WESTBROOK -Gilbert Francis Donatelli, 95, passed on to be with his beloved wife, Theresa, on October 28, 2018, on the eve of her birthday. He was at home surrounded by his loving family. Gilbert was born on January 11, 1923, in Portland, Maine to Donato and Antonia (DiBiase) Donatelli.
He attended public school in Portland before joining the family construction company. Gilbert joined the Army in 1943, where he served in the 148th ordinance heavy automotive maintenance company, until his honorable discharge on December 16, 1945. After his discharge he returned to the family construction company.
He married Theresa in 1946 and prospered with a family of five children. In 1950, he incorporated D. Donatelli & Sons, Inc., becoming its president. The company specialized in stone, brick and cement work.
After he retired, Gilbert worked alongside his wife Teresa in the Portland public school system’s central kitchen, until 1992, when he went to work with his son Dan and his daughter-in-law Jo, at Donatelli Variety, until the age of 84. Gilbert was very active with Theresa in their spiritual ministries in the parish of St. Pius X Church in Portland, where Gilbert was a Eucharistic minister. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus and donated many hours to their activities.
He partnered with his wife to work with couples preparing to be married in the Catholic church through Pre-Cana for 7 years. Family always came first for Gilbert who made many trips with his wife to spend quality time with their children as they branched out across the country. In 1973 with his good friend Nunzi D’Alfonso, they formed the Construction League at Riverside Golf Course.
It still flourishes today. Gilbert was also, recently honored by the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers for his lifelong membership. Gilbert is predeceased by his wife of 71 years, Theresa Eva (Richard) Donatelli, who passed away on July 2, of this year.
Sister’s Mary Donatelli Ahearne, Anna Donatelli Pesce, and brother’s, Lawrence Donatello, Sr. and Dominic Donatelli. He is survived by his son Daniel and daughter-in-law Jo Donatelli, daughter Rosemary and son-in-law Jeff Grabarz, son Gilbert Jr. and daughter-in-law Mi Jin Donatelli, son Michael Donatelli, M.D. and son-in-law Peter Chien, M.D. PhD. and son David and daughter-in-law Tracy Donatelli.
he is also survived by eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. The entire family wishes to thank the staff of VNA Home Health & Hospice, South Portland, ME for the amazing care, love, support and top-notch professionalism received by our beloved father. Visitation will be on Sunday, November 4, 2018, from 5-7 p.m. at A.T. Hutchins Funeral Home, 660 Brighton Ave, Portland.
A funeral mass will be held at St. Pius X Church, 492 Ocean Ave, Portland at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, November 5, 2018. Interment with military honors will follow at Calvary Cemetery, South Portland.
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