James Michael Donnini's Obituary
James Michael Donnini, 90, went to his heavenly rest on May 31, 2015 while surrounded by his family, books and caregivers. Born July 24, 1924 to Edlo and Mary Smichnick Donnini in Belle Vernon, PA. He graduated from Jeanette High School and started college. After serving in WWII as a proud enlistee in the U.S. Army and being held as a POW in Dresden during the bombing, he returned home and wed Helen Hoover Donnini, his wife of 69 years. He then earned an engineering degree from the University of Alabama on the G.I. Bill. Mr. Donnini had a keen sense of adventure that provided him with a wide and varied professional career. He worked for several geological companies in the west as well as NASA during the Apollo Project. He spent 18 months working in Australia, spent many years with Daniels Construction and ended his working days with Alleghany Power. Along with 50 years as an avid HAM radio operator he loved tinkering with electronics and projects in the woodshop. Mr. Donnini is preceded in death by a daughter, Helene Donnini Maynard. Mourning his passing are daughters Roberta Donnini Dorning, Madison, AL, Alesandra Donnini Saunders, Eustis, FL and Jimmie Michele Donnini, Roanoke, VA, 6 Grandchildren, 3 Great-Grandchildren, Brothers William Donnini and his with Katherine, Erie, PA and Robert Donnini and his wife Jane, Eustis, FL and many nieces and nephews. Our Daddy will be laid to rest at the National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida. A special thank you is extended to Cornerstone Hospice for their loving and skilled care and for his faithful caregivers that cared for him in his last months. Memorial contributions can be made to: Cornerstone Hospice Foundation
2445 Lane Park Road, Tavares, Florida 32778
Services, including military honors, will be held in Florida National Cemetery on Friday, June 5th at 10:30 AM, Rev. John Harrington of Morrison United Methodist Church will officiate.
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