Joseph “Yogi” DiDonato, 93, of Hartford, slipped away peacefully on Friday, September 6, 2024. Born on September 10, 1930 in Hartford, he was the son of the late Michael and Christina (Gallinoto) DiDonato. In his early years, he worked at Underwood Typewriter before joining the Hartford School System in 1964 as a Custodian, where he spent over 30 years. In 1961, Yogi began going to Misquamicut’s Andrea Hotel, where he met his second family, the Colucci’s and spent over 60 summers there. “The Yog” was also renowned for his entertainment act, mimicking a jazz saxophonist, playing his legendary belt with built-in mouthpiece to such immortal hits as “New York, New York,” “Knock Three Times” and “Personality.”
Yogi was the Equipment Manager for The Hartford Charter Oaks football team. Throughout his life, he was one of the most rabid New York Yankee fans the Pinstripe Legion has ever known. Yogi willingly helped those in need and never expected anything in return. After retiring from the Hartford School System, Yogi began his Volunteer journey at the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center and then eventually transferred as a Volunteer to Hartford Hospital, which he has done for the past 27 years.
Yogi is predeceased by his brothers, Thomas, Anthony, Danny, Rocco and Johnny and his sisters, Minnie, Katie, Millie, Lucy, Stella and Connie. He is survived by many nephews, nieces, great nephews and great nieces. Yogi also leaves his dear, devoted friend of many years, Joanne Urso. The entire family would like to thank the dedicated staff at both Hartford Hospital and The Jefferson House for their attentive, compassionate care for Yogi during his final days.
The family will receive relatives and friends on Wednesday, September 11 from 5-8 p.m. at the D’Esopo Funeral Chapel, 277 Folly Brook Boulevard, Wethersfield, Connecticut. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, September 12 at 10 a.m. at the Church of the Incarnation of Christ the King Parish, 544 Prospect Street, Wethersfield. Attendees are asked to please go directly to the church. Interment will follow in Rose Hill Memorial Park, Rocky Hill. In lieu of flowers, Yogi requested that all gifts be directed to Connecticut Children’s Medical Center, online at: www.connecticutchildrensfoundation.org or via check, payable to: Connecticut Children’s Medical Center Foundation, Inc. ATTN: Memorial Gifts, P.O. Box 412901, Boston, MA 02241-2901. Please include “In memory of Yogi DiDonato” in the memo line. To share a memory of Yogi, please visit www.desopofuneralchapel.com
