Thomas DiDonato
October 4, 1918 - July 4, 2013
Obituary
Thomas DiDonatto
Age 94, passed away July 4, 2013 surrounded by loving family. Tom was born in Seattle October 4, 1918 to Antonio and Elizabeth DiDonato. One of five children, he grew up and resided on Beacon Hill all of his life. After graduating from Cleveland High School in 1937 Tom married his high school sweetheart Ellen Love Hofmann. As a member of the greatest generation, WWII called him to serve in the Navy, aboard the USS Rogers. After the war he worked in the meat industry at Frye Packing Co. and opened Tommy’s Meat Market in the early 50’s. He retired from Safeway in 1983. Many happy years were spent at his cabin on the Stillaguamish River with family and friends. He was an avid fisherman and caught trophy steelhead and salmon.
Tom was preceded in death by his wife Ellen of 66 years. Surviving children include daughters Bonita (Gary) Holmboe, Nancy (Doug) Dammrose and son Donald (Judy), 8 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandson. Tom will be greatly missed and the void left will only be mitigated by the legacy of love and values that will help sustain his devoted family. He exhibited the discipline, sacrifice and delayed gratification that exemplified the greatest generation. Countless cherished memories will be treasured by numerous friends and family members.
A viewing will be offered Thursday, July 18th from 2:00-5:00pm. A Funeral Service will be held Friday, July 19th at 1:00pm, both at Bonney-Watson Washington Memorial with entombment to follow at Washington Memorial Park Mausoleum.
Forever our patriarch, forever our spirit,
Forever you will be loved…
My deepest sorrow and sympathies. I am glad you had a great time with him in Eagle before his passing.
Thinking of all you now. I know Tom will be missed.
Tom and Ellen were good neighbors to me for decades on Beacon Hill. If he didn’t have time to chat, Tom always took the time to toot the horn of his truck, smile and wave. If he did have time to chat, he’d share stories about my folks who were long-time friends, and about my grandparents who lived a block from the DiDonatos before I moved in. I’ll miss his good cheer.
Dedicated to his family. hard working and loved to laugh. He never came across as subtle and I will always remember him as all in. I am lucky to have been connected to the DiDonato’s. Hinds street will never be the same. You can bet that he now has a fishing pole in hand.
My prayers and thoughts are with you.
My mom Rose Ursino was deeply sadden at the passing of your father. He was one of her favorite cousins. They spoke on the phone often and she enjoyed him so much. Her comment to me “everyone is going and I loved him.” She will miss him.
We were sorry to miss Tom’s service. We go back a long time from the time we were all young. He was a great guy and you will surely miss him. Take comfort knowing he is with your mom. Love to you all………..Joanne and Speed