Michael Donato

He was the son of the late Anthony and Eugenia (Fahmy) Donato. He was predeceased by his beloved wife Joanne Pasquarelli Donato with whom he shared 55 loving years of marriage. He is survived by his devoted daughters, Michelle D. Ficocelli, and her husband Anthony, and Melanie L. Donato. He was the Gido (Grandfather) to Michael and Alexis Ficocelli. Michael was the little brother of Josephine Nassaney and the late Basil A. Donato. He leaves behind many nieces and nephews, who he, with his wife, treated like their own. He also leaves behind his buddies, Coal Kitty, Isla and Willow.

Michael grew up in Central Falls, RI with his two siblings in a close knit Syrian family. Mike was a man of immense humor. It was his lack of seriousness at times that brought joy to those around him. Always armed with a joke or a prank, no one was safe.

He was a selfless man, always putting his family first, a true gentleman and an amazing father and husband.

Mike was a people person, talking to everyone wherever he went. This skill served him well when he started out as a barber in the early 60s and in the late 60s when he became the manager of Almac’s Supermarket. This is where his love for produce really kicked in. Mike could pick out a melon like no other. He spent some years working for Calise’s Bakery and then spent 25 years working for Shaw’s Supermarket where he retired in 2010, to play with his grandchildren.

Mike enjoyed being outside in his garden, filling his bird feeders and propagating new plants and trees for his loved ones. Everyone he knows has a small maple tree growing in their yards! He loved watching his grandchildren play sports and he loved Publishers Clearing House!

Mostly, Mike loved to be surrounded by his family and friends, where he would often break out dancing to their delight! He was truly a people person. This is what brought him the most joy. His presence will be missed.

Visitation will be held Monday from 4pm to 7pm. Funeral is Tuesday at 9am from the PONTARELLI-MARINO HOME, 971 Branch Avenue, Providence followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 am in St. Anthony Roman Catholic Church, 1413 Mineral Spring Avenue, North Providence.

Burial will follow at St. Basil the Great Cemetery, Cumberland.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Holy Family Home (for Mothers and Children) 5 Gibbs Street, North Providence, RI 02904