Richard Donati

Dr. Richard B. Donati, 63, passed away at his home in Boulder, CO on April 21, 2011. Richard grew up in Schenectady NY, where he graduated from Bishop Gibbons High School (Class of 1965). He earned his undergraduate degree in chemistry from Providence College in 1969 where he was elected President of Big Brothers Big Sisters. From Providence, he went on to study medicine at the Downstate Medical College in Brooklyn, NY. While serving his internship in Denver, CO, Richard met and married Donna Rosenberg; the two headed for Taos, NM immediately after his internship where he worked in emergency rooms in Northern New Mexico before beginning a residency in orthopedic surgery at the University of Massachusetts and starting their family.

Dr. Donati practiced medicine in Pullman, WA, both in private practice and as the team doctor for the Washington State University and University of Idaho men’s and women’s athletic programs. Throughout his career, Dr. Donati was active in organizations devoted to helping those in need, especially youth, and served on the Board of Directors of the San Felipe Humanitarian Foundation.

After retiring to Boulder, CO in 2002, Dr. Donati continued to be active in mentoring youth through local programs. Richard became involved in The Unity Church of Boulder, he enjoyed playing golf, traveling, photography, studying Italian, taking his dog (Jack) out for long walks, and sharing a beer or glass of wine with friends and family. One of Richard's greatest joys was his new role as a grandfather.

Richard is survived by his wife, Donna of Boulder, CO; his son, Jeremiah of Fort Worth TX; his daughter and son-in-law, Heather and Ben Archer of Lafayette, CO; grandson Anthony Archer of Lafayette, CO; parents Lawrence and Margaret Donati of Schenectady, NY; sister Elizabeth Donati of Albany, NY; many in-laws and cousins in Colorado and New York; and cherished friends around the world.

A memorial service celebrating Richard’s life will be held at Unity Church in Boulder, CO on Saturday, May 14, 2011 at 11:00 am. The family is asking that in lieu of sending flowers or gifts, please consider contributing to the Richard B. Donati Memorial Fund. All funds will go directly to the Big Brothers Big Sisters Program, of which Richard was very passionate.

For more information on the Richard B. Donati Memorial Fund, please call Jeremiah Donati at (949) 400-7099