Paolo Donisi, 82, of Dunkirk, adored husband, father and Nonno, died peacefully at his home on Saturday, January 14, 2017, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Benevento, Italy on February 27, 1934.
Paolo and his wife of 58 years, Teresa (Ferraro) Donisi, met early in life. At 14 years old, Paolo knew that Teresa was his soul mate. After dating for ten years, they married on October 15, 1958. Together, they embarked on life's journey.
Early in this journey, Paolo was a cook in the Italian Army for two years followed by working as stone mason. When he wasn't working, he and Teresa would dance the night away.
In June 1971, at 37 years old, Paolo moved his family to the United States to provide a better life for them. Paolo worked very hard and did whatever was necessary to support his family. He worked many jobs before landing a job at True Temper, from where he retired in 1987.
Family was of highest importance to Paolo. He loved family gatherings and joking around with his grandchildren. He enjoyed spending time playing Italian cards, watching Italian soccer, and gardening, especially tending to his fig tree.
He is survived by his loving wife, Teresa Donisi; and his children, Maria (Antonio) Delle Rose of Fort Erie, Canada, Silvana (Robert) Bajdas of Fredonia, Raffaele (Suellen) Donisi of Hamburg, Tiziana (Joseph) Price of Dunkirk and Anna Donisi (Lynn Jose) of Dunkirk. He was a loving Nonno to Gina, Michael and Luke Delle Rose; Robert and Alicia Bajdas; Paolo, Antonio, Eric and Teresa Donisi; Justin, Katie and Julia Price; and Isabella, Cecelia and Kassidy Donisi. Paolo was also a Biz Nonno to Maddyson, Alexys and Emelya Donisi; and Carson and Lila Ash. He is survived by his sister, Immacolata Onelli and his sister-in-law, Yolanda Donisi, both of Italy. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Gioconda Pucciarelli of Dunkirk; and his many nieces and nephews. Paolo was predeceased by his father and mother, Angelo and Maria (Papa) Donisi. He was also predeceased by his three sisters, Nunzia, Marta and Marzia and his brother, Raffaele, all of Italy; his granddaughter, Stefanie Teresa Price; his brothers-in-law, Antonio Ferraro of Italy and Fortunato Pucciarelli of Dunkirk; and his sister-in-law, Antoinette (Ferraro) Crispo of Italy.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, January 17 at 9:15 AM from the McGraw-Kowal Funeral Home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church. Visiting hours will be Monday, January 16 from 2:00-4:00 PM and 7:00-9:00 PM at the funeral home. Entombment will be in the Assumption Mausoleum of St. Mary's Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Northern Chautauqua Catholic School, 336 Washington Ave., Dunkirk, NY 14048.
Obituary from the Observer
