Richard James Donati

Richard James Donati, 94, of Mt. Lebanon, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on November 12, 2025. Born in Pittsburgh, PA, he was the son of the late Otto Joseph Donati and Ann Marie Tunney Donati.
Richard was the beloved husband of the late Grace Marie Kenney Donati, with whom he shared 38 beautiful years of marriage. He was the loving father of Kerry L. Donati, the cherished brother of Edward F. Donati, and fondly remembered by his nieces Ann Schaen and Kathryn M. Sandonato, and his nephew Joseph L. Sandonato Jr.
Quiet and introspective, Richard possessed a wonderfully dry sense of humor, a brilliant intellect, and a gentle, humble demeanor. He had a passion for classical music, art, and he found joy in the quiet challenge of a good crossword puzzle, a daily exercise in wit and patience that perfectly matched his sharp mind and love of language.
Richard and Grace loved to travel, with cherished memories in Sedona, San Francisco, St. Augustine, and Germany, often joined by their daughter Kerry on family vacations. Twice a year, he and his brother Edward made memorable road trips to Hilton Head Island, enjoying good food, conversation, and the simple joys of life.
He will be remembered for his kindness, intelligence, creativity, and the quiet way he made life richer for those who knew him.
Richard proudly served his country in the United States Army from November 6, 1952, to August 26, 1954. His dedicated service earned him multiple commendations and the enduring respect of those who served alongside him.
A lifelong learner and creative thinker, Richard earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the Carnegie Institute of Technology (now Carnegie Mellon University) in 1959, and attended the Art Institute of Pittsburgh, graduating in 1961. After completing his military service and earning his degree, Richard spent 42 fulfilling years in advertising, from 1962 until his retirement in 2003. He spent 26 of those years with Mobay Chemical Company, later known as Miles and Bayer Corporation, where his talent, creativity, and professionalism left a lasting mark.
Friends will be welcomed at Beinhauer Funeral Home, 2630 West Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15216, on Sunday from 2–4 PM and 6–8 PM, and again on Monday for a blessing service at 10 AM. Interment will immediately follow at Mount Lebanon Cemetery, 503 Washington Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15228. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to (https://littlesistersofthepoorpittsburgh.org).
Richard lived a life of integrity, creativity, and quiet grace. His legacy of intelligence, humor, and love endures in the hearts of his family and all who were fortunate enough to share in his life. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Richard, please visit our floral store.