Obituary of Anthony J. Donato

Anthony J. Donato, Jr., a lifelong Madison resident, died peacefully on Thursday, August 23, 2018 in the loving embrace of his family. He was 88.

Anthony was born in Brooklyn on October 27, 1929 to the late Anthony J. Donato, Sr. and Amelia Donato (Nee Stanchi). He was a 4th generation Madisonian. He was raised in Madison since infancy and always had a deep admiration for his hometown. He was a graduate of St. Vincent Martyr School, Class of 1944 and Madison High School, Class of 1948. After high school he answered the call to serve his country in the U.S. Army. He served honorably in the 3rd Infantry Division – 7th Regiment Combat team. Anthony was honorably discharged from service and went to Fairleigh Dickinson University and Penn State University.

Anthony began his career in marketing. He was a talented young professional and quickly rose among the ranks to become a marketing executive with Avco Financial Services. He was with Avco’s Summit office before moving to the executive office in Piscataway for 30 years. He retired in 1987.

He served as a Madison councilman 1972 through 1974 and was instrumental in the Madison Downtown Development Commitee, acting as Downtown Manager from 1987 through 1999. He had a vast collection of historical photos and films from Madison. He was well versed in Madison history and was a member of the Madison Historical Society. He was a valuable resource when local information or photos were sought. Anthony enjoyed spending time reminiscing with old friends at the Central Lunch.

In his retirement, Anthony was extremely active and enjoyed time spent with his family. He was also a man of tremendous faith in God and his church, being a daily communicant at St. Vincent’s. He was an active member of the YMCA. As a collector of antiques, he loved old Americana and antique cars. He was witty had a great sense of humor, always telling a joke or two. Anthony also had a big heart and loved seeing the joy of Halloween and the fall season. He will be deeply missed by all that loved and knew him.

In addition to his parents, Anthony was preceded in death by his beloved brother, James Donato, Sr. & James’ wife, Peggy Donato; and one granddaughter, Sarah Sacco. He leaves behind his loving companion of 30 years and best friend, Noël Keller of Madison; his 5 devoted daughters, Darlene Bakur and her fiancé, Jay Rooney of Dewey Beach, DE; Lee Anne Stanley and her husband, Jerome of Basking Ridge; Karen Donato of West Orange; Toni Scotti and her husband, Gary of Madison; and Laurie Mindnich and her husband, Stephen of Madison; 13 cherished grandchildren, Jason Sacco, Jonathan Sacco (Krystle), Brynn Stanley, Jerome Stanley, Jr. (Katie), Jacqueline Connors (Keith), TJ Stanley, Kelli Scotti, Veronica & Katerina La Morgese, Andrew Mindnich (Candace), Christopher Mindnich & Peter Mindnich; 6 great-grandchildren, 1 expected great-grandchild, many loved nieces, nephews & good friends.

Funeral services will begin at 9:00AM on Tuesday, August 28, 2018 at the Madison Memorial Home, 159 Main Street, Madison followed by a 10:00AM Liturgy of Christian Burial celebrated at St. Vincent Martyr RC Church, Madison. Entombment will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Hanover. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend a visitation to celebrate Anthony’s life on Monday from 3:00PM to 7:00PM at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions can be made in Anthony’s memory to the following: St. Jude's Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105; Madison Volunteer Ambulance Corps, 29 Prospect Street. Madison, NJ 07940; Madison Fire Department, 62 Kings Road, Madison, NJ 07940; Madison PBA Local 92, 62 Kings Road, Madison, NJ 07940.

Condolences to the family may be made online by visiting our website at www.madisonmemorialhome.com