Donald Fredrick Sonia, 82, died Oct. 6, 2012, at Indian River Medical Center in Vero Beach. He was born in Lynn, Mass., and lived in Vero Beach for 23 years, coming from Willingboro, N.J.

He owned and coached the Glendale Swim School from 1961 through 1966, then moved to the Philadelphia Aquatic Club, is being inducted on Sept. 7, 2012, into the American Swimming Coaches Association Hall of Fame. He began his coaching career in the US Army in 1954 and concluded his coaching career in the Vero Beach area at St. Edwards school from 91-99, Indian River College Masters in 2000, and Christi's Family Fitness. In September 2012 he became the first swimming coach selected for the 2012 ASCA Coaches Hall of Fame.

Survivors include his wife of 51 years, Florence Sonia; and daughter, Jane Sonia, both of Vero Beach; and two grandchildren.

The family will receive friends from 10-11 a.m. with a Celebration of Life service starting at 11 a.m. on Saturday, October 20, 2012 at the Cox Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home and Crematory in Vero Beach, FL. Arrangements are under the direction of Cox Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home and Crematory in Vero Beach. Online condolences may be sent at www.coxgiffordseawinds.com.