James A. "Jim" Donato, 91, of Boothwyn, died June 27, 2011 at his hom. Mr. Donato also lived in the Milmont Park Section of Ridley Township for over 50 years and was a member of Our Lady of Peace Church.


Mr. Donato was born in Swarthmore and a graduate of Ridley Township High School where he was an outstanding football player for four years, starting as a quarterback his freshman year. Upon graduation he received a football scholarship at the University of Florida. He also played semi-pro football for Sun Oil and Clifton Heights. He was inducted into the Ridley Township Hall of Fame and was a member of Interboro Optimist Club.


Mr. Donato served a short stint in the Navy and then worked for Sun Oil Refinery for a few years; Mr. Donato was self employed as owner of Donato Bros. Contractor business for 25 years, retiring in 1982; Mr. Donato then worked part time at the Media Courthouse as an evaluator, retiring after 22 years in 2004.


Mr. Donato was son of the late Cameron and Josephine Cadaongone Donato; he was brother of the late Dominic, Joseph, Cameron and Robert Donato.


Survivors: Beloved wife of 72 years, Jean Gallan Donato; his son James A. Donator, Jr. (JoAnn) of Aston; granddaughter Jeanine Ann Donato of Brookhaven; grandsons James A. Donato, III (Monica) of Lancaster and Joseph A. Donato of Philadelphia; five great-grandchildren John and Anthony Tancredi; Angelo and Isabella Donato and Alanna Dooley.


Funeral Mass: 10 AM Friday, July 1,2011 at Our Lady of Peace R.C. Church, 208 Milmont Avenue, Milmont Park, Mass will be celebrated by Rev. Charles R. O'Hara.

Visitation: 9 to 9:45 AM at the church

Burial: Private

Memorial gifts may be made to Alzheimer's Association, 399 Market Street, Suite 102, Phila., PA 19106