Obituary of Samuel Donato

An Extraordinary Life

Samuel A. Donato, 95, passed away peacefully at home on October 14, 2024.  He leaves a revered legacy as a loving spouse, devoted father, cherished grand- and great grandfather, considerate family member, loyal friend, respected businessman, upstanding community member and faith filled servant.

Born to Italian immigrants Fannie and Anthony Donato in 1929, Samuel learned the values of family, faith, hard work, honesty and integrity through his parents.  He attended Cardinal Hayes High School, where the teachers fostered his potential, his faith and his spirit, which eventually led him to Manhattan College.  He was the first in his family to achieve a college degree, which he used to launch and continue his professional career at Standard Oil, General Electric, NBC and the school districts of Mineola, Wantagh, Port Jefferson, Roslyn, Hempstead and Lawrence. Sam was well known and sought out for his financial prowess, strong communication and problem solving skills.

Samuel was active at Corpus Christi parish and primarily at St. Aidan’s church where he was a lecturer, head usher at the 12:00 mass and piano player.  Immaculate Mary will forever resonate in the halls of St. Aidan’s!

Samuel was a longtime member of the Knights of Columbus fraternal organization serving as Grand Knight and later as treasurer.  He was also honored as the Kiwanis Man of the Year.

Samuel’s most important and revered role was as a loving husband to his first love, Lois, and later, his loving life mate, Dolores. He grew to be the patriarch of his family of 12 children.  Samuel nurtured, cared for and encouraged each of his children to strive for and achieve their intended callings. With a “reach for the stars” optimism, Samuel was the constant for counsel and navigating life’s next steps. Dolores and Sam were a formidable team guiding a burgeoning family to eventually include 22 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren.  Each and everyone of them were stars in their eyes surrounded effusive love and unconditional support. Not a birthday was missed nor a life event not celebrated in this grand family!

Samuel was predeceased by spouses Lois (DeSanto) Donato ‘67, Dolores (Jackman) Donato’16, son Thomas Donato ‘20, parents Fannie and Anthony Donato,  sister Marie Barton and brother Dominic Donato.  He is survived by his brother Anthony Donato (Ronnie), and his children Susan LaFex (Thomas), Katharine Donato, Arlene Kick (Peter), Richard Briggmann (Lori), Stephen Donato (Jane), Thomas Briggmann, Kathleen O’Connor (Joe), Donna Clement (Randy), Matthew Donato (Anne), Elizabeth Moran (Thomas) and Mark Donato. He is also survived by 22 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren.

His life was a rich tapestry, and his legacy an everlasting memory.

Donations can be made to the St. Francis Breadline 144 West 32nd St., NY, NY 10001or

Good Shepherd Hospice 110 Bi-County Blvd, Set 114, Farmingdale, NY 11735

Services: 10/17/24, 2-4:30 and 6-9 at Weigand Brothers Funeral Home, 49 Hillside Ave, Williston Park, NY.

Funeral mass: 10/18/24, 10:00 at St. Aidan’s Church, 505 Willis Ave., Williston Park, NY.