It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Domenico Donato. Born and raised into a very large family in Simbario, Italy on February 4, 1924, he made his way from the simple farm life of Southern Italy to Canada after World War 2 to find opportunities in Canada. After working hard for many years in various types of industry, he returned home to Italy.
In 1965, he met and married the love of his life, Franca. Soon after they were married, he and Franca moved from Italy to Port Arthur to build a new life together. In 1966 his family life began. Work and family were the cornerstones of his life. His leisure time was spent socializing and nurturing his gardens. After retirement, this is where he was most satisfied. He had a deep appreciation of the cyclical nature of life. He was composting organic material and putting it back into the earth, touting the benefits of clean, fresh air and water and eating fresh food as long as we can remember. Domenico attributed his long life and good health to regular physical activity, natural, simple foods and his strong spiritual connection to God.
Domenico will be missed dearly. He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years Franca, his children Rosalba (Walter) Pettenuzzo, Franco (Michelle), Tony (Dawn), Sandra (Chris Pettypiece), and his grandchildren Marcello Pettenuzzo, Andrew Pettenuzzo, Jack Donato, Mia Donato, Benjamin Pettypiece, and Nico Donato. He is also survived by his brother, Giuseppe (Teresa). Domenico is predeceased by many siblings and, in 1995, by his son Marcello.
Prayers for Domenico will be held in the Chapel of Harbourview Funeral Centre, 499 Cumberland Street North on Friday, September 8th at 7:00 p.m. with visitation from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, September 9, 2017 leaving the Harbourview Funeral Centre at 10:00 a.m. to St. Anthony’s Catholic Church for the Funeral Mass to be celebrated by Rev. Luigi Filippini beginning at 10:30 a.m. Private entombment will take place on Monday in the Family Mausoleum at St. Andrew’s Cemetery.
We would like to thank the many people who supported Domenico in the last stage of his life including his many friends and family, Dr. Ek, Dr. Gehman, Calvin Pelletier, the staff of VON, CCAC, PSWs, and the staff and nurses at TBRHSC and the 4th Floor at St. Joseph’s. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Autism Canada.
