Anthony Joseph Donato

Two Anthonys: Anthony Joseph Donato holds his grandson.

ALTAMONT — Anthony Joseph Donato, a lover of nature, music, and cars, unexpectedly died on Monday, May 25, 2015. He was 57.

“He was a great brother, son, uncle, and grandfather,” said his daughter-in-law, Michelle Donato. “He was just really good with everyone.”

Mr. Donato was born on July 20, 1957 to Anthony and Catherine Donato. He shared his name with his father, son, and grandson, Michelle Donato said.

“All the ‘Anthony’s had different middle names,” she said. “He loved playing with his grandson,” she said about her father-in-law and her son, Anthony, 6. Her husband, Anthony, enjoyed talking about cars with his father, she said.

“They loved cars. They both had muscle cars,” she said. “That’s what they liked to talk about.”

“Tony enjoyed cars, nature, helping others, and music, but, most of all, he loved playing with his grandson,” Mr. Donato’s family wrote.

“He loved nature. He loved flowers, and water — that was his thing,” Michelle Donato said.

Mr. Donato was a member of the Voorheesville Rod and Gun Club.

“He brought many joys and laughs to everyone who knew him,” his family wrote in a tribute. “Tony was well-loved by many. He was a very kind-hearted man who was always willing to help anyone he could. His memories of laughter and joy will live in our hearts forever.”

****

Anthony Joseph Donato is survived by his mother, Catherine; his brother, Dale; his brother, Joe, and his wife, Rose; his sister, Ann Neander; his son Anthony, and his wife, Michelle; his grandson, Anthony; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Mr. Donato’s father, Anthony Donato, and his cousin, Anthony Donato, died before him.

The family will hold a memorial service at a later date.

— Jo E. Prout

The Altamont Enterprise is focused on hyper-local, high-quality journalism. We produce free election guides, curate readers' opinion pieces, and engage with important local issues. Subscriptions open full access to our work and make it possible.