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BORN
1925
DIED
2018
FUNERAL HOME
Joseph Donofrio Obituary
He was a sales representative at Hiram Walker and later worked at Erie Beer Company. He served in the U.S. Navy. He was in the battle of Iwo Jima! He saw the flag go up. He received a letter of Commendation from Admiral Hill and delivered personally by Marine General Holland Smith on the battlefield Blue Beach on February 28, 1945. He loved his country. He's our hero. His wife, Joanne Donofrio.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son Michael Donofrio, and two brothers, Louis and John Donofrio.
He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Joanne (Piechocki) Donofrio, his son, Joseph Donofrio, Jr. of Erie, his granddaughter, Kara Donofrio of Erie and several nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are invited to St. Paul's Catholic Church on Thursday, September 27, 2018 from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the Funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery. There will be full military honors. Arrangements are being handled by the Edward J. Garr Funeral Home, 459 East 12th Street Erie, PA 16403. Please send condolences to garrdavisfuneralhome.com.
Sign the Guestbook at www.GoErie.com/obits.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Donofrio
Sponsored by Davis-Garr Cremation and Funeral Services, Inc. - Erie.
Stan Flowers Daughter Jill
September 17, 2021
I stop by and visit you dear Joe, The whole family adored you....
jill flowers
March 29, 2019
He was so adored by the Stan Flowers Family, A gracious and kind man who was my dad's dearest friend...How much you will be missed..God Bless
Marcia Konopa
October 7, 2018
We have lost a treasure from our family. Uncle Joe was well liked by all who knew him. My heart goes out to Ciocia Joanne, Joey and Kara.
Terry Taylor
September 28, 2018
Dear Joe and Family,
I'm sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my prayers.
Love, Terry Taylor
T J Abbott
September 28, 2018
My condolences to Joe's family, he was a fine gentlemen that I had met a few years back. My father had also served in combat during WW II, that was the topic of conversion during our talks. There's was a great generation with Hero's that gave so much to our country. Serving and surviving such a battle as Iwo was impressive enough and he came back to the states a truly decent humble man and helped so many.
God bless Joe and his family.
Mike & JoAnne Whaling
September 27, 2018
Joe D.
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your dad. Our thoughts & prayers are with you and your family.
Rich Zatiynski
September 27, 2018
I remember him from when we were kids back on 39th st. he doesn't look much different except for the grey hair. Sorry for your loss.
Dorothy Whitman
September 27, 2018
Dear Joanne, I am so sorry to see that your beloved has passed. I know the last few years have been difficult but that doesn't seem to offer any consolation. I'll be praying for you and your family.
With much love, Dotty
September 27, 2018
Joey,
Sorry for the loss of your Dad. He always had a bright smile every time he came walking up the street.
Renee Agostini Hemme
Mike & Amy Reigel
September 26, 2018
Joanne, Family and all who Knew him with great sadness we offer our Prayers and Sympathy. Our world was a Happier Place with Joe in it, we know he has everyone in heaven laughing now. The man we knew was a man among men and he had a great heart and love of life. He will be greatly missed by us all!
Denise Boyles
September 26, 2018
So sorry for your loss. Joe was a good friend of my uncles, Richard Bellucci.
John Bailey
September 26, 2018
Call me Joe. That was the last thing that Mr Donofrio (as I called him for 20+ years) said to me a couple of years ago. You see, he was a frequent visitor to my former workplace and we had many enjoyable conversations. We talked about everything from work. family and the weather to his boyhood adventures in Little Italy. Then one day when he came in he called me over to him. He showed me a watch decorated to commerate a wartime event. I asked him how he got it, and from there the war stories started. My respect and admiration for him grew with each story he told. I love people like him. He is truly one of the Greats of The Greatest Generation and I like to think that we he said Call me Joe that he meant call me friend.
September 26, 2018
Uncle Joe was the best. He always made everyone feel special. He loved us and we loved him back.
Sue Aho
September 26, 2018
Karen Donofrio, I am so sorry for the loss of your Father-In-Law. He adored and loved you so very much.
Joanne, Joey and Kara, my deepest sympathies.
September 26, 2018
Karen Donofrio, I am so sorry for the loss of your Father-in-law. He loved and adored you so much.
Joanne, Joey and Kara, my deepest sympathies.
John Agostini
September 26, 2018
Joey,I am very sorry for your lost,you have my deepest sympathy.John Agostini
Marcia Konopa
September 26, 2018
Our wonderful Uncle Joe! He was always laughing and smiling. We loved him and he will be sadly missed, but there is comfort in knowing that when he passed through Heaven's gate everyone turned to him and said "Hey Joe!"
CARL RIZZO
September 26, 2018
RIP JOE
HOW IS THE COFFEE IN HEAVEN?
CARL COSIMO RIZZO
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