Joseph Donofrio

Joseph T. Donofrio, 83 years, of Monroe, MI, passed away Saturday, June 5, 2010 in his home surrounded by his loving family. Joe was born September 30, 1926 in Monroe, MI the son of the late Thomas and Margaret (Salva) Donofrio. Joe attended St. Joseph Elementary School and was a 1944 graduate of Monroe High School. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Joseph Church in Monroe. Shortly after his graduation Joe entered the U.S. Marine Corps and served his country proudly as a Corporal during WWII from July 11, 1944 until his discharge on November 13, 1946. Joe served in the Pacific Theater and spent most of his enlistment in Japan. On February 7, 1948 Joe married his beloved wife, the former Mary E. Ciacelli at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Joe attended the Coyne Trade School in Chicago and worked as a journeyman electrician for 42 years out of Local #8 IBEW in Toledo, OH from which he retired in 1989. Joe was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, VFW Post 1138, Knights of Columbus Council 1266, the Marine Corps League. Joe was a simple and private man, known as “Mr. Fix It” by his family which Joe loved unconditionally. Joe is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years Mary, 6 loving children; Anthony J. (Lynn) Donofrio, Michael J. (Cynthia) Donofrio, Margaret M. (Larry) Kull, Constance Ann Russeau, Christina M. (Scott) Wagner and Regina M. (Joseph) Rendina all of Monroe, 16 cherished grandchildren and 12 treasured great grandchildren. In addition to his parents Joe was preceded in death by 1 son Thomas, 1 grandson Joseph Kull and a sister Anna Pancone. Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 1-9 PM in the Bacarella Funeral Home, 1201 S. Telegraph Rd., in Monroe where a scripture service will be held that evening at 6 PM. On Wednesday, June 9, 2010 prayers will be held at 10:15 AM in the funeral home followed by a procession to St. John the Baptist Catholic Church where mass celebrating Joe’s life will begin at 11:00 AM. Fr. Terrence Kerner will officiate. Entombment will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery where the VFW post 1138 will conduct military honors. Memorial contributions may be given to St. John’s Church, The Special Olympics or to Hospice of Northwest Ohio.