Enrico Peter Rico DiDonato
Enrico Peter Rico DiDonato, 100, of Dennison, passed away at Trinity Hospital Twin City in Dennison Nov. 19, 2013 after a period of declining health. Born July 15, 1913 in Alford, Pa., he was a son of the late Panteleone Pete and Elisa (Palandrani) DiDonato.A resident of Dennison throughout most of his life, he was a longtime member of Immaculate Conception Church and a 1932 graduate of St. Marys High School. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy during World War II before returning home to resume his long career with the Pennsylvania Railroad where he was a track foreman for the maintenance of way department. He was avid history buff and sports fan in his spare time, especially enjoying the Cincinnati Reds and Bengals.On Sept. 25, 1937, he married the former Vera Teresa Barnabi with whom he enjoyed more than 68 years of marriage until her passing Dec. 7, 2005. They are survived by two daughters, Judy (J.C.) Perkins of Dennison and Chris Moore of Columbus; a grandson, Brian Perkins of Reynoldsburg; and three great-grandchildren, Matthew, Nicholas and Sydney Perkins of Reynoldsburg. Rico is also survived by a brother, Arthur J. Arco DiDonato of Dennison; a sister-in-law, Mary K. Barnabi of Dennison; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and other extended family members.In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Guido Weed DiDonato, and an infant brother.Services for Rico, officiated by Father Anthony Lonzo, will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, Nov. 25, in Immaculate Conception Church in Dennison. Visitation will begin with a Christian Wake Service at 3 p.m. and continue until 6 p.m. Sunday at the R.K. Lindsey Funeral Home in Dennison. Interment in Weirtons St. Pauls Catholic Cemetery will be Tuesday at 11 a.m. with a military committal service. Those wishing to honor his memory by a charitable contribution are encouraged to do so to Immaculate Conception Church Memorial Book Fund.
