Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1948
DIED
2022
FUNERAL HOME
Michael Donato Obituary
In 1969, he married his high school sweetheart, Janet. After the death of his parents, Michael took over the management of Jim's Liquors, the family's liquor and grocery store. He was a Certified Public Accountant and worked as Controller and C.F.O. at Northeast Community Mental Health Center for many years. He also held accounting positions at First Tennessee Bank, Lewis Supply, the Corrections Corporation of America, and Crislip, Philip & Associates.
Throughout his life, Michael had a passion for Indy car racing, photography, and a brief stint with sailing. As he aged, he enjoyed many hobbies including hunting, fishing, traveling, and SCUBA diving with his family. Michael was a life-long Memphis Tiger football and basketball fan, and you could often find him in the Liberty Bowl rain or shine. He was also an avid reader and a student of history, and enjoyed engaging in discussions on politics, theology, and philosophy.
Michael was a born again Christian and attended several churches, including Community Bible Church, Grace Bible Church, Bellevue Baptist, and Providence Reformed Presbyterian Church. He was deeply moved by the pro-life cause and participated in numerous initiatives to advocate for unborn babies. Michael was a founding member of the Bartlett American Family Association and even served time in jail for his beliefs.
Michael was known for his intelligence, sarcastic but hilarious sense of humor, deep faith in God, and abiding love for his family. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Larry, and his sisters-in-law Judy and Theresa Dierkes. He is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 54 years, Janet, his son Marcello, his daughter-in-law Mitzi, and his three grandchildren, Alyssa, Isabella, and Daniel, and his loyal dog Dixie.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Christian Brothers High School or a charity of your choice.
Services for Michael will be held at Canale Funeral Home on January 6th, 2023. Visitation will be from 10:00-11:00 AM, and the funeral will begin at 11:00 AM, with burial to follow at Calvary Cemetery.
May he rest in peace.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael Donato
Sponsored by Canale Funeral Directors - Memphis.
3 Entries
Michelle (Micki) Speck
January 4, 2023
To Mike's family, I am so sorry for your loss! I was so sad to hear about Mike, my friend and neighbor just down the road here at Greers Ferry Lake. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Ron Stanton
January 2, 2023
I grew up with Michael. We were childhood friends. We attended the same grammer school, high school, and University of Memphis. I have so many great memories from playing games, sports, and just hanging out. He lived down the street and we were best friends. We even double dated in high school with his awesome wife Janet. I pray that the Lord will give the family peace and comfort during this difficult time. Best regards, Ron Stanton
Sloan Young
December 28, 2022
Mike was, and had been for the last twenty plus years, one of my best friends in Memphis. We worked together for years at Northeast Community Mental Health Center he was the CFO and I as the CEO, but it was in the years after I moved to Florida that I feel we grew closest. While definitely on different ends of the political spectrum, we were able to have lengthy political discussions because of the mutual respect we had for each other. I'll miss him, and our discussions, but I'll treasure the memories I have of Mike. His was a life well-lived.
Showing 1 - 3 of 3 results
Make a Donation
in Michael Donato's name
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
Memorial Events
for Michael Donato
Funeral services provided by:
Canale Funeral Directors - Memphis2700 Union Avenue Extended, Memphis, TN 38112
How to support Michael's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Michael Donato's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
