Angelo Donofrio

Donofrio, Angelo, age 83, of Dayton, Ohio made his transition on March 8th, 2012. Angelo was preceded in death by his parents, Josephina and Pietro Donofrio and his brother Michele. Born on July 5th, 1928 in Bagnoli del Trigno, Italy, he set sail for America with his family when he was just seven years old. With a pillowcase full of homemade biscuits for the two week journey across the Atlantic, the young family arrived at Ellis Island in 1935 with dreams for a better life. They settled in Bedford, Ohio, and quickly assimilated into the American culture. From a young age, Angelo valued the opportunities his new home offered, and always had a job while attending school. His dedication to academic pursuits earned him a civil engineering degree from Ohio University in 1951. Upon graduation, he was commissioned through R.O.T.C. in the United States Air Force, and served on active duty for two years. Angelo earned the rank of Colonel in the Air Force Reserve, and retired after proudly serving his country for 30 years. Another example of his long-term loyalty and commitment was evident in his employment with B.G. Danis Construction, which also spanned 30 years. During his well-earned retirement which began in 1990, he and his beloved wife, Kathryn, traveled extensively, enjoyed their Tennessee lake home, and continued to host annual costume parties on Halloween for his children and grandchildren. Angelo loved fishing trips with his five sons, excelled at his wood-working hobby, and always had a project in progress to challenge him. Surviving Angelo are his wife of 58 years, Kathryn (Kane) Donofrio, sons Eric (Sue), Timothy (Andrea), Anthony (Laura), Christopher (Sue), and Peter; grandchildren Angela, Christina, Jennifer, Nicholas, Lisa, Luke, Sydney, Michael, Addison, and Adam; great-grandchildren Gabe Kinder, Chase Kinder, Olivia Kinder, and Logan Schaefer. All who knew Angelo will forever remember him as a man of strength, intelligence, perseverance, and integrity. Angelo and Kathryn have been members of St. Helen Church since 1956. Those who wish to join us in celebrating Angelo’s life may offer condolences at TOBIAS FUNERAL HOME – BEAVERCREEK CHAPEL, 3970 Dayton-Xenia Rd. at Grange Hall Rd. on Friday, March 16th from 6:00 – 8:00pm, and/or attend a Memorial Mass on Saturday, March 17th at 10:30am at St. Helen Church, 5080 Burkhardt Rd. Fr. David Brinkmoeller celebrant. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Helen School, or Odyssey Hospice, both in Dayton Ohio. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.tobiasfuneralhome.com.