Donald E. Ainardi
Obituary
August 19, 1937 – November 26, 2022
Donald Eugene Ainardi of Tukwila, WA died peacefully at home on November 26, 2022 at the age of 85. His stepson, Steven and great-granddaughter, Siennah were with him.
Donald was preceded in death by his wife Eleanor (Heck-Neff) of 50 years. He was also preceded in death by his parents and his brother Bill Ainardi.
Donald is survived by his two stepsons Steven (Sandy) Neff of Granbury, TX, Dennis (Doreen) Neff of Tukwila, WA; grandchildren Stephanie Neff, Nathan Neff, Karley Short-Neff-Acierno and Jay Nesheim; four great grandchildren: Siennah Neff-Pese, Hendrix Neff, Eliahana and Sloane Acierno.
He is also survived by his brother, Rich (Renee) Ainard of Apache Junction, AZ, his sister, Virginia (Fred) Docker of Puyallup, WA, numerous nieces and nephews and April and Joe Chanes.
Donald was born August 19, 1937 to Daniel and Mary Ainardi in Pasco, Wa and at the age of six months his parents moved to Cle Elum, WA. Donald graduated from Cle Elum High School in 1955. During high school years he played football and worked in his parent’s grocery and the local bakery. He was a member of the National Guard from 1955-1960 when he was drafted into the Army. He served his two years at Fort Still, Oklahoma. Even though Donald moved from Cle Elum he remained a member of Cle Elum Eagles #649 for over 50 years.
In the Fall of 1972, at the age of 35, Donald met a young widow with two boys, Steven and Dennis. Eleanor was the love of his life. They were married January 5, 1973. They raised the boys together making their home, Tukwila.
Donald worked in the steel and aluminum industry for 42 years. He moved to Seattle in 1956 to start working in the steel and aluminum foundry(ies). He worked in the Boeing Foundry until it closed and then went to work for Sunset Foundry and then Morel Foundry. In 1994 the Morel Foundry moved to Entiat, WA. Donald and Eleanor resided there until his retirement in 2002 when they returned to Tukwila.
Donald liked hunting, fishing, camping, travel which he did a great deal of with his buddies as a single man. Donald and Eleanor shared in these activities especially travel during retirement. Donald and Eleanor enjoyed their monthly Pinochle and Bunco clubs. Their greatest joy was family and friends. “Papa” especially enjoyed his great-granddaughter, Siennah. .
For the past 14 years Donald gave tender, loving care of Eleanor. Even though she was limited by her stroke, Donald made it possible for them to go on vacation, attend family function, ball games, parties, out to dinner with family. He continuously added to the quality of her life.
When family members were asked to share a word or phrase to describe Donald, they said he was: loving, loyal, generous, devoted, caring, stubborn, protective, kind, accepting, welcoming, self-deprecating, funny, hilarious, and a rascal.
Donald’s physical presence will be greatly missed by his family and all those who knew and loved him. But we rejoice that Donald is sharing eternal life with his beloved Eleanor and his God.
Donald, may your heart be speechless at the sight of the truth of all your belief had hoped; your heart breathless as you see the radiant face of your God.
