Joseph T. Donato

Joseph T. Donato of Avon, renowned music educator and professional musician, passed away on October 18th at the age of 95. His warmth, humor, creativity and charisma will be missed by all, and his legacy of sharing the joy of music with generations of students will forever endure. Born and raised in Hartford, Connecticut by Italian immigrant parents Vincent Donato and Emilia Patitucci, Joe showed a talent and passion for music from a young age. Throughout his years at Hartford's St. Michael's School and Weaver High, Joe studied classical and jazz guitar with some of the finest guitarists of the era, including Hy White and Al Caiola. While attending Hillyer College in Hartford, he met the love of his life, Henrietta Zalaski. They married in 1955 in her hometown of Terryville. After founding and playing in several prominent local jazz groups, Joe's years in the army band at Fort Dix, NJ brought the opportunity to play and record for local TV and radio stations. Post army, a studio career beckoned, but Joe instead chose to touch the future by pursuing a degree in music education from Columbia University.
In 1959, Joe was hired by Avon's public school system to establish its first-ever K through 12 music program. He created and taught not only the instrumental, choral, and general music curriculum for Avon's schools, but also founded the summer musical theater program, jazz and marching bands, and an international exchange concert program. With a staff of talented music teachers by his side, he worked as music department chair as well as director of the Avon High School band for almost 40 years, influencing and inspiring the music careers of many, and sparking a lifelong love of music in all. His career as a working musician flourished throughout his teaching years, with opportunities to play guitar with the Hartford Symphony, the Boston Pops and with the touring shows of stars like Frank Sinatra, Luciano Pavarotti, Johnny Mathis, and many more. Continuing to play throughout retirement, Joe as recently as 2024 held a weekly guitar gig at the New Britain Senior Center, providing dance music for members with his friend John Lobre and other accomplished musicians. He also served as music director for St. Ann's Catholic Church for many years. Throughout his life, Joe prioritized his family and was a devoted husband and father, beloved grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, friend, and neighbor.
Joe is survived by his wife of 70 years, Henrietta, his children James, Thomas, Louise (Kaczmarek) and Susan, his son-in-law Thomas Kaczmarek and his daughter-in-law Nonie Donato. He leaves grandchildren Matthew Donato and wife Kristin, Amanda and husband Michael Dauphinais, Gregory, Aaron and Emily Donato, Evelyn, Adele, and John Kaczmarek, and Harvey and Simon Alexander. He also leaves great-grandchildren Lillian and Caroline Dauphinais, Joseph and Vincent Donato, many cherished nieces and nephews, sisters-in-law, and cousins. Joe was predeceased by his beloved brother Louis Donato. Thank you to Joe's caregiver Lisa for helping to make his final months happy ones, and much appreciation to his loving neighbors on Lawrence Avenue, as well as to the caring staff at the Residence at Brookside in Avon.
Visiting hours will be held at Carmon Funeral Home & Family Center, 301 Country Club Road, Avon on Sunday November 2, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the Church of Saint Ann, 289 Arch Road, Avon on Monday November 3, at 11:00 AM. Memorial donations may be made to F.A.M.E. (Friends of Avon Music Education) care of Avon High School, 510 West Avon Rd, Avon, CT 06001.