Lewis Peter Losi

Captain Lewis Losi July 24, 1950‐April 16, 2016 Deltona Captain Lewis Peter Losi, known as Lou by many, Bingo by some, and Luigi by a select few, passed away on Saturday, April 16, 2016. If anyone were to ask Lou if he had any regrets in his life, his answer would have been “no”. He accomplished more in one lifetime than many would if they were given 10. Born to Gino and Irene Losi on July 24, 1950 in Harlem, New York, he was special from the start. He had his Father's heart and his Mother's temper. And like a scene straight out of one of his favorite movies “A Bronx Tail”, he enjoyed hanging out on the stoop, playing stick ball, and playing innocent pranks with his fellow Pizons. Moving to Monroe, NY in his early teens, he graduated from Monroe Woodberry with letters in Hockey and Football. A lover of music, he was also a member of the Musicians Union of New York City from the age of 16 until his mid‐twenties. After high school, he found himself on the wrong side of the law. Driving around in his 1971 Canary Yellow Camaro with his trained German Shepherd, Greta, he collected money for bookies in New York. Him and Greta were the “muscle” as some would say. But, as all of us do, he had his weaknesses. After struggling with drug addiction for some time, he got clean. He turned a tough situation into a positive by becoming a mentor to local youth, traveling many miles to help a single person find sobriety. He acted as youth director of the first rehabilitation center in Orange County, New York and was recognized many times in the local paper for his good works. In his mid to late twenties he moved to Miami, but not before he took the opportunity, when offered, to travel Europe by marrying a friend who was an airline stewardess. He said Spain was the most beautiful country he went to. The two stayed friends for years, but annulled their marriage through the mail after their travels. Once in Miami, he became a bouncer and highly respected bartender in some of Miami's most prominent clubs. While there, a good friend of his introduced him to bass fishing by pond‐jumping at different golf courses. That same year, he started entering tournaments and fishing professionally, moving to Orlando soon after. Utilizing yet another one of his talents, he trained German Shepherds, eventually helping train for a gentleman involved in the Rodeo. Always the lover of Wild West history and films, it was a dream come true for him when he also learned to break and train horses for that very same Rodeo. He didn't skip the opportunity to be in a few shows himself. He went on to meet his wife, Doreen,(since divorced) and mother of his three children, Gino, Jennifer, and Anthony, in a 50's lounge at Church Street Station. After deciding to make a choice between his hobby and his 9 to 5 job at Safety Clean, he chose his dream job and started Bass Attackers Guide Service. This company went on to become one of the most sought after guide services in the greater Orlando area. But that wasn't enough for his tenacious and driven personality. With the help of his wife, he opened Apopka Bait & Tackle. After winning the K‐Mart Classic(now known as the Walmart Classic), he was able to purchase the first family home. Lou didn't like to miss an opportunity to hang out with some buddies and play poker. Even when it meant going to a hunting camp in the country. He went there to gamble and became an avid hunter, instead. Soon after this, he was severally injured after being run over on a motorcycle by a drunk driver. Many years of pain and unanswered questions later, he was diagnosed with a rare and debilitating disorder called Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy(RSD), now known as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome(CRPS). His strength, perseverance, and strong will played a huge part in surviving with such an excruciating chronic pain condition. The injury and consequent symptoms led to a strain on his marriage and he divorced. He then became a single father. One thing is for sure, he loved his children more than life itself, sacrificing and doing all that he could to provide them with a good life. Through all the surgeries and pain, he never gave up on being an amazing father. If asked, his children would say they never questioned his love or dedication. He raised them to be respectful, loving, brave, and never expect a hand‐ out. Always work for what you want in life and don't ever give up on your dreams. He taught them to fish, hunt, and live off the land. A little dirt never hurt anyone. In his late 50's he became a boat Captain and started Bass n' Action Guide Service and became a Pro‐Staff Member of Fig Rig Rods. His two son's, Gino and Anthony, helped him design and test fishing rods for Fig Rig, who created a new line with their designs called the Deep South Series. All that being said, I don't think he had a prouder moment than when he became a grandfather. Other than when his own children were born, that is. He adored each one of his 7 grandchildren. To them, he is just simply “Papa”. And there is no greater title that he received in his lifetime. If Lewis Losi were to have been asked to sum up his greatest accomplishments in life, he would have said raising his three children. And he would tell you that he LIVED for his grandchildren. He is survived by his son Gino, his wife Marcela and their two children ‐ Giovanni and Gianni ‐ all of Clermont; his daughter Jennifer, her husband Nicholas and their three children ‐ Raiden, Alyssa‐Lynne, and Abrianna ‐ all of Port Orange; and his son Anthony and his two children ‐ Hunter and Kaidance ‐ all of Deltona. His sisters Carol Savage, Lorraine Levitas, several nieces and nephews and countless loving friends.

Lewis Peter Losi

July 24, 1950 - April 16, 2016