seriously. He showed us the meaning of hard work and humility, always leading by example with his favorite saying: “If you ain’t sweating, you ain’t working.” His loyalty to his family was unwavering, and without him, there’s a space that can’t be filled. We miss him every day, but we carry his spirit with us in everything we do.

Donnie Baumann with family and friends posing outdoors under a tree with scenic background, before his passing.