By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

MARIO Donato, one of Grand Bahama’s most influential entrepreneurs and largest private employers during his peak, died on April 27 at age 82 after a prolonged battle with cancer.

An Italian immigrant who arrived in The Bahamas in the 1960s as a waiter, Mr Donato built a business empire over several decades, including landmark establishments such as the Xanadu Beach Hotel, Royal Palm Resort, Casa Bahama, Pier One Restaurant, Holiday Car Rental, and Mario’s Pizza.

His passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes from national leaders and Grand Bahama business figures, many highlighting his generosity, work ethic, and long-lasting impact on the island’s economy.

Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis described him as a “giant of Grand Bahama” whose love for the country was unwavering.

“We say farewell to a giant of Grand Bahama, a true friend, a patriot in spirit and deed, and a man whose love for The Bahamas knew no bounds,” he said.

“Mario was one of those rare souls whose presence lit up every room and whose heart seemed large enough to embrace an entire nation.”

Mr Donato’s ventures not only shaped Freeport’s tourism and business landscape, but also provided critical jobs and supported countless charitable causes.

“From the beginning, Mario embraced our people, our cause, and our spirit,” Mr Davis said. “He built businesses that became institutions in Grand Bahama… but his true legacy is written in the countless lives he touched through his generosity, his loyalty, and his boundless good humour.”

He also praised Mr Donato’s children and thanked them “for sharing their father with all of us.”

Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce president Dillon Knowles called him an icon.

“He touched almost every aspect of business in Grand Bahama,” he said, noting that Mr Donato inspired the same entrepreneurial spirit in his children. “His legacy continues long beyond his passing.”

David Wallace, former MP and businessman, called Donato’s journey inspirational.

“To hear his story of entrepreneurship and how he came to Grand Bahama in the ‘60s during the boom era working as a busboy and becoming an entrepreneur is very inspirational,” he said.

He noted that Mr Donato remained committed to the island through economic highs and lows.

“While many of those businesses thrived in the 70s and even during Freeport’s bust years, Mario stuck it out. He was one of the major employers in Grand Bahama.”

Mr Donato bought the 18-acre Xanadu Beach Hotel in 1987. It underwent renovations in 2005 after hurricane damage but closed after Hurricane Wilma later that year. It has remained on the market since 2011. His other ventures, including Pier One — famous for its shark-feeding attraction — became local landmarks.

Mr Wallace also said Mr Donato quietly helped many Bahamians, including some politicians.

“Everybody was his friend, and regardless of who the government of the day was, he was very supportive,” he said.

Winston Pinnock, a businessman and Bahamian ambassador, recalled decades of friendship and collaboration with Mr Donato.

“I admired his story more than anything else — coming to The Bahamas with humble beginnings and becoming a very successful businessman,” he said. “He lived a full and purposeful life.”

“In our conversations, he was very much at peace with himself… and passed on to his next generation what he came to do,” Pinnock said.

“Notwithstanding he was not born here, he became a Bahamian citizen and has contributed greatly — so he has earned his citizenship.”

Pinnock, who shared dinners and business with Donato over the years, said he hoped to emulate Donato’s impact both financially and philanthropically.

Businessman Darren Cooper said Donato was a quiet benefactor whose generosity touched many lives.

“Mario was not just a businessman in Grand Bahama, but also a great help to so many families,” he said.

Cooper remembered receiving help from Mr Donato as a teenager going to prom. “Not having a father, he was one of those who assisted me in being able to fulfill that long desire.”

He later turned to Donato for business guidance and said his influence spanned generations.

“Despite challenges in the local economy, Mario remained a significant staple to the island and helped attract investors and opportunities.”

Mr Donato’s funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.