Francis J. Donato

   Francis J. “Frank” Donato, 87, of Edenton, NC, formerly of Washington, DC, and Williamsburg, VA, died peacefully at his home on Saturday, September 26, 2020.

   Born on August 7, 1933 in Washington, DC, he was the son of the late John B. and Marguerite DiMisa Donato. A graduate of Gonzaga High School, he attended the University of Maryland until serving in the U.S. Army as an MP during the Korean War. He retired from federal service after a lengthy career as a master bookbinder, printing specialist, and contracting officer with the Government Printing Office in both DC and Langley AFB offices. In retirement, he also worked for more than a decade as a contractor with the DOD at Camp Peary. Through the years, he enjoyed spending his time building his home on the Outer Banks, vegetable gardening, fishing, picking crabs, and “do-it-yourself” projects—he had a tool for everything.

   In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Salvatore J. Donato.

   Surviving are his wife of nearly 60 years, Mary A. “Aggie” Donato; their children, Timothy (Kitty), Christopher (Maureen), and Colleen; and granddaughters, Laura and Francesca.

   A memorial service with military honors, followed by inurnment, will be held at a later time in Arlington National Cemetery.

   In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to St. Anne Catholic Church, P.O. Box 422, Edenton, NC 27932; to Feline Hope Animal Shelter, P.O. Box 893, Kitty Hawk, NC 27949, (online at www.felinehope.org); to The Salvation Army, (online at www.give.salvationarmyusa.org/Donate-Online/Change-A-Life); or to a charity of choice.

   Miller Funeral Home & Crematory, 735 Virginia Road, is handling arrangements and online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com.