Dominic Francis Donato, also known as “Mick,” “Dom,” and “Papa Mick,” 94, most recently of Eden Prairie, passed away on Sept. 13, 2023, after a battle with dementia.
Born on Sept. 7, 1929, Mick was raised in Connellsville, Pennsylvania, by Italian immigrant parents. He was a committed Christian, devoted husband, loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He also served as a Korean War veteran.
He married on Oct. 2, 1950, to the love of his life, Ms. Elle. Together, they lived a blessed life focused on raising a family, serving at church, and traveling the world.
After graduating from Robert Morris School of Business, Mick began a sales and management career with RCA and Prudential. He also founded his own insurance agency. He delved into the computer revolution by selling mainframe systems for a new division of Smith Corona. This division was later acquired by Control Data Corporation (CDC), prompting him to move his family from Pittsburgh to Minneapolis in 1968.
His 21-year career at CDC was marked frequently by making the 100 Percent Club. He retired in 1987 from his last sales position in Dallas, where he and Elle lived for 13 years.
He was passionate about DIY projects, gardening and cooking. Always the jokester, he was a fun-loving guy to family and friends alike; nieces and nephews loved a good story from their Uncle Mickey.
Mick leaves a legacy of love for his wife, Elle, and their children: Michael (Holly) Donato of Hayward, Wisconsin; Susan (Bob) Blakely of Eden Prairie, Minnesota; Ruth (Rick) of Eden Prairie, Minnesota; and Jeff (Gina) of Frisco, Texas. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Memorials are preferred to Wooddale Church and Grace Hospice. A Celebration of Life is set for Sunday, Oct. 8, at Washburn-McReavy Eden Prairie Chapel, 7625 Mitchell Road. The service will start at 11 a.m., preceded by a one-hour visitation. The service can be viewed live or accessed for up to three months afterward at Washburn-McReavy.com. For more details, call 952-975-0400.
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