Donald R. Donell
August 7, 1929 ~ April 11, 2011
Donald R. Donell, 81, of Weirton, WV died Monday April 11, 2011, at home with his family by his side.
Born on August 7, 1929, in Weirton, WV, Don was a son of the late, A.C. and Carmina Sessi Donell, He was also preceded in death by his brothers, Robert, Edward, and Carl A. Donell; sisters, Virginia Gelini, and Marie Steinkirchner.
Don graduated from Weir High School, the College of Steubenville, and the West Virginia University College of Law.
A United States Army Veteran, Don served in the nation’s capitol with the Judge Advocate General’s Office for the Military’s District of Washington, D.C. After returning to Weirton, he spent eight years with the Hancock County Prosecutor’s Office, while pursuing a private law practice.
In 1970 Don joined Starvaggi Industries, becoming the President and Chairman of the Board of Starvaggi Industries as well as its related foundation, Starvaggi Charities—positions he held for over 30 years.
Dedicated to local religious, healthcare, and charitable causes, Don was a former athletic director for Weirton Madonna High School. A member of Saint Joseph the Worker Roman Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus 3734. Over the years he served as a board member of the Bank of Weirton and Wesbanco a Board member of the National Coal Association, a member and past Chairman of the West Virginia Mining and Reclamation Association Board of Directors, Weirton Medical Center, where he presently was the board’s chairman; as a Trustee of the Franciscan University of Steubenville, and a member of the WVNCC Foundation Board. He also was on the executive board of the Weirton United Way, serving as vice chairman; he was a member of the Advisory Board of the Business Development Corp, and was a trustee of the J.C. Williams Charitable Trust.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Joan Bush Donell, their son, Robert A. Donell; their daughter, Lynn (Phillip) Dulaney; and their grandchildren, Aidan and Ethan Dulaney all of Weirton, WV.
Visitation will be 11 AM until time of Funeral Liturgy with Mass, at 12 noon Thursday at the Saint Joseph the Worker Roman Catholic Church, 229 California Ave, Weirton, WV
Rev. Fr. Dean Borgmeyer will preside.
Interment will follow at Saint Paul Cemetery with military honors conducted by the American Legion Honor Guard.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Saint Joseph the Worker Roman Catholic Church 220 California Avenue, Weirton, WV 26062 Weirton Madonna High School 150 Michael Way Weirton, WV 26062, or to the Weirton Medical Center Foundation 601 Colliers Way, Weirton, WV 26062.
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Dear Joan, Lynn, Rob, Phill, Aidan & Ethan: I am at a total loss for words. Don was a gentleman, a pillar of the community and a true servant of God. It took me a long time to figure that one out! I regret having “wasted” so many years of his company. Joan, you were the love of his life. Lynn & Rob, you were his treasures. And I know the boys were his pride and joy. We didn’t know that he had any medical conditions; but we should all know now that he is resting comfortably and without pain in the arms of God. I will miss him forever. But just think — he’s up in heaven with Albert and Angie, eating biscotti and pizzelles and talking about the old neighborhood! May God’s Love comfort you. Love always,
The Donell family, I am so sorry to learn of the death of Don. I just sent him a congratulations on Hall of Fame. He was so deserving and did a great job awarding my Dads award last year. He was a favorite of our Dad , Coach Hamill and it is a shame he did not make it to his day in Hall of Fame. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Carl Alan Hamill and Jerry Hamill
My thoughts and prayers go to Don’s family. I knew Don for only about one year but he made a very positive impact on both a personal and business basis.
Mrs. Donnell, Lynn, Rob and family, Was so surprised to hear of Mr. Donnell’s passing. Had just recently read the article in the paper about his Hall of Fame award. I have many treasured memories of time spent at your house, and the love of your remarkable family. I also still remember getting to travel to state with your family and what a wonderful time I had. Your blessings were many and you all will have lots of memories to keep close to your hearts. I will keep all of you in my prayers. God has a great new angel.
Dear Mrs.Donell,Lynn,Phil&Robbie: I am so sad to hear of Mr. Donnell’s passing! I loved him and his smile, his laughter and his wicked sense of humor! He was a wonderful human being! I was so happy that he and Mrs. Donnell came to my wedding in the Bronx – that was a special thing for me! I have many wonderful memories of him. He let Lynn and I get into a lot of trouble when we were growing up but he let us figure how to get out of it, too! Very brilliant! He will be assisting St. Peter shortly I’m sure!
Chris and I are sorry to hear of Don’s passing and send our condolences to all of Don’s family. I remember Don as generous, intelligent, and funny. I don’t know how he found the energy to do everything he did. He was an authentically good person and will be missed by all.
Rob , I am truly sorry to hear of your father’s passing. He was such a nice guy. My thoughts and prayers are with you!
I have many fond memories of Mr. Donell since he and my parents were good friends and neighbors for many years. He was a kind man and very helpful to the Ferrar family throughout the years. God bless him for his kindness and good deeds here on earth.
Joan, Lynn, Robert and family: We are so grateful that we had the chance to get to know Don. He was such a blessing to us, and his many acts of kindness to our family will be remembered and appreciated always. We are all so very sorry for your loss. We will continue praying for the repose of his soul, and for the Lord to comfort you all. In the Sacred & Immaculate Hearts, The Buck Family
To the Donnell Family, My deepest sympathies and prayers. I truly enjoyed Mr. Donnell since I was a small girl growing up in Weirton. He always went out of his way to make me feel welcome. Know that he has entered the Kingdom and will finally have eternal rest. Sincerely, Rita R. Ruszkowski daughter of Stan and Stella Ruszkowski
Sincere sympathy to the Donell family. The loss of a kind and thoughtful man. Don will be greatly missed.
Mrs. Donell and Lynn, I’m so sorry to hear of the loss of your husband / father. I would still see him in church when I came home to Weirton – ever the dapper man. He never seemed to age. I still remember his kindess for the Madonna kids that went to the University of Dayton. How cool was that to be flown back to college in a private plane! Didn’t know how lucky we were to know your family. Please accept my sympathies.
Mrs. Donell and family, For the past 11 years I had the pleasure of working with Don. He was blessed with a wonderful sense of humor and was always a gentleman as well a businessman with the highest integrity. Don was truly a unique and special human being. My favorite memories of Don will be of the passionate discussions about WV politics, the mining industry and WVU sports. From the Mississippi Lime family and the employees that worked with Don over the many years, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Mrs. Donell and Family, My sympathy on your loss. The City of Weirton and the State of West Virginia has lost a fantastic person in Mr. Donell’s passing. A truly great person that will be missed by all.
Our deepest sympathy to the Donell family. We have lost a kind and considerate man. Betty will miss his visits. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Anna Marie and Betty
Lynn & family, I was saddened to hear of your father’s passing. I have always thought he was such a friendly and giving man. Any time I ran into him, he would stop and ask me how the family was. I am sure you are proud to have had him in your life and now in your heart and memories forever.My thoughts and prayers are with you and your fsmily. Love, Beth (smith) Fracasso
Dear Donell Family, My heart aches for you as you remember and celebrate one of my favorite guys 🙂 When I think of Mr. Donell, I think of hearing him sing in the pew behind us as I sat on my Papap’s lap at St. Joe’s. He was always pleasant, always interested, always generous, and always a gentleman. He was a timeless treasure to our town and to our family. His memory and interest in what was going on with so many people is inspiring. A shining example of a friend to people of all ages, I will miss seeing that beaming smile when we visit “home.” I’ll think of him and you every time I enjoy one of our Martinsburg peaches. We love you. May God comfort you as you celebrate a life filled with such joy and shared with so many. Nicole and Brent Sergent, Gabriella, and Leila Grace
My condolences to the family.I was sorry to hear of Don’s passing. I was looking forward to celebrating (with him)his induction into the Weirton Hall of fame! He use to kid me about the flags he threw when I played at Weir High! He will be missed!
To the Donell Family, If there was a Saint from Weirton,Wv. it would be Don Donell. The compassion that he had for mankind was so beautiful. I felt that just being a friend of his was a great honor. We will miss him and keep him in our prayers. Allan & Stephanie
Dear Joan,LynnMarie, & Robbie: Am very saddened to hear of Donnie’s passing. Although time and miles separate us now, I feel like a kid in Weirton again to remember his ready smile and handshake. He could always light up a room, and made everyone he met feel special. Please accept my heartfelt condolences. Wish I could be with you all at this sad time.
Papa, you were a wonderful man, and I have cherished having you in my life growing up. I could not have asked for a better grandfather. I will always have the memories of you giving me and Aidan rides to school every day, and all the time we spent together. And yes, Papa, I got my homework done.
Dear Joan, Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Please accept our deepest sympathy. Pat
Don always a very special person, lived up to each of his bests traits throughout his life, he was intelligent, caring, willing, persistent, ironically humorous and fair. My/our family’s relationship with Donnie was loving and consistent in every aspect of having graced one another’s life. His spirit of justice will reign and always be remembered as a tribute to his soulfulness …DD. Charles & Lauren
Joan and Family My deepest sympathy at this time over the loss of “Donny.” He and my mother, Betty (Mancuso/Orecchio/Varlas) were born on the exact same day of the exact same year, and they would often remind me or my siblings of that fact whenever we would see him at functions or gatherings. I will always remember how respectful and friendly Donny would treat me or my family, in spite of fallings out we had (since my father’s death many years ago) with certain relatives of mine with whom Don has had close affiliation over the years. He was the backbone of my great-uncle Mike Starvaggi’s company, in that he has kept the company alive ever since Uncle Mike’s and Aunt Ange’s passing. This community will sadly miss Mr. Donell. I will miss seeing his presence at Mass. May he now rest in peace, and may your family find consolation at this difficult time!
Joan and Family My deepest sympathy at this time over the loss of “Donny.” He and my mother, Betty (Mancuso/Orecchio/Varlas) were born on the exact same day of the exact same year, and they would often remind me or my siblings of that fact whenever we would see him at functions or gatherings. I will always remember how respectful and friendly Donny would treat me or my family, in spite of fallings out we had (since my father’s death many years ago) with certain relatives of mine with whom Don has had close affiliation over the years. He was the backbone of my great-uncle Mike Starvaggi’s company, in that he has kept the company alive ever since Uncle Mike’s and Aunt Ange’s passing. This community will sadly miss Mr. Donell. I will miss seeing his presence at Mass. May he now rest in peace, and may your family find consolation at this difficult time!
Lynn & family, I am truly sorry to hear of your fathers passing. My thoughts & praywers are with you.
Joan and family, Our friendship developed when we were youngsters and was continually ongoing. Don was a wonderful man and a definite asset to the community. I’m sorry I can’t be there to say my good-byes but he will be remembered in prayer as will all of his family. God bless you all. John & Elaine Echelle Navarre, FL
Our hearts were deeply saddened when we heard of Mr. Donell’s passing. We have nothing but good memories of him, and will miss seeing him & talking with him. His friendliness will never be forgotten. Weirton has lost a great man. Rest in Peace Mr. Donell!
My thoughts are with you dearest Donell’s. Mr. Donell and all of you have a special place in the Asfour family hearts and minds. Every Sunday at church there you were in our ‘section’ and you shared our family joy and sorrow my whole life. I remember the embrace Mr. Donell gave me in church after he saw me catch my dad who fell on his way to communion…..I needed that HUG! Love to you all, celebrate the joy he brought to all of us! xoxoxoxox
To the Donell Family: You have my deepest condolences. Mr. Donell has been a good friend to me since I was in college and I always appreciated the time he spent with me giving me guidance and advice. He was a good man and a good friend. He will be missed. You are in my prayers.
I could not have asked for a better Uncle. Both Jackie and I will miss him deeply. I can hardly wait until we are all reunited once again.
dear joann. that’s how i remember people calling you alot of memories started to flow thu my mind when i read don’s obituary.aunt and uncle bush, george bush, margie, comic books, family get together’s,marietta, newport all of those. here we are at the end of our lives, not much time left,but good memories. don was a great person, and we were proud of his accomplishments!!your family has our sympathy.love tony and jeannie
Dear Joan, Lynn, Robbie and families, I am so sorry to hear of Donnie’s passing. I will always remember his big smile and big hugs…always made me feel special. He was kind and wise and generous and so smart. He will live on in our hearts and memories. Love to you all. Carolyn (Joe’s baby)
Joan and family, We are so sorry to hear of Donny’s passing. Our sympathies and prayers are with you as you grieve at this time. The 60 years of marriage are such a wonderful tribute to both of you and our hope is that the memories bring you comfort. Francine (Bundy) Swiger and John Swiger
I’m Chuck Bundy’s daughter. I always remember Donny’s great smile; he always had a funny story for us. He was a great guy and we know how he loved his family. Our sympathy and prayers to all of you.
Joan, Lynn-Marie, Robbie and Family – The last time that I saw Donny was when my grandmother (“Aunt Louise”) passed away – hard to believe it’s been almost 17 years! I will always remember Donny’s kindness during that most difficult time. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. With Deepest Sympathy, Dianne Hayhurst Casson
Dearest Joan & family, Donny and you are such an important part of my childhood memories. How appropriate that I grew up on Donell Street! The handsome, young lawyer and his beautiful wife who lived at the top of the street gave me my first job babysitting for their lively, affectionate daughter. Throughout my life, Donny and you showed that you cared about me and my family in so many ways. Though Donny was a busy professional and dedicated community servant, he was never too busy for others. One of the last to leave church after mass, he always took the time to ask how we and our children were doing. In so many ways, he was a wise, generous, positive, faith filled, and loving man. May many happy memories comfort you. I will never forget Donny’s goodness and impact on my life. Fay Asfour Stump
Dear Mrs. Donell, Lynn, Robby and family, Mr. Donell is someone that will always have a very special place in my heart as well as a very positive influence all throughout my high school and adult years. I was always so proud to say I knew him and would always get a very positive and impressive response from anyone and everyone who knew him and everyone always had the upmost respect for him. He was a one of a kind genuine man and loving father and husband. I am so privilged to of known him. The world would be such a wonderful place if there were more people like him. I am sure heaven is celebrating his arrival as we are all so much better for knowing him here on earth. My love and sympathy, Always, Terry Bailey Klaczak
Joan, I look up the Weirton Daily Times on my computer every day. I was shocked when I saw your husbands name on the obituary page. My parents thought so much of you two. My dad talked about Don so much. Your mom and dad were my parents delight. I just had to write and tell you how sorry I was to hear the news about your husband. Karen Vandercoy Broekemeier
The Horvath family extends our sympathy to the entire Donell family. Donnie was a good a friend to many of us. Sincerely, John & Norma Horvath, David, Danny & Diane.
Dear Joan and family; Sending my deep condolences on Don’s passing…even 81 yrs is too short. I recall so many morning breakfasts at the convent after mass and am grateful for all he did for us and for the school. Know I send my sympathy and prayers.
Dear Mrs. Donell, I had the pleasure of meeting you and Mr. Donell at the West Virginia Mining & Reclamation Annual Meeting at The Greenbrier many years ago. My father, Michael Baronick of Cherry Valley which is near Burgettstown, worked for Starvaggi Industries since about 1950 until he retired in 1978 when he and my mother moved to Summersville, West Virginia, to be near me, my husband, Bill Bright, and our children. My dad died at 90 years of age in 2005, and my mom died in 2008 at 92 years of age. Dad always spoke highly of Don Donell, and he had the opportunity of talking with him at one of those Greenbrier meetings. I am truly sorry to know of his death through the Charleston Gazette. Please accept my deepest sorrow for the loss of your best friend of 60 years. Most sincerly, Patricia B. Bright
Dear Mrs. Donell, Mr. Donell’s contributions to the history of Weirton can fill books. His preservation of two P & W buses and his assistance to those who are restoring the buses, makes him a man who cared about what future generations could see and touch of our past. What a contribution to tomorrow’s children. You have my sincere sympathy for your loss.
Joanne… sorry for your loss…
No one is Donny’s family will remember me, but Donny was the first boy who ever told me he loved me…I think we were about seven years old at the time. I always cherished that memory.. he was a real cutey. So sorry to hear he is gone. My symphony to Joanne…I remember you as well.
Dear Lynn, Mrs. Donell and family, My deepest condolences to you and your family of your loss. I had the pleasure of meeting and knowing your family many years ago. It is a great memory that I treasure and will always keep. I know what a great family you have and you have my sincere condolences. You are in my thoughts and prayers. May God Bless your Dad as well as you and your family. I am so sorry that I was unaware of this news until now.