JoAnn Di Donato 92, of Rye Brook, New York, former longtime resident of Pelham, NY, passed away peacefully December 3rd, 2020. Born September 23, 1928, on 108th Street, NYC, she was predeceased by her devoted husband of 60 years, Anthony J. Di Donato.

JoAnn was a loving mother to her four children and a supportive and dedicated wife to her husband Anthony. Her children meant everything to her and she never stopped dedicating her life to them. She selflessly shared her time in the service for others also, volunteering for many organizations serving the Pelham schools and community. She was a volunteer Physical Fitness Instructor and a Cheerleader Supervisor at St. Catherine’s Parochial School in North Pelham and a Girl Scout Troop Leader for her two daughters for over 10 years. As her children grew, she expanded her service to others in her community, hosting parties for the Handicap Children of Pelham, delivering hot meals to the homebound with the Meals-On-Wheels program, and driving Pelham Seniors to outings (before town bussing became available). Her contributions to the community did not go unnoticed, JoAnn was honored by being the first person to receive the prestigious Pelham Recreation Commission’s Annual Dr. John L. Marshall Award for Volunteer Service. Dr. John L. Marshall, was a pioneer and leader in the field of Sports Medicine who died on February 12, 1980 in an airplane crash at Lake Placid on route to the Winter Olympic Games, as Team Physician for the U.S. Olympic Ski Team.

She continued her giving nature by serving as President of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Pelham Civic Association and heading the PCA’s Annual Dinner Dance committee.

All of her eleven grandchildren loved their Grandma deeply. She gave her time and love to each and every one of them.

JoAnn and Anthony enjoyed boating and bowling, forming the “DiDonato Bowling League” where many of their good friends would get together for a fun filled evening and enjoyed their annual weekend bowling trip. JoAnn would always make sure it was a fun time. She enjoyed being with people, and she was not afraid to be the center of attention among her many friends from her home town of Pelham.

JoAnn is survived by her sister Mary Gallina, her sister-in-law Joan Di Donato, her two sons Julian and Salvatore, her two daughters Gena and Diane, her daughters-in-law, Marietta, and Zulma, her son-in-law Tom Roth and her 11 grandchildren, Kristy, Joanna, Rosemarie, Jay, Justine, Monica, Andréa, Michelle, Danielle, Holly, and Tommy, and her great-grandchildren, Julia, Cayden, Olivia and Caleb.

The Funeral Mass celebrating her life will be held at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Pelham Manor on Tuesday at 11:00 AM. Burial will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Valhalla, NY.

Editor’s note: This obituary was provided by the Pelham Funeral Home.