Patricia Donato Obituary

ASHTABULA - Patricia Ann Donato, 74, passed away Friday, September 12, 2025 at Saybrook Landing surrounded by her loving family.

She was born November 15, 1950 in Geneva, the daughter of Constance Emerson and had been a lifelong area resident. A 1968 graduate of Geneva High School, she married the love of her life, Michael Donato on September 21, 1971, whom she met by chance at The Castaways one night while out with her girlfriends.

Patti's professional career spanned more than 30 years as a marketing and advertising representative with our local radio stations, now all MediaOne affiliates. She was very dedicated to her customers, always looking for the best deals to help them promote their businesses and most of her customers stayed with her for many years and became lifelong friends.

Dedicated to her community, Patti served as a Board Member with the Greater Ashtabula Chamber of Commerce, was a member of Ashtabula Rotary, and served on numerous fundraising committees for worthy community causes. Recognized by the Ashtabula County Board of Realtors as Citizen of the Year in 1996, she was also salesperson of the year for Clear Channel on at least 6 different occasions and served as the President of the Ashtabula City Planning Commission.

A lifelong Catholic, she was a member of Our Lady of Peace and enjoyed baking, visiting casinos, painting, flower gardening, and cooking, especially her homemade pasta sauce. Always a gracious host, she never let anyone leave hungry.

Patti devoted her life to being a good person, serving others, and making a difference in the community she called home. Her impact will be felt for many years and she will never be forgotten by those who knew and loved her.

Her survivors include her husband of 54 years, Michael Donato; five children, Greg (Jamie) Davis of St. Petersburg, FL, Lisa Donato of Mentor, Michael (Kristi) Donato, Jr. of Concord, Angela (Shane) Kendall of Geneva, and Lori Donato of Ashtabula; and 12 grandchildren, Janella, Julissa, Georgia, Grayson, Addison, Miranda, Lexi, Alyssa, Jacob, Jaxson, Abigail, and Patrick.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Constance Emerson, and her two precious canine companions, JJ and Nikki.

Calling hours will be 2-4 and 6-8PM on Wednesday, September 17, 2025 at the ZABACK-WILLIAMS-DUCRO FUNERAL HOME, 500 West Prospect Road, Ashtabula.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10AM Thursday, September 18, 2025 at Our Lady of Peace, 1200 East 21st Street, Ashtabula. Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery, Ashtabula.

Contributions in her memory may be made to the Kendall Foundation, 3120 Market Place Drive, Suite E, Ashtabula, OH 44004 to establish the Patti Donato Memorial Scholarship.

Online obituary and condolences can be made at www.ducro.com.