Thomas E. Donato
July 17, 1923 - November 7, 2016
Resident of Alameda
Tom took his Sentimental Journey and Stairway to the Stars on November 7, 2016. His wife Irva Dean (Deanie) was at his side. Tom was born in Berkeley CA on July 17, 1923 to Louis Donato and Marie Herrera Donato.
At age three, his then Opera Dad was determined that Tom would become a pianist and accompany him, so he taught Tom the Keyboard, thus began a beautiful lifetime of Music. He began piano lessons at age six at the Military Academy he was attending, in Rio Vista. Tom then became an entertainer and it continued through his lifetime. He joined Musicians Union Local #6 in San Francisco at age 15, later to become a Life member of which he was very proud. This was the year he also had his first paying job as a Musician.
Tom Graduated from Saint Mary's College High School in Berkeley in 1941. His class met every year for a reunion until five years ago. Tom joined the Army during WWII and after the war toured with Orrin Tucker and Russ Morgan. Tom was A graduate of San Francisco State College.
In 1946 Tom Married Janet and they had two daughters. Janet passed in 1975. In 1977 he married Patricia, who passed in 2003.
In 1951 Tom went to work for the County of Alameda in the Superior Court Division, retiring in 1981 as Assistant Chief Deputy Clerk. During this time Tom also worked at night, playing the piano all around the Bay Area. He played all the big Hotels in San Francisco, as-well-as Cocktail Lounges/Restaurants. He also played with such notables as Del Courtney, Ernie Hecksher and Sal Carson. In the seventies, Tom put together his own trio, The Tommy Donato Trio, with Curtis Lowe and Earl Watkins, which had a great following "Through the Years". Upon Tom's retirement from the County, he became the Musical Director of the Altarena Theatre in Alameda and was there for nineteen years. This is where he met his future wife, Deanie in 1986 and they married in 2004. During this time Tom played many "Gigs" around the Bay Area and CA and even ventured to VA for one. In 1989 Tom and the late Maggie Thrall put an act together, "The Silver Foxes". Both were such natural talents they became an immediate hit. In 1991 they were scheduled to audition for the Jay Leno Show when Maggie was diagnosed with Cancer.
Many people will remember the Special Shows at the Altarena Theatre, "Tom Donato and Friends", both for the Holidays and during the summers. Through these shows, Tom was instrumental in helping to save the Altarena due to a law suit and high Insurance premiums. For this Tom was honored by the Altarena Theatre in 2013, the theaters 75th Anniversary.
Tom became a member of the ELKS, Oakland Lodge #171 in 1944. In 1999 he became the Musician for Alameda Lodge #1015, B.P.O. ELKS, until this past March. Tom was a member of Musicians Union Local #6, San Francisco, American Federation of Musicians, New York, Alameda Lodge #1015, B.P.O. ELKS, Italian American League of Alameda, American Legion Post 0647, Alameda, Halcyon-Alameda Parlor #47, N.S.G.W. and St Joseph Basilica.
Tom leaves his soulmate, best friend & wife Deanie, his little furry pal, "Mozart", daughters Michele (Eddy) Walker, of ID and Stephanie Donato of ID. Grandson William (Karin) Walker of NM and Great Granddaughter Janet of NM. Stepchildren James (Janet) Kenyon of IL, Lynnette (late Bruce) Cunningham of VA and
Step granddaughters Jennifer and Stephanie Kenyon of IL and Nina Cunningham of VA.
There will be a vigil on Friday, Nov 18, 2016 at 5:30 pm at St Joseph Basilica, 1109 Chestnut St, Alameda. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2016 at St Joseph Basilica at 11:00 am. Immediately following will be an ELK Service at Alameda Lodge #1015, 2255 Santa Clara Ave, Alameda and a Celebration of Tom's Life. Tom will always remain in our hearts and to all of us who had the pleasure to hear Tom play that wonderful piano and make it sound like the whole orchestra, we will cherish that wonderful sound forever.
Remembrances to the ELKS State Major project or your favorite charity. For further information please call: Harry W. Greer, Funeral Director (FDR-745) alamedafuneral.org

View the online memorial for Thomas E. Donato