The youngest child born to James Girolamo and Pasqualine Marietta (Rossi) Donatelli, Tony was raised in Lowellville, Ohio. Growing up with a love for cars and a talent for mischief, Tony had a desire to see beyond the borders of his small town and in 1962, he joined the United States Air Force. For 30 years, he proudly served his country and saw the world. A decorated NCO and Vietnam War veteran, Tony retired as a Chief Master Sergeant. He remained a military man to his core.
Some of the family’s favorite memories came after his military service ended, when Tony took a job in Ankara, Turkey, where he and his beloved wife lived for 6 years. Those years were full of adventure and new experiences, and he loved sharing the richness of other countries and cultures with his family.
As much as he loved serving his country, what Tony cherished most in life were relationships. He never met a stranger, and never failed to make a lasting impression. Always with a smile, and sometimes in another language, he would talk to anyone. Most of his kids have stories of meeting random people and watching in amazement as their dad started speaking Korean (or Thai or Italian or German) to whomever he met. Tony’s smile was infectious and he made a new friend everywhere he would go.
Tony was never happier than when surrounded by those who loved him and whom he loved. Missing him dearly is the love of his life, his wife of 31 years, Rebecca; his children, Jennifer (Jordan) Webb, Daniel (Susan) Huggins, Anthony (Michele) Donatelli Jr., Angela Donatelli, Cheryl Donatelli, and Nicoletta Donatelli; 13 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; his sister, Virginia Savelli; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be Monday, November 29th, from 6pm to 8pm, at Mariposa Gardens, 400 S Power Rd, Mesa. A Rosary will begin at 7pm.
A Mass for the Celebration of Tony’s Life will be Tuesday, November 30th, at 1:00pm, at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church, 2121 S Rural Rd, Tempe. Burial to follow at Mariposa Gardens Memorial Park, Mesa.
We are thankful he was ours to love, and look forward to our reunion in Heaven.
