Louis Joseph Donato
AGE: 69 • Middletown
Louis Joseph Donato, 69, of Middletown, died suddenly on Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2014, at Riverview Medical Center in Red Bank surrounded by his family and friends. Louis owned Art Floral Shoppe with the love of his life, his wife Susan. He was a hard worker, he loved landscaping and crafting beautiful gardens. His passion was for music and playing guitar. Lou loved life and thoroughly enjoyed being the life of the party. He was extremely funny and he loved to dance and 50's Rock and Roll. He loved cars, going to antique car shows, and camping. His greatest achievement, aside from his family, was when he designed a float for FTD, for the 1972 Rose Parade, named "Aquarius", and he won the grand prize for design. He also loved listening to and calling Big Joe Henry on 101.5 FM. Lou was a wonderful, caring, funny man and his love for his grandkids knew no bounds.
Surviving are his wife of 47 years, Susan Donato; his son and daughter-in-law, Louis and Elizabeth Donato; his daughter and son-in-law, Tracy and Anthony Petracca; his 6 grandchildren, Emily Elizabeth Donato, Abigail Faith Donato, Clayton Joseph Donato, Hannah Linnea Donato, Sarah Linnea Donato, and Anthony Michael Petracca; and his sister, Joanne Izzo.
Louis was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Katherine Donato.
A Memorial Mass will be offered at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 1, 2014 at St. Anthony of Padua Church, 121 Bridge Ave., Red Bank. All funeral arrangements are under the direction of John F. Pfleger Funeral Home, 115 Tindall Rd., Middletown. For more information, to send condolences or for directions, please visit www.pflegerfh.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
There was no better man than Louis Donato, My friend, My buddy, He was one who worked hard and did things for other people and asked nothing from them. He was in my wedding as an usher and I kind of wished that I should have made him my "Best Man" !!!........He was a Sweet Heart of a guy. I knew him from 7th Grade to his death and miss him so much, Like I said......what a good guy..........Rich Fogacci
Richard J Fogacci
Friend
February 22, 2023
Best friend a man could have. If I was in a foxhole and it was a mater of life and death, that man would be Louie Donato !!!
FOGACCI RICHARD
Classmate
February 23, 2021
Louie Donato wore a smile 24 hrs a day, never ever complained about a days work, you will never, ever find a friend like Louie Donato on this earth, I was so lucky to have such a friend...........Rich Fogacci
Richard Fogacci
Friend
February 21, 2021
Louis Donato (Louie) was my best friend through High school and we communicated till the day he passed. He was my User in my wedding on Aug 14, 1965 at St Anthony's Church......I never saw a person dance in a white Tux and so much in 105 degree heat with no air conditioning...........Louie has so many good thing about him he was always there for everybody. The whole world will miss a person like Louis Donato !!!!
Richard Fogacci
Friend
February 21, 2019
Sue....so terribly sorry to hear of Louis' passing. He was such a great guy and a wonderful flower person! He will be sorely missed by all.
Roy and Kris Burden
March 7, 2014
Sue, our thoughts are with you and your Family.
Sue & Tom Hogan
March 3, 2014
Sue~It is with great sorrow that I pass along my condolences to you and your family. Your husband was such a sweet man and always had a smile every time I was at your shop. My son was with me one day when I came in to buy flowers and they spoke of their love of music and guitar. He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers to you and your entire family during this difficult time.
Cheryl Hare
March 2, 2014
Sue and family, today we heard the sad news of Lou's passing. We are so sorry for your loss, our thoughts and prayers are with you all. I will miss our great conversations, he was a great man.
Michele Williamson
March 2, 2014
Sue,
How terribly sad to learn of your husband's death. It sounds like you found a wonderful guy to share your life with and raise a family. I am so sorry for the loss you have suffered.
Diane Richmond Jennings
March 2, 2014
Sue-deep sorrow for your loss.I remember as a young girl enjoying time with Lou and his mom and dad. my mom was his godmother. lou was always fun. he made us all laugh.
Sue Beaty Bennett
March 2, 2014
Words can never express our sorrow and grief over the loss of sweet and fun loving Lou - a wonderful person that was always a pleasure to be with. His laughter lit up his face. Lou will always be in our hearts. Love Candy & Robbie
Candy and Rob Giard
March 1, 2014
Sue, My heart is with you and your kids and grand kids. Lou has always made me smile and his most recent call about baby Josephine warmed my heart - such a kind and loving soul. He will forever remain in my heart. I know he wanted to meet Josephine so I will bring her to you as I know he can see her now. I love you
Rosemarie Cooley
February 28, 2014
Loved his sense of humor, my condolences.
Kathy RN
Riverview Medical Center ER
February 28, 2014
Sue,
Sorry to learn of your loss. Lou was just an outgoing personality and enjoyed life. I still think about our times playing in the band together. I never was around him that he didn't have a smile. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Donald Scaccia
February 28, 2014
I was so saddened to here about Lou. He gave me my first guitar lesson. He was very kind and very patient because I was terrible . Love and prayers to you all. Joyce Trezza Lougee
Joyce Trezza lougee
February 28, 2014
Richard Fogacci
February 28, 2014
On behalf of myself and my family you have our condolences. I will always remember Lou laughing. He was always smiling or laughing. He will be missed.
Joseph Donato
February 28, 2014
My deepest sympathy to Louie's family. I had not seen Louie for over 35 years but with a simple conversation this past Christmas, I was able to re-connect with Louie. We spoke for hours about the good old days back in the 60's and 70's and caught up about our lives for all the years gone by. Louie would always make you laugh and had a smile for everyone. When we were hanging out back in the old days Louie would always be thinking about helping his dad at the flower shop and he put in many long hours, even if it meant he couldn't come and hang out. His love for family then and his love for family now is second to none. I will miss talking to him but know that there is a place in HEAVEN for Louie. Rest in Peace my good friend.
Joseph Pelella
February 27, 2014
Louie was so much fun to know. I'll cherish the times we played great music with Carmen. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family.
Michael & Ann Marie
February 27, 2014
So sorry to hear this Sue, Louie was truly a 'family man' and a pleasure to talk to. Prayers for you and your family. May Godspeed.
Arlene Quackenbush
February 27, 2014
Sincere condolences to the family and friends of cousin Butchie.
Virginia "Jeanie" Donato Smith and Russ
February 27, 2014
SUE SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS I KNEW LOU FOR OVER 50 YRS ALWAYS HAD A LOT OF LAUGHS WITH HIM HE WILL SURLEY BE MISSED BY MANY TOM AND MARY ANN LLOYD SHREWSBURY
February 27, 2014
Friends from school Louie always had a smile just a great person we are proud to have known him so sorry to all of you
Pat and Bill Plumstead
February 27, 2014
My Prayers are with Louies Family. I was a classmate in Middletown and was a friend and shared several classes with Louie
Ron Dryburgh
February 27, 2014
I am so sorry for your loss. Lou was a great guy. Known him since High School. Prayers are with you and your family.
Ginny Martell
February 27, 2014
Sue,I am at a loss for words. Kathy & I will miss Lou.We are sure he is at peace.
Harold & Kathy Van Brunt
February 27, 2014
Sue, We will miss Lou greatly! You and your family are in our prayers. Sean and I will be here for you if you need us!!!
Melissa Ferris
February 27, 2014
As Shorecrest neighbors, our kids attending Fairview together & Mr Falvo's weekly basketball games, we send our deepest sympathy to you and your family - so sorry for your loss.
Jackie & Anthony Russo
February 27, 2014
Extending deep and heartfelt sympathy, The Hazlet Goddard Family
pat hough
February 27, 2014
Sue,there are no words to express our sympathy. God has a special angel with him in heaven and his gardens will be more beautiful than ever! Lou will always have a special place in our hearts.
Nancy Edwards
February 27, 2014
My brother Bobby and I will always remember calling my cousin "Butchie" from when we were little kids on Sunday afternoons at my uncle Joe's and aunt Katie's house. Even though we didn't talk that often I will always remember that smile and how he would light up a room. He will be truly missed. Our prayers go out to the Donato family.
JEAN ANN RAGER (FIGARO)
February 27, 2014
Lou's passing was shocking! He was a great guy! A big kid at heart! He will be greatly missed. Lou was simply, just one of the best! I will always keep close the memories that I have of Lou!
Thomas La Pare
February 27, 2014
Sue Very sorry to hear about Lou. May he rest in peace. Your old mailman Bob.
Robert Hoover
February 27, 2014
Our Deepest Condolences
Lori & Max Apice
February 27, 2014
One great guy……Louie is number 1, he is guaranteed a spot in heaven !!!!!!
Richard Fogacci
February 27, 2014
Our Deepest Condolences.
Rodgers Family
February 27, 2014
Sue, I love you both and I am so very sorry. I respected Lou for his hard work and for being a fabulous human being. I appreciate the care he took of my Mom's,Dad's,and Father-in-law's cemetery plot. I will miss our laughs.
Debra Williams
February 27, 2014
Showing 1 - 37 of 37 results
Funeral services provided by:
John F. Pfleger Funeral Home, Inc.115 Tindall Road, Middletown, NJ 07748
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