Joseph John Donatoni

Joseph John Donatoni was born March 18, 1931, to Giovanni and Maria (Maganotti) in the small village of Ossenigo, within the province of Verona Italy. He was the youngest of 3 sisters and 6 brothers. He learned at a very young age to help tend the vineyards and animals of their family farm. Due to WWII the family was separated for over 10 years. In 1947, Joe, his mother, sister Geraldine and Brother Domenic joined his father and brothers Louie, Henry, Bruno, Jimmy and Jerry in Santa Monica Ca. He began his career as a gardener/landscaper in gardening under their instruction. He belonged to the Hollywood Horticultural Society and Bowling leagues throughout the 1960’s. He served in the US Army, with active service in Germany from 1952 to 1954. Discharged after Army Reserve status in 1960. He proudly became a US Citizen in 1954.

Always claiming the United States to be the best country in the world, he would only own American cars. He married Mary Ellen Casey in 1955 and moved into their first home in West Los Angeles. In 1974 he purchased Mary Ellen’s childhood home in Santa Monica and oversaw an extensive remodeling project. In the late 80’s he would add a second story to the home. Besides his professional gardening business, Joe self-taught himself and excelled in plumbing, electrical, painting and mechanical projects. After retirement in 1988, he became a voracious reader, spent many days fishing at their home at Lake Gregory, Ca, Golfing with lifelong friends and traveling to 39 countries, 42 states and Washington DC.

Joseph is survived by his wife of almost 70 years Mary Ellen, son Joseph, daughter Joanne and son-in-law Michael Moore. He was a most attentive and loving Nonno to Allison, Jacqueline and Alexander Moore. He is also survived by his sister Geraldine Gioiello and numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Monica Catholic Church earmarked to their Livestream ministry which has provided Sunday mass and continued parish connection to Joseph and Mary Ellen for over the past 5 years. Donations may also be made to St. John’s hospital in Santa Monica, which provided him excellent care.