Alfred A. Di Donato

TOPSFIELD – Mr. Alfred A. Di Donato, Jr. passed away on Sunday, March 19th. Born in the Bronx, New York, he was the son of the late Alfred A. and Maria (Coiro) Di Donato. He was the beloved husband of Kathleen (Jeffrey) Di Donato, with whom he celebrated 59 years of marriage. Mr. Di Donato has resided in the town of Topsfield for almost 50 years where he brought up his three children.

Known by family and friends as Al, he was raised in a largely Italian immigrant neighborhood of the Bronx and loved the rich history of the community. He would often recount stories of his childhood, and later in life took joy in reconnecting with people from the “old neighborhood”. He was a distinguished serviceman, having honorably served in the United States Navy as a Corpsman on the USS John Hood; as a Navy Corpsman he also served with the Marines. After his honorable discharge from the Navy, Alfred was a proud Teamster and later enlisted in the Massachusetts Army National Guard where he retired as a Recruiter, Sgt. 1st Class, totaling his military service career of 27 ½ years.

Alfred attended Newbury College and Northeastern University. Alfred loved history, and that included the stories he carried with him through his military service and love of travel. He took pride in visiting 47 states with his beloved wife Kathleen. They went on many adventures around the world, which involved cruises, trips cross-country, and to Italy to immerse himself in his family heritage.

Having proudly served his country and maintaining those strong bonds, Alfred was a member of the Tin Can Sailors veteran’s association, as well as a member of American Legion Post 255 in Topsfield for over 20 years where he sat as treasurer. He was also president of the reunion for the USS John Hood. Alfred was of the Catholic faith, and a communicant of St. Rose Church in Topsfield, where he was a lector for many years.

Alfred loved music, especially old country & Western, in the vein of Hank Snow & Johnny Cash. Al possessed a talent for being able to dabble with whatever instrument he put in his hands. He often could be seen joining-in on stage with local bands, playing the bongos, or belting out a song. He loved sports, but baseball above all. After his New York Giants left town he followed the Red Sox and was an umpire for local Mens’ softball leagues. More than anything though, Alfred loved his family. He proudly attended every event of his grandchildren that

he could, and loved spending every moment surrounded by them. He was truly devoted to his family above all.

In addition to his beloved wife, Kathleen, Alfred is survived by his children; Alfred J. Di Donato and his wife Nicole of Beverly, Carla Lucas and her husband Frank of Topsfield, and Danielle Martinez of Valencia, CA, grandchildren; Kyle Lucas, Kaylee Lucas, Lilah Di Donato, and Enzo Martinez, and siblings; Mario Di Donato, Settimo Di Donato, and Irene Di Donato, and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his siblings; Angelo Di Donato, Nicolas Di Donato, and Americo Di Donato.

ARRANGEMENTS: Relatives and friends are invited to his funeral service which will be held at O’Donnell Cremations – Funerals – Celebrations, 167 Maple St., (Rte. 62) DANVERS on Friday, March 24th, 2023 at 9:45 A.M. with his funeral mass to follow at St. Rose of Lima Parish, 12 Park St, Topsfield, MA, at 10:30 A.M. Visiting hours will be held Thursday, March 23rd, from 5 to 7 P.M. Burial in Pine Grove Cemetery, Topsfield. Expressions of sympathy may be made in Alfred’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com.

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