Russell Donati

In Loving Memory of Russell Donati

Russell Donati passed away peacefully in his sleep on Monday, July 13, just one month shy of his 77th birthday. He spent his final day worshiping at church, cheering on his grandson from the baseball stands, and visiting with his son. It was a day filled with faith, family, and love, a fitting reflection of the life he lived.

Russell leaves behind his devoted wife of nearly 55 years, Donna; his children, Melissa, Valerie, and Matthew; his sons-in-law, Adam and Dustin; his daughter-in-love, Annika; and his seven cherished grandchildren: Madelynne, Nolan, Easton, Reagan, Kensington, Dawson, and August. He is also lovingly remembered by his siblings, many dear brothers- and sisters-in-law, treasured nieces and nephews, and countless friends whose lives were enriched by knowing him.

Russell was born on August 13, 1949, in Albion, Michigan, to Esther and Leo Donati. When he was just six months old, the family moved to California and eventually settled in Long Beach, where he grew up alongside his younger siblings, Daryl and Janet. Russell would often recount fond childhood memories of spending summers at his uncle's ranch, where he learned to ride horses, drive a truck, and developed a lifelong appreciation for hard work and adventure.

He attended Tincher Elementary, Hill Middle School, and graduated from Wilson High School in 1967. A gifted athlete, Russ set multiple track records and earned the nickname "Mr. Terrific." After high school, he attended Long Beach City College while working as the "coachie" at Holmes Elementary School and as the assistant manager at Shakey's Pizza in Long Beach.

In July of 1969, while working at Holmes Elementary, Russ met the Yocky brothers. One afternoon, when their older sister Donna came to tell them it was time to go home, Russ "set his eyes on the prize."

Russ and Donna were married on September 11, 1971, at Lakewood Village Community Church, beginning a beautiful marriage that would span nearly 55 years. Early in their marriage, Russ accepted a position as a sales representative for Carl Buddig Foods. Together they built a life full of adventure, enjoying ski trips to Lake Tahoe, family vacations, and countless fun adventures with Donna's younger brothers. In 1975, they purchased their first home on Bellflower Boulevard in Lakewood.

Russ and Donna longed to start a family. In February of 1982, they accepted the Lord as their Savior and faithfully prayed for children, supported by the prayers of their church family at North Long Beach Brethren. Their prayers were joyfully answered with the birth of their first daughter, Melissa, in 1984. Valerie followed in 1986, and Matthew in 1989, completing the family they had prayed so long for.

Russ was a devoted husband and a fun, loving father. His children never doubted how deeply they were loved or how proud he was of each of them. He coached many of their sports teams, took them on unforgettable camping trips to Sequoia and Julian, and created treasured family memories on road trips along the California coast.

Throughout his career, Russ worked at Dairy Fresh before joining Atalanta Corporation, where he served as an Executive Account Manager in food sales. He built lasting friendships with coworkers who remember not only his professionalism but also his kindness, humor, and integrity.

In July 1993, the family moved into the home on Adenmoor Avenue that would become the center of countless family gatherings. They attended First Baptist Church of Lakewood and then Parkcrest Church in Long Beach, where Russ faithfully served as both an usher and greeter, always welcoming others with his warm smile.

In 2005, Russ embraced perhaps his favorite role of all—Grandpa. He delighted in every moment spent with his seven grandchildren and rarely missed a game, recital, performance, or special event. Whether visiting zoos and aquariums, splashing through water parks, exploring amusement parks, or fearlessly riding roller coasters, Grandpa was always ready for the next adventure.

After retiring in 2017, Russ fully embraced the things that brought him joy. He became an enthusiastic pickleball player, often playing multiple times a day and forming lasting friendships at the Seal Beach Pickleball Club. Retirement also gave him more time to read, travel with Donna, and, most importantly, spend precious time with his grandchildren. They started attending Cornerstone Church in Long Beach in late 2020 where Russ again served faithfully as both a greeter and usher. In September 2021, Russ and Donna celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary surrounded by family and friends at the Lakewood Country Club—a beautiful celebration of a marriage marked by faith, commitment, and enduring love.

Russ had a passion for sports and played slow-pitch softball from the early years of his marriage until just one month before his passing. He loved a tall glass of iced tea, classic cars, The Three Stooges, and faithfully watching Jeopardy! each evening. He was an exceptional speller, an avid reader, and somehow seemed to know the name of every type of cheese and pasta imaginable.

He never met a dog he didn't love—even if the feeling wasn't always mutual. He delighted in giving people humorous nicknames, was known for his unforgettable one-liners, and giving all of the kids "the Claw." He was the kind of person who never hesitated to help someone move, lend a hand, or simply show up when a friend was in need. His generosity, humor, and genuine care for others made him deeply loved by so many.

Although our hearts ache in his absence, we find comfort in God's promise that this goodbye is only temporary. Because of Russ's faith in Jesus Christ, we know he is now in the presence of his Savior, whole and at peace. We rejoice in the hope that one day we will be reunited with him in heaven.

The Donati family sincerely thanks you for your continued love, prayers, and support. If Russell's life touched yours in some way, we invite you to his Celebration of Life on Saturday, August 15th at 11:00 am at Cornerstone Church in Long Beach (1000 N. Studebaker Road) and to share a favorite memory in celebration of a life so well lived.