Donald V. DiDonato
October 17, 1936 ~ June 28, 2009
Donald V. DiDonato, 72, of Weirton, passed away Sunday, June 28, 2009 in the Weirton Medical Center. Born October 17, 1936 in Holliday's Cove, WV, he was a son of the late Domenic and Mary Maslowski DiDonato. He was also preceded in death by his granddaughter Nadine DiDonato.
With over 30 years of service, Mr. DiDonato retired from Weirton Steel where he worked as a foreman in the galvanizing department of the Sheet Mill and served as a union steward. He was a member of Weirton Heights Memorial Baptist where he formerly served as Deacon and was a member of the Pairs and Spares Sunday School Class. He was active in the Colliers Sportsmans Club, Brooke High School Band and Crew Boosters, past president of Edgewood PTA and was an avid Pittsburgh Steeler Fan, who was known to his family and friends as a wannabe coach. He was a great storyteller. In his spare time, he loved hunting, fishing, gardening, winemaking and building dollhouses for his grandchildren. He served his country in the US Army for three years.
Donald is survived by his wife Patty Mott DiDonato of Weirton, whom he married August 4, 1956; son David J. DiDonato and his wife Debbie of Charlotte, NC; daughters Cheryl Rada and her husband Jeff of Suwanee, GA and Nancy Yerushalaim and her husband Yehuda "Yuda" of Las Vegas, NV; sisters Rita Mentzer and her husband Don and Sharon Droppleman and her husband Larry all of Weirton; five grandchildren Leah and Ben Yerushalaim, Justin and Cari Rada and Sydney DiDonato; and his cat Misty.
Friends will be received Tuesday from 2-4 and 6-8 at the Greco-Hertnick Funeral Home, 3219 Main Street, Weirton where funeral services will be conducted at 11AM Wednesday. Reverend William Stout will officiate. Interment will be in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Weirton where Military Services will be conducted by the American Legion Firing Squad.
Donald's family would like to express their gratitude to Dr. Makar and his staff for all of the care for the past 30 years.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Weirton Heights Memorial Baptist Church, 121 Ivy Street, Weirton, WV 26062.
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Dear Geezer, I will always love and miss you. Thank you for everything, I know I’ll see you again someday. Love always, Leah
Patty and Family, My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Don was a wonderful man and I have very fond memories of him growing up especially on the 4th of July. All Our Love, Kevin, Jodi, Allysa and Ashlee
I will miss you so much, dad. You were always there for me. I am very blessed to have had you and Mom as my parents. I love you, buddy. Meet me by the river…
I love you, Dad! You were the very best grandfather on earth!You will always remain in our hearts forever. Love, Nancy
Dear Patty and Family, We are so very sorry to learn of Don’s passing away. I, Fran, have fond memories of serving him when coming to the Credit Union,,, such a gentleman. Know that our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time of grieving. Sincerely Fran & Stan
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. I will always have fond memories of Uncle Don, to include the family gatherings, the truck rides to crew events, and fishing at the Sportsman Club. Uncle Don always brought laughter no matter where he was. Heaven has received a good man.
I’ve been away from home for a long time now but never will fade are the memories of my beloved brother-in-law, Donnie. His and Patty’s delicious cooking and personally made wine and hospitality and laughter will remaine with me. Patty, your sister loves you and your family. My tears are falling for you all and for my memories. Sleep in peace, Donnie. We will meet again. Love, Sue
Uncle Don will be sorely missed by all of us. I am so grateful for the time I was able to spend with him throughout my childhood and also for the time our families spent together. He always had a great story to tell and could always make me laugh. I’ll always remember the times we went hunting, fishing, crew trips (especially to rowing camp) and our family get-togethers. As distant as we may be now, Don is a special part of both Devin and Shelby’s life. They will always remember Unkie Donnie and the time spent with him when we would come in to visit. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you and we miss you very much.
Dave, I am so sorry for you and your family’s loss. my prayers are with you and your family. with much love and respect. donna
Don was such a wonderful man and will be greatly missed. Our prayers are with the DiDonato family. ~ Brian and Amy Robinson
Patti, and family, I am so sorry to learn of Dons passing. We had some great times talking about sports and I remember him from Edgewood and how he helped me run for Board of Education. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. sincerly, jerry hamill
My condolences to the DiDonato family – Don was a class act and a true gentleman
Mrs. DiDonato and Family, I am so sorry to hear of Mr. DiDonatos passing. The boys and i will miss him greatly. He was a kind and generous man.Always a smile and a wave when we drove by. You both have played a big part in my life.And you both hold a special place in my heart. I will miss him greatly.You all are in my thoughts and prayer. stephanie bock Adam, Jonathan And Zachary
Dear David and Family, I just wanted you to know that I was thinking about you and that you are in my prayers. Carol
Dear Patti, Was sorry to hear about our good friend Donnie. He was a good guy and a good father. We treasure all the good times we had with the church activities & school days. God Bless you girl & know that Donnie will not have to suffer again. Love you, Nancy & Alex
You were the best grandfather anyone could ask for. I miss you so much and I will cherish the memories forever
Patty and family, I’m so sorry to hear of Donnies passing. We were neighbors for years, when he lived on Lee Ave. My prayers are with the family at this sad time
we are so sorry for your loss. although i never met him i have heard so many great things. he was a great man who will be greatly missed. you have our deepest sympathy.
Patty and family Sorry to hear about Don. We had many good times together. Walter and Alice Linn
To the DiDonato family You dont know me, but I worked with Donnie in the sheet mill. I was the clerk on his galvanize line. I really liked working with him. I am so sorry for your loss. I am also sorry that I couldnt pay my respects in person
To the DiDonato Family: My thoughts and prayers are with you. I remember Don from as far back as our High School Days…then throughout the years at the mill and the days of the Union.