She was born on June 28, 1956 in Pittsburgh, PA to the late Frederick Donatelli and is survived by her mother, Deloris Donatelli, as well as her loving husband of 39 years, Russ, and their devoted son Jonathan of Gainesville, FL.
Joann was very close to her seven siblings: David (Barbara) Donatelli of Hatboro, PA, Diane (Bill) Malivuk of Cranberry, PA, Fred “Corky” (Kathy) Donatelli of Ross Township, PA, Vincent (Sharon) Donatelli of Galena, OH, Philip (Jill) Donatelli of Clairton, PA, Julie (Bruce) Krist of Allison Park, PA and Laurie (Bill) Rossi of West Deer, PA; many nieces and nephews: David, Scott (Joanna), Greg, Jeffrey, Melissa (Wes), Justin (Trisha), Jennifer (Andrew), Lauren, Derick, Andrew, Allison, Sam, Anthony, Victoria, Mario, Dominic, Jason, Ryan, Sarah, Maria, Gabriella, and Nicolas; and great nieces and nephews Sierra, Levi, Barret, Claire, and Harrison. Joann is also preceded in death by her mother and father-in-law, George and Leona Fischer, and her brother-in-law, Barry Fischer, of Orangeburg, SC. She is also survived by brother-in-law George (Luann) Fischer of Summerville, SC, his son Nick Fischer of Chicago, IL, and brother-in-law Brian (Melinda) Fischer of Lakeland, FL.
Joann graduated from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh PA with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and from Robert Morris University in Pittsburgh PA with a Master’s in Business Administration. She began her career in Pittsburgh with Bell Atlantic, and eventually transferred to AT&T. Joann quickly moved up the ranks at AT&T in various divisions, achieving measurable success in marketing, planning and financial analysis. Her career led her to the North Carolina market, where she became General Manager of AT&T Wireless Services, responsible for the launch of the company’s commercial entry across the entire state. Joann then turned to a new challenge and for fifteen years, she became one of the founding members of the Berkley Group, LLC, managing cell tower negotiations, placement, and construction along with her partners. Joann also became a licensed and respected real estate agent.
Joann was the ultimate organizer and had a passion for learning, reading, and planning. She enjoyed travelling, knitting, making jewelry, spending time with family and friends, watching her hummingbirds, her book club, and volunteering at the Providence Day School and Discovery Place and past president of the Guild.
A Memorial Mass will be held Monday, February 1, 2021 at 2:00pm at McEwen Funeral Service - Mint Hill Chapel 7428 Matthews Mint Hill Rd. Mint Hill, NC 28227. Family will receive friends following the service. For Joann's family & friends in Pittsburgh, a Memorial Service will be held Saturday, February 6, 2021 at 11:00am at Assumption Roman Catholic Church 45 North Sprague Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15202.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105, www.stjude.org
Online condolences may be offered at www.mcewenminthillchapel.com
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