David "Little D" Donato

When David Anthoni Donato walked into the room, those in his company felt an infectious energy. He was a clever and gregarious person who always looked for the humor in things. "Little D" was full of a rare energy which at times could be exhausting, but never, boring!

Growing up for David was like one big burst of laughter and fun. He would join in with friends and family in just about anything. This made his life quite interesting and led to many cherished memories. David was born on May 3, 1994 at Women’s Hospital in Las Vegas, Nevada. David loved nothing more than making both of his parents Nina & Dave laugh with playing tricks and practical jokes any time the opportunity was available. Although David always knew how to make them laugh, he never failed to appreciate the support, guidance, and 'as much as humanly possible' patience shown through the good times and bad. As a little boy he loved all things reptilian including lizards, snakes and tortoises. A very special memory of David was his capturing and selling lizards at a young age and making quite a nice profit, a Jr. Entrepreneur was on the rise! There was not an animal or for that fact, not one of God's creatures who David did not save, help or love.

He grew up on Firecracker Court which is rather ironic as his friends and family will attest that this describes him to a “T”. "David was a boundless explosion of energy; a born entertainer with the uncanny ability to keep the people around him amused with stories and tales. In addition, he really enjoyed letting his rabbit “Billy” run amok in the house, and as much as Mom wanted to be upset with him, she could not help but indulge his sense of fun! He will be missed by Britches and Beara, the family pets who probably wanted nothing more than to be left alone, but who always ended up sleeping right next to him.

He was raised with two brothers, Alexander and Christian. Though the three often fought with intense vigor as all boys will; at the end of the day they were as thick as thieves and supported one another come what may. Some very special memories for all three brothers were family trips to favorite places such as Disneyland, Sea World and Zion National Park. David and Alex especially enjoyed sharing the outdoors while David and Christian shared their love of skateboarding. David’s grandparents were Philip Donato, Maryann McCambridge, and Lucille Andrews. He was also very close to other family members most especially his Aunt Kim Donato and Cousin Kyle Donato; Aunt Angela Andrews and Cousin Paige Michaud.

Though at times he struggled academically he was nonetheless extremely bright and intelligent and had little trouble getting along with his peers. He enjoyed playing sports as a youngster, especially baseball, basketball, bowling, football and swimming. An active child, he belonged to the Boys and Girls Club and Big Brothers and Sisters. Some of his favorite hobbies were collecting bugs and trading cards and playing computer games with his brother. One of his favorite books as a child, was "No David," by David Shannen, of course.

David attended Derfelt Elementary and MJ Christiansen Elementary. Some of his biggest accomplishments during this time included winning his Little League Third Baseman trophy and a Yellow Ribbon for bowling.

David successfully finished 11th grade at Myle Achievement. He enjoyed learning and absorbed as much as he could from all of his teachers, and when struggling would use his wonderful imagination to help with assignments. He especially enjoyed Science with Mr. Watanabe, Algebra with Mrs. Ackers and Psychology with Mr. Boerner. His greatest passion in his teenage years was Fashion! He collected hats and shoes and dreamed of becoming the next great designer; he also loved music from Christian to R&B, if it rocked he rolled with it; just another part of what made David so uniquely David!

Throughout his life he made many, many friends. Some of his best friends during high school were Jon, Justin and Vince. Going to the park and shooting hoops was a favorite past time they shared as well as skateboarding and swimming in summer.

He learned about taking responsibility during this time in life and was deeply involved with his church and a devout Christian; attending youth ministry regularly. Family, friends and God were his greatest inspiration and source of comfort through out his life.

There was always a certain style and inventiveness to "Little D". He was a dynamic, self-expressive person who was forever looking to celebrate the endless possibilities life had to offer. He had a knack for being clever, creative, and funny. For others, he was a joy to be around. While he was often fiercely independent, many others looked to him for inspiration, leadership, wisdom, and even courage. David Anthoni Donato was always more than willing to share life’s experiences with those he loved. Perhaps, what was most important of all to David was if he could make you smile, or laugh… then all was right with the world.