Donato P. "Don" Colucci

Donato P. "Don" Colucci 1932 - 2021
UTICA - Mr. Donato P. "Don" Colucci, age 89, passed away on Friday, May 21, 2021 in the comfort and dignity of his daughter's home with his loving family by his side.
Born in Utica on February 1, 1932, Donato was the beloved son of immigrant parents from Monopoli, Italy, Thomas and Filomena (Esposito) Colucci. He was a proud veteran of the United States Army having served stateside during the Korean Conflict. Don and his late wife, the former Mary Lou Steppello, met as they worked together in a bakery. It seemed to have been a common thread throughout their life. They had a traditional marriage and their love of family was paramount. They were wed in 1956, their union never ended, and his passing now reunites them.
They then became "partners in crime" when they established, owned, and operated Colucci Pastry Shop, Scholls, DeVito's, Rosato's, and lastly Donato's,…and this was where the recipes for Tomato Pie, sizable Chocolate Chip Cookies, and the Original Manny's Cheesecake originated in the Utica area! Don also managed the Grand Union Supermarket Bakery Department, and Dan Dee Donuts on Genesee Street. At the same time, he was loyal to his family and their needs. Being in the company of his children was so comforting to him, and the grandchildren always had a way around their grandparents who idolized them and were so proud of their accomplishments. Don and Mary Lou knew each of their grandkids individually, were involved with all of them, but never compared any of them. Don enjoyed gardening ~ vegetables, flowers, and grape vines, a peaceful pursuit that brought a cathartic, restorative, wholesome pleasure with the sun on his face and his hands in the soil.
Whenever the family gathered, whether it was after Sunday Mass, a Holiday, the Feast of the Seven Fishes on Christmas Eve, Don was the one who created the sauce, sausage rolls, fried dough, and all the food, in abundance, with care packages, to go.
He was raised by parents who taught him virtues and valuable lessons of life, and his children now embrace those traditions and are so grateful to have been raised by such a great man.
In all phases of his life, he was organized, disciplined, routined, and his hospitality was so evident when he welcomed people to his world, to share his craft, conversation, and cheer!
A communicant of St. Mark's Church, Donato was a devout Catholic and the Sacraments were important to him. He was a long-hauler COVID survivor, and he knew the Lord was by his side and blessed his soul to heaven, when it was time to go home.
Donato is survived by his daughters and sons-in-law, Donata Colucci Arcuri and the memory of his son-in-law Louis R. "Louie" Arcuri who passed on January 4, 2015, Philomena and William Gerstner III, and Dana and Christopher Gonzalez; and his grandchildren, Giavanna Marie Gerstner, Santina Rose Gerstner; Amaris Danielle Gonzalez, Christopher Luis Gonzalez, Ariana Grace Gonzalez, and Krislyn Nicole Gonzalez. He will remain in the hearts of his nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews; cousins, especially Geno Esposito and family in Bari, Italy; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Philippa and Roger Palek, Sharon L. Steppello, and Louis Steppello; and his loyal friends who kept in contact with him, Anthony Durso, Joe Spano, and Howard Armstrong; and the memory of many friends who preceded him. He was predeceased by his brothers and sister-in-law, Dominick and Anna Colucci, and Vito Colucci; his in-laws, Donald F. "Bena" Steppello, and Lorraine M. "Lar" Curriere; and his niece, Carm Graziano.
The family is grateful to Dr. Fred Talarico and staff for their support and guidance; and Deacon Richard E. Prusko for his spiritual support and solace.
Visitation will be held Friday morning, May 28, 2021 from 10:00 - 11:15 at St. Mark's Church, 440 Keyes Road in N. Utica; his mass of Christian burial and Celebration of Life will commence at 11:30. All COVID protocols will be followed. Donato's Rite of Committal and Interment beside his wife Mary Lou will take place graveside in St. Agnes Cemetery at the convenience of the family.
Please take a moment to connect with Don's family through the "Memories" section of his obituary. Our prayers go out to all as a sign of our continued support.
Online tributes at www.EannaceFuneralHome.com.