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FRANCIS DONATONI Obituary
A longtime resident of Birchrunville, Frank enjoyed Rolling Stones concerts, the NYT crossword, Formula 1, and his family.
Along with his wife, Frank is survived by his daughter Jennifer, granddaughter Beatrice, sister Elaine and brother Robbie, nieces Kim and Lauren, nephew Phil, nieces Linda and Lizzie, grandnieces Audrey and Ellie, and many extended family members.
A celebration of Frank's life will be held 6 - 9 P.M., January 12, 2014, at the Kimberton Inn, Kimberton, PA.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Animal Welfare Institute or Petersen Automotive Museum.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for FRANCIS DONATONI
Kent W Phillips
August 21, 2021
It was a pleasure to work with Frank at Porsche of Annapolis all those years ago. I wanted to share a team photo from maybe 2010 or so (me to Frank's left).
December 24, 2014
Frank was a highly intelligent man who always seemed to have a smile in his voice. I miss his "hello" that was always cheerful.
He had s great deal of compassion for people and even more for pets, which he easily shared when needed.
He was, in a word, unforgettable.
I am sending a photo of college years at Michigan State University where I met him.
Cherie Zarr
Mary MacElree
June 9, 2014
Warren Zevon plays in the background as I think back on our many musical artist conversations. Frank was indeed the quintessential car guy....how will I ever buy a new car without Frank's guiding words? Too short indeed, I'll miss our vibrant conversations, crossword front and center. You're up there somewhere smiling on us all .......
Aileen Henig Judson
February 14, 2014
I am so sorry to hear this news. I knew Frank many years ago, (Algar & The Gentlemen's Mall of Rosemont). He was a kind and decent man. He will be missed by many.
Richard Piske
February 2, 2014
In the truest sense " Frank was a car guy" and will be missed by many. May God bless him and his family.
Laura Cameron
January 21, 2014
Frank I must say you are one of the nicest people I've ever met. God Bless You. Rest in Peace
Robbie Donatoni
January 18, 2014
I miss my brother very much and most of what everyone has expressed captures his essence. He was larger than life and had a profound effect on all of us. His ride was,indeed, to short but he made the most of of every second. Frankie I think of you constantly with tear in eyes but with a mind and heart of great memories too numerous to count.
Florence & Jean-Bernard Seitz
January 15, 2014
We are literally stunned by such tragic news. People like Franck, so full of life, so mood-lifting, so humane, seem immortal. His contagious laugh and cheerful personality will continue to echo in our minds and in our hearts.
All our deepest condolences to his family and friends.
Chad Sutton
January 14, 2014
Frank you were a great friend; rest now my brother. My condolences to the Donatoni family, your husband and father was a true gentlemen. I'll miss him.
January 12, 2014
Rest In Peace Frankie. Your ride was too short, but you were always one of the good guys.
Ray Quinn, Key West , Florida
Joyce Jordan
January 11, 2014
Frank, You will be missed.
Liz Gallelli
January 10, 2014
My deepest condolences to Frank's family. I feel a huge loss and I only knew him a short while. While the world is now a different place without Frank, I'll do my best to keep his "way" alive through me. It was always more fun, doing it Frank's way!
Photo from Annapolis Home Magazine
Robert Haywood
January 9, 2014
We at Annapolis Home Magazine will really miss Frank. He taught us so much about cars and we relied on him for some of our best stories. He was so enthusiastic and helpful with these stories. The attached photo is just one of the car stories we published thanks to him. He was a great friend and we will miss him. Robert Haywood
Bob Long
January 9, 2014
To Diane, Jennifer, Robbie and the family. Words cannot express my sadness upon hearing of Frank's passing. The world was a better place with Frank living in it! He will be greatly missed, in a word, Frank was "Unforgettable". My deepest sympathies.
Reid Bandy
January 9, 2014
It was so refreshing to work with Frank. He set such a good example. A life long intensity for cars. He was a shining star. My condolences to his loved ones. I wish I met him 20 years sooner. Rest in peace, Frank. You will be remembered.
January 7, 2014
Diane and the Donatoni Family: Frank was a great friend. He always reached out and I enjoyed our friendship. I will miss him, his humor and his genuine spirit.
Ray Mincarelli,Jr.
Patricia Adams
January 6, 2014
Diane, Jennifer and Beatrice, I am so sorry to hear of Frank's passing. May your wonderful memories bring you peace during this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Hudson Austin
January 6, 2014
Diane and the Donatoni family, it pains me greatly to hear of your loss. Having lived in Chester Springs and known Frank through Porsche and Ferrari events, the dealerships, and Yellow Springs Inn, his gregarious nature and ease in talking with nearly anyone will be missed. My condolences to the entire family.
greg landis
January 4, 2014
frank there is a hole in my heart
tony anderocci
January 3, 2014
we did the first 150k Ferrari in 1980
Angelo B
January 3, 2014
Frankie D ....aka Ferrari Frank
Watkins Glen // fall crab feat at Chics // Montaco // linguini w/white clam // Stones // Niki Lauda // Long Beach // Fonzos // Luigis // James Hunt // Devon Horse Show / Hatfields // 4th & Bainbridge // Charlie Browns // the vineyard // over the pond // 2001 North Valley
They broke the mode here
Bro, we will miss you
Jeni Dwyer
January 3, 2014
Frank's passion for life, cars and sense of humor was infectious. I am so saddened that I didn't get to work with him longer. You are sadly missed my friend. My heart goes out to your family and loved ones. I will keep you all in my thoughts.
Bob & Cindy Humphrey
January 3, 2014
Frank has been so much more than just a co-worker for me, he's been a true Friend and someone my wife & I would look forward to seeing in my many trips from Raleigh to Annapolis! It's true, he always had a smile on his face and deep laughter for all to enjoy in his presence, constantly joking, always willing to handle whatever was needed to "get the job done" in business, but always concerned for your comfort & health.
The shock of his passing weighs heavy on so many of us, with each day knowing how great a loss this has been for his family. Hearts are heavy in this difficult time for them and for all those who came to know Frank. You're missed deeply, Cuz!
Emily Burns
January 2, 2014
Frank and I worked together for a short time at Porsche of Annapolis, and he quickly became a great mentor and friend. His laugh was contagious, and his enthusiasm for everything - especially for crazy car stories and bragging about his daughter - always brought a smile to my face. I feel very blessed to have known him for the past few years and will miss the annual HAPPY THANKSGIVING group text messages that came every November. Many condolences to Frank's family during this sad time - you're in my thoughts and prayers.
Ben Johnson
January 2, 2014
Frank was a great guy, loved cars and always had time to talk and joke with his customers. I was one of them. My brother was a neighbor of his, which lead to interesting conversation. A loss for both his family and for Porsche.
January 2, 2014
After being away for so long, I was so looking forward to a reunion. I guess it will have to wait a little longer. Frank, you were one of the classiest guys I knew. Until we meet again. Love, Mike Ryan
January 2, 2014
Diane: I am so very sorry for your loss and my prayers are with you and the family. I will miss our text message updates on Rolling Stones news, my knowledge of the band's history easily quadrupled in the short six months that we worked together at the Porsche store. He had an amazing memory of their catalogue and concert history and I have ended up attending 12 shows after meeting Frank. I had been to 3 before I met Frank. He also taught me more than I can put into words about Porsche's and Ferrari's and I will be forever grateful for that knowledge. God Bless Frank Donatoni.
Deborah Meli
January 2, 2014
Frank was larger than life..His smile and laugh was infectious. It was so obvious when talking to him how much he loved cars and making people happy. I had the pleasure of working with him. His stories were fantastic and genuine. He brought such class to
the automotive industry and our company. Frank I will miss you.My condolences to his family.
Steve Balen
January 2, 2014
Frank, was a my friend . He always made me laugh and he will be missed. I have had the pleasure to known Frank from Ferrari sports cars to Porsche over the last 30 years. He really cared about people . He was so kind and nice to my wife Kelly and my dog Dino. Our deepest sympathy
Margaret Bernhardt
January 2, 2014
Frank was the best dressed at Charlie Browns...the first time I EVER saw beige suede Guccis...my one and only ride in a Ferrari Dino...I was terrified as Frank took me for a quick ride that included the on off ramps of the then new rt 202...we were very young...he was a sweet man ...a wonderful smile and always a hello over the years.Peace my friend.
Rick Brewer
January 2, 2014
Frank loved cars and the cars business. His enthusiasm was contagious. I had the pleasure of working side by side with Frank for 5 years at Porsche of Annapolis. He will be missed by employees and customers alike. Rest in peace comrade.
Jeff Carter
January 2, 2014
Our deepest sympathy to Frank's family from a HHS classmate...
Kymberly Taylor
January 2, 2014
Frank was an extraordinary person, a wonderful supporter of Annapolis Home Magazine and our "go to car guy." He gave us phenomenal stories and was generous with his expertise. We will miss his humor, spirited diatribes and no-nonsense approach. We are glad he is with Leonard Cohen at last in his "Tower of Song."
Bill Hart
January 2, 2014
There are few people in life who truly touch your soul. Frank was one of those people. His humor and passion removed barriers-but never disguised his integrity. He met life with a twinkle in his eye and a strong sense of purpose. May we carry that on in our lives. My thoughts are with all of his family and friends.
Brian & Margaret Talbot
January 1, 2014
We remember Frank for his great stories, integrity and love of family.
Our sincere condolences to Diane, Jennifer, Beatrice and family.
Brian Quinn
January 1, 2014
Lots of laughs and good times, especially the famous crab trips our "crew" took all those years. Rest in peace, Frankie.
Steven Posner
January 1, 2014
Frank,I miss your great laugh,talking about the old days and the many stories we shared.
Most of all,I miss my friend......
frank williams
January 1, 2014
Frank's laugh always made me laugh
Michael Whelan
January 1, 2014
Frank loved life and always enjoyed a good laugh. He was the eternal optimist even when things didn't look good. Frank will be missed by the many people whose lives he touched.
January 1, 2014
I WILL MISS YOU FRANK!
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