Mary Donna (Albanese) Newman

Mary Donna (Albanese) Newman, age 97, passed away on Monday, August 13, 2012. She was born in Columbus, Ohio, on June 28, 1915. Mary Donna was the daughter of Nick Albanese. Nick was well-known in Columbus for owning/managing the Arabian Grill, the Arabian Supper Club, and the Showboat. Donna’s father was a constant anchor and inspiration in her life. Mary Donna met Hank Newman when they both worked at WHKC radio station, and they married in 1940. Hank and his brothers formed the very popular country western group, The Georgia Crackers, and later Hank became a member of the Columbus Senior Musicians Hall of Fame. After the group retired and encouraged by the inspiration of her father, Donna and Hank opened their own restaurant, Hank Newman’s Pizza Palace. The restaurant enjoyed four generations of patrons and friends before closing after celebrating 40 years of business. The restaurant and all of the people who entered it brought Donna more joy and satisfaction than words can express. Many people will remember the unique “candy bags” that all the kids received. The energy she received from all the happy memories motivated her to continue making her famous salads at Kristina’s Pizza in Gahanna. Donna loved working at this restaurant while she was in her 80s and 90s. Donna was preceded in death by her husband, Hank Newman; her parents, Nick Albanese, Dorothy Albanese and Angeline Albanese, who became Donna’s second mother after Dorothy died when Donna was only 5 years old; and five brothers, Jackie, Jerry, James, Michael, and Edgar. Donna is survived by her loving and very close brother, Robert “Bobby” and his wife Jessica; her sister-in-law, Claudia Albanese, wife of Michael Albanese; her sister-in-law, Virginia Robinette, wife of James Albanese; and numerous loving nieces and nephews, past employees, and devoted friends. Special love and thanks are given to Merrilyn Travis who was like a wonderful daughter to Donna. Merrilyn’s companionship, care and understanding were a comforting part of Donna’s life for almost fifty years. Thanks also go to Jim Hedrick. For over 30 years, Jim was a dear and giving friend who kept Donna’s life full of surprise birthday parties, trips to Europe, and good conversation. Donna was a proud member of the Grandview Heights High School Class of 1934, and throughout her life continued contact with some of her high school classmates. Also, Donna loved living in Columbus and was one of its most vocal boosters. Donna wants everyone to know she is so thankful to have had all the ups and downs in her life. Together they made her the person she became – happy, grateful, strong, loving, and accepting. She loved God and the life He gave her, and everyone she knew loved her. Donna was fond of saying “When I get up there I’m going to ask God, why were you so good to me?” Friends may call Sunday, August 19th, 2012 from 5:00pm-7:00pm at the SCHOEDINGER NORTHEAST CHAPEL1051 E. Johnstown RD. (at Beecher RD) Gahanna. A mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, August 20, 2012 at 10:30am at St. Thomas the Apostle, 2692 E. Fifth Ave. Columbus, Ohio, Father Denis Kigozi, Celebrant. Interment to follow at Mifflin Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, anyone who chooses may send a contribution in Donnas name to St. Thomas the Apostle Church. Visit www.schoedinger.com to share a favorite memory or send a condolence.