Anthony A. Donatelli M.D.

Anthony A. Donatelli, M.D.

Yardley, PA - Anthony A. Donatelli, M.D., 89, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 17, 2019 at his home in Yardley, PA. Born in Jersey City to James and Carmella Donatelli, he was a graduate of North Plainfield High School, class of 1947. After honorably serving his country in the United States Navy in the Korean War, he graduated from Seton Hall University in 1957. He then enrolled in Medical School at the New Jersey College of Medicine, becoming an M.D. in 1961. His residency was completed at Massachusetts Memorial Hospital and Boston City Hospital. He then became the Assistant Chief Medical Resident at Jersey City Medical Center and subsequently became a Fellow in Renal Diseases at the New Jersey College of Medicine. Recipient of numerous medical awards, Dr. Donatelli was Chief of Nephrology at Muhlenberg Regional Medical Center, where he developed the first hemodialysis center for that hospital. He was a distinguished author who served as Clinical Professor of Medicine at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. He was a Fellow of the American College of Physicians and board certified in Internal Medicine with a subspecialty in Nephrology.

Dr. Donatelli introduced and helped develop the kidney harvesting and transplant program at Muhlenberg Hospital in Plainfield, and initiated their first fellowship program in the Department of Medicine. He also helped develop the first laboratory medicine course in renal disease at UMDNJ - Rutgers Medical School. Dr. Donatelli worked tirelessly to help bring top quality, well organized dialytic care to the residents of New Jersey. He was a longtime resident of Edison, NJ before retiring in Palm Beach Gardens, FL. He most recently resided in Yardley, PA.

Dr. Donatelli, when not working, enjoyed trap shooting, horticulture, and playing golf at Plainfield Country Club and Ballen Isles. Above all else, he enjoyed spending time with his beloved family.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Marie Ann Donatelli (nee Casserino); his children, Guy Donatelli and his wife, Lori of Glenmoore, PA, Patricia Rafferty and her husband, George of Yardley, PA, Denise Kelly and her husband, Patrick of South Plainfield, NJ, and Dean Donatelli of Morristown, NJ. He is also survived by his six beloved grandchildren, Lauren (Matthew), Krista (Joel Bailey), Andrew (Hannah), Garrett, John, and Brigitte. He was a blessed with four great-grandchildren, Jack, Bailey, James and Charlotte. He is also survived by many loving nephews, nieces, and cousins.

Visitation will be at Memorial Funeral Home, 155 South Ave., Fanwood on Tuesday, January 22nd from 9-10:30AM. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11AM at St. Bernard's R.C. Church, George St., Plainfield. Entombment will follow at Holy Redeemer Cemetery in South Plainfield. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Arc of Union County or the National Kidney Foundation. For additional information or to express condolences, please visit www.fanwoodmemorial.com.