Fred Donatelli

February 17, 1932 - May 06, 2019

Visitation: Wednesday and Thursday, 2-4 & 6-8PM, Devlin Funeral Home, 806 Perry Hwy. Pgh, PA 15229

Service: Friday, 10AM St. Athanasius Church, 7 Chalfonte Ave., Pgh, PA 15229


Frederick (Fred) Donatelli, Jr., 87, of Ross Township, passed away peacefully at home on the morning of Monday, May 6, 2019. He was born on February 17, 1932, in Pittsburgh, PA to the late Frederick Sr., and Celeste Donatelli

In 1965, he founded Fred Donatelli Cemetery Memorials in the North Hills of Pittsburgh, followed in later years by Pittsburgh Cremation Service and OakCrest Pet Crematory. Together, these three companies demonstrate the strong commitment and significant investment that Fred and his wife Deloris made over the years to excellence in customer care in the memorial and funeral industries. Many family members have worked, and continue to work in the business, providing strong work ethic among their eight (8) children. Fred was involved for decades with the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science (PIMS) most recently serving as Chairman of the Board of Directors. He loved to share his knowledge with PIMS students and served as a local teacher of the proper methods of cremation service, as well as the importance of a “good attitude” in all aspects of life. He served the community in many ways: as a member of Incarnation Parish’s Finance Council, a Ross Township Commissioner, and a past President of the West View Area Kiwanis. Fred was also an avid supporter of the Knights of Columbus in Bellevue and the North Hills Chamber of Commerce. Other professional organizations benefiting from Fred’s involvement include the Allegheny County Funeral Directors Association (ACFDA), the Cremation Association of North America (CANA), the International Association of Pet Cemeteries and Crematories, and the Monument Builders of North America. Fred’s companies were recognized with a Family Business Award by the Pittsburgh Business Times in 2015.  In his retirement years, Fred loved chatting with visitors at the office, enjoying lunch with his wife at Rico’s Restaurant, and enjoying many family events and celebrations.

He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Deloris (Bosetti) Donatelli, children, David (Barbara) Donatelli of Hatboro, PA, Joann (Russ) Fischer of Charlotte, NC, Diane (Bill) Malivuk of Cranberry, PA, Fred “Corky” (Kathy) Donatelli of Ross Township, PA, Vincent (Sharon) Donatelli of Galena, OH, Philip (Jill) Donatelli of Clairton, PA, Julie (Bruce) Krist of Allison Park, PA and Laurie (Bill) Rossi of West Deer, PA; Grandchildren, David, Scott, Greg, Jeffrey, Jonathan, Melissa (Wes), Justin (Trisha), Jennifer (Andrew), Lauren, Derick, Andrew, Allison, Sam, Anthony, Victoria, Mario, Dominic, Jason, Ryan, Sarah, Maria, Gabriella, and Nicolas, four great grandchildren, brother James Donatelli of Pittsburgh PA, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sisters Mary Margaret Siciliano and Eugenia Mulle’, and brothers Thomas F. Donatelli and Reverend Philip  J. Donatelli.

Friends are welcome Wednesday and Thursday  from 2- 4 & 6-8PM  at DEVLIN FUNERAL HOME, Inc. 806 Perry Hwy., Ross Twp. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10AM Friday, May 10, 2019, in St. Athanasius Church, 7 Chalfonte Ave., Pgh, PA 15229.  Interment will follow in Christ our Redeemer Cemetery, Ross Township.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105, www.stjude.org

Send Flowers    Shop Gifts    Print Obituary    Share Obituary

Guest Book Signatures

  • Cynthia Glaab-White

    So sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you and your family.

  • David C. Tumminello

    My condolences to Deloris, Corky, Phillip and all of the Donatelli family. I have known Fred all of my life. Of course Fred and my dad were best friends and I remember plenty of visits between the two of them. Fred gave me advice at a very young age to save every penny it adds up.. I never forgot that. Fred was a “Good egg’ with a strong work ethic. I am so glad that I knew him and the positive impact he had on my life. He will always have a place in my heart. Rest in peace Fred.

  • Patrick Lanigan

    To Deloris, Corky, Phil and familia:
    I am deeply saddened by the death of Fred. He was a mentor to me and thousands of others. His passion for funeral service and memorialization was unsurpassed and it was contagious. I will always remember him for his generosity , his devotion to our profession, his thirst to educate others and his Life’s Attitude. I am deeply saddened that I cannot attend his Mass of Christian Burial but he and all of your familia will be prayed for privately.

  • Patrick Lanigan

    To Fred’s family:
    Fred was a most devoted man to our profession and respected to the highest of standards. I will remember him and thank him for his passion, his generosity and, of course, his attitude. May his memory be eternal.

  • Kathy

    Text

  • Gary S Silvat

    As a young funeral director, I met Fred in mortuary school and he was warm, inviting, helpful, informative and genuinely friendly. He was multifaceted about life, the funeral industry and family. His success was based on his ability to connect and build a relationship with everyone. I enjoyed so many conversations sitting at that table in the office and him enjoying one of his favorite pastimes. Mr. Donatelli, as I knew him, always greeted me with a smile, firm handshake and a roaring greeting of, “How are you young man.” He made me feel welcome and important even when I was just a student. He talked of his family often, my life and philosophy of both. He even talked business, always giving me sound progressive wisdom. He is part of who I have become as a funeral director and man. My sincere sympathies to the entire Donatelli family and my thank you for sharing him him us.

  • Kim Weigand

    My deepest sympathy to Fred’s family. He was always a joy and a gentleman when we served together on the Ross Board of Commissions.

  • Jack Miller

    Fred was a character in the best sense of the word. His foundation was his Catholic Faith; his love was his family; and his joy came in serving his community. I will miss his honesty and sense of humor. Fred’s relocation to the place that has been prepared for him in heaven will leave a hole here, but take consolation in knowing that we’ll see Fred again when our time comes.

  • Kimberly Rothert

    So deeply sorry for the loss of such a wonderful man. I looked forward to seeing Mr. & Mrs. Donatelli every weekend at Joe’s Rusty Nail and making him his special “Fred” omelet over the years. His memory will always be held fondly in my heart. Rest peacefully until we will see eachother again.

  • Dean Locher

    We are very sorry for your loss. Our heartfelt sympathy and prayers.

 

Assocations
Butler County Chamber of Commerce

Start typing and press Enter to search

 

Get the latest updates from Devlin Funeral Home:

Sister Mary Julia ZilkaJoseph L Rauso