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BORN
1929
DIED
2024
Paul Donatelli Obituary
August 1, 1929 - May 11, 2024
San Luis Obispo, California - Paul Anthony Donatelli of San Luis Obispo went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus surrounded by his family, on May 11, 2024.
Paul was born on August 1, 1929 in Pittsburgh, PA to Antonio and Albina Donatelli. He moved with his parents and twin sister Pauline to Atascadero, CA in 1932. He graduated from Atascadero High and Attended California Polytechnic State College, until he enlisted and served in the US Navy as an airman aboard the aircraft carrier USS Essex during the Korean War. He worked as a Civil Engineer for the California Department of Transportation for 38 years, retiring in 1991.
He married Jewel Elaine Hurt in June 1955 in Coldwater MS.
Paul was a life-long resident of SLO county. He enjoyed his church, golf, fishing, Dodger baseball, and his family. Paul modestly tallied 3 hole-in-ones over his lifetime. Paul was a follower of Jesus and a 60+ year member of Grace Church where he served as an usher, Sunday School teacher, Boy Scout Troop 308 assistant Scoutmaster and committeeman, and as a Board Member for Lopez Canyon Conference Center in Arroyo Grande.
Paul and his wife Jewel were avid prayer warriors, praying together daily over each and every member of their extended family.
Paul is survived by his wife Jewel of 69 years, son Steven and wife Sarah of Ventura, daughter DeDe and husband Cal of Camarillo, granddaughters Ashlyn (Travis), Emily (Jonathan), Kimberly (Russell), and Lia (Chris), grandson Grant, 12 great-grandchildren, twin sister Pauline Johnston (Fair Oaks), and numerous nieces and nephews. Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Antonio and Albina Donatelli.
A Celebration of "this life" service will be held at Grace Church at a date to be announced. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to your favorite charity or Grace Church.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Paul Donatelli
Larry and Nina Thiel
August 27, 2024
We lived across the street from Paul and Jewel on Jeffery Drive in the 1980's. Paul loaned us an number of tools and fed us wonderful meals. He and Jewel filled the role of parents to us when our parents were a long ways away. They were great prayer warriors and supported our ministry with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. A wonderful couple. I also remember their daughter DeDe who was kind like them.
John Landreth
July 8, 2024
My family moved across the street from the Donatelli's in 1962 and became family. Mr. and Mrs. Donatelli are the kindest people you could meet. So many great memories of Mr. D taking us fishing, camping, and going to the Dodger Players Day so we could meet our heroes and take pictures with them like Frank Robinson. Mr. D coming home from work and showing us how to play the game Battleship with graph paper before it became a plastic toy! Sending love to the Donatelli family. RIP Mr. Donatelli
John Landreth
Diane Blakeslee Brocato
July 3, 2024
May God give you strength as you carry on without your dear Paul.
Robin Dielman
June 3, 2024
The angels are dancing! Paul and Jewel touched generations!
Corey Melia
June 2, 2024
I met Paul at Grace Church around 1965. He had a warm, inviting presence and gentle spirit. Through the years our families served together in various ministries including building projects at Lopez Conference Center. Paul was an authentic follower of Christ and left a legacy of children and grandchildren who loved and served the Lord. Easy to love Paul Donatelli. Continued blessings to Jewel and the family.
Michael Dubin-Associate Transportation Engineer-Ret.
May 30, 2024
Paul, Pete Hom and I not only worked together for many decades at the California Division of Highways (Caltrans), but were also active in many Highways Golf Tournaments around the Central Coast. This photo taken after a golf outing included Howard Bentzinger with the mustache and me with the beard. Paul was a hard worker, never to be accused of leaning on his shovel. Say hi to Pete, Dyer Campbell and Ken Jones for me Paul.
Kevin
May 16, 2024
Steve: Wish I was attending my dad´s memorial service. It would mean I had him an other 49 years. Thoughts & prayers are with you. Kevin Rayner.
Ray Garza
May 14, 2024
Stephanie and I send our heartfelt condolences. We continue to pray for the entire Donatelli family and send our love.
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