Dominick Anthony Donato Jr.

Dominick Anthony Donato Jr., born June 24, 1933, passed away peacefully on February 8, 2026, at the age of 92. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Alice Donato; his parents, Dominick Sr. and Helen Donato; his great-grandchild, Gaige Pflueger; and his son-in-law, Frank Kondoudis.

Dominick is survived by his loving children, Debbie Kondoudis, Cynthia (Thomas) Cahill, and Jeff (Claire) Donato. He will be fondly remembered by his grandchildren: Brad (Patty) Henke, Melissa (Skippy) Pflueger, Melanie (Rob) Cantrell, Jessica (Ryan) Cresswell Clay, Michael Cresswell, Alissa (Nic) Hager, and Julia Donato. He also leaves behind his cherished great-grandchildren, Zoey Blanchard, Haley Henke, Dalton, Elijah, and Jace Pflueger, Wyatt Cantrell, Sophia Cresswell-Fowler, Layne, Reid, and Sidney Clay, and Hudson and Hayden Hager, all of whom brought him immense pride and joy.

He lived a life marked by service, loyalty, and a deep love for family and sport. As a young man, he was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals, a proud moment that reflected his talent and passion for baseball, before answering a greater call when he was drafted into the U.S. Army and served honorably during the Korean War. A devoted sports fan throughout his life, he cheered faithfully for his beloved St. Louis Cardinals and St. Louis Blues. He found joy in oldies music and cherished time with his family, creating lasting memories by taking his children camping and fishing in their younger years. In later life, he and his wife, Alice, enjoyed traveling together, especially trips to Branson and relaxing days on the beaches of Daytona, simple pleasures that reflected a life well lived and richly shared.

Visitation will be held at Lake View Funeral Home, located at 5000 North Illinois Street, Fairview Heights, IL 62208, on Sunday, February 15, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

The funeral service is scheduled for Monday, February 16, 2026, at 1:00 pm, also at Lake View Funeral Home. This will be followed by a committal service at Lake View Memorial Gardens, located at the same address.

Donations in memory of Dominick Anthony Donato Jr. may be made to Gateway Pet Guardians Animal Shelter, 725 N 15th, E. St. Louis, IL 62205. More information can be found at https://gatewaypets.org.