Harrison Ross Mortuary

Message From Family

The family of Samuel Donlavy Jr. would like to thank you for the many acts of loving kindness shown to us during our bereavement. Your thoughtfulness is deeply appreciated and will always be remembered.

Contribute To Services Send Flowers

Samuel Lee Donlavy, Jr., was born September 21, 1967, in Los Angeles, CA, where he was raised by his father, Samuel Lee Donlavy, Sr., and his paternal grandmother, Mary Wright Lewis.

Samuel received his formal education at 61st Street Elementary School, Calahan Street Elementary School, Nobel Junior High School, and Chatsworth High School. After graduating from high school in 1985, he attended California State University, Northridge, where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre and Dramatic Arts in 1991. It was there he developed his love for dance and choreography.

In 1993, he founded the Donlavy Dance Company. The company performed throughout Los Angeles County for several years. His accomplishments in the field of chorography and dance were acclaimed in numerous newspaper articles. He also taught dance to children at various private and inner-city schools throughout LA.

He loved his family, his cats, Disneyland and Tigger. Although his life’s journey was not easy, he traveled it well. He was always positive and had a smile to share. He shared his story with others, not only through his dance but by speaking with youth and young adults. Because of his dedication, those that he trained and danced with have gone on to higher levels of dance and choreography.

He loved the Lord and was a member of Family of Faith Christian Center. He was also a member of the Men’s Choir.

On June 20, 2017, Samuel made his transition from labor to reward where he was welcomed by his great grandmother, Katie; father, Samuel; grandmother, Mary; and aunt, Cassandra; all who preceded him in death.

Those left to cherish his memories are, his aunt, Gertha Dunlevy Rosario, his niece, Dorasae Rosario; his sister, LaShaye Davis; his brother, Kevin Harris; his nephew, DeVon Harris, and his partner, Chuck Psalto Donlavy; along with a host of family members and friends.

Service Date & Time

Thursday, Jun 29, 2017 at 10:00AM

Location

Family of Faith Christian Center
345 E. Carson St.
Long Beach, CA 90807

Interment

Rose Hills Memorial Park
3888 Workman Mill Rd.
Whittier, CA 90601

Viewing

Firestone|Wed June 28, 2017 |10:00A-7:00P