Louis Vincent di Donato of Austin, Texas, passed away on Saturday, November 23, 2013. He was 92.
Lou was born on August 15, 1921, in Ravenna, Ohio, and grew up in Alliance, Ohio. After graduating from Alliance High School, he attended Marquette University, earning a Bachelors degree in Philosophy.
He enlisted in the Army Air Corps in 1943 and flew cargo in the South Pacific during WWII. He also flew relief missions for POWs in the Philippines. After the war, he went to Georgetown University Law Center. He married Mildred Clark in 1948, and together they had three sons. Upon graduating from law school he reenlisted in the United States Air Force, where he went on to become a member of the Judge Advocate General's Corps. Soon after retiring from the Air Force, Lou served the state of Texas as a lawyer with the State Board of Insurance and was the first General Counsel of the State Fire Marshal's Office before finally retiring in 1988.
Lou was a member of the Knights of Columbus and Serra Club International, and an active member of St. Theresa Catholic Church for many years.
Lou was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Millie.
He is survived by his three sons: Louis Vincent di Donato, Jr.; David Anthony (Landi) di Donato; and Gregory Thomas di Donato. He is also survived by two grandsons: Veston and Kellan di Donato.
Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from two o'clock until four o'clock in the afternoon, on Friday, the 29th of November 2013, at Cook-Walden Funeral Home, 6100 North Lamar Boulevard, Austin, Texas.
Funeral services will be conducted at ten o'clock in the morning, on Saturday, 30th November 2013, at St. Theresa Catholic Church Austin. Interment will follow in Austin Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Cook-Walden Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to Hospice Austin, 4107 Spicewood Springs Road, Suite 100, Austin, Texas, 78759.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
December 3, 2013
Stephen B.
My sincere condolences. I grew up next to him. He was a great guy in every capacity. He will be sorely missed.
November 30, 2013
Paul Hutzler
Some of my best school years memories centered around the di Donato dinner table with Lou, Millie, David, Greg and Vince, when he was home from school. We talked about politics, culture, the War, the law, religion, you name it. Lou had kind eyes and a great laugh. I know I am a better person because of Lou and Millie di Donato.
November 27, 2013
Mel Hutzler
My condolences to the di Donato boys. God bless...
November 27, 2013
He was a special guy. He did some truly heroic flying in China that he seldom talked about. His presence at St.Theresa will be missed.
Deacon John and Pat O'Neill
November 27, 2013
Michael Nishimuta
To the family of Louis and Millie. When I retired from the Air Force in 1993 in Austin, I joined the KC Council at St Theresa's and Lou was my great friend, mentor, and confidant. He helped me through tough times and as we were both pilots, shared a few stories. I salute Louis as he joins beautiful Millie, and wish you condolence. Do one more roll for me, Lou! Mike and Catherine Nishimuta, Aviano Air Base, Italy.
November 27, 2013
Sons and Family of Lou di Donato,
So sorry for your loss. Lou was a good friend and a good friend of my Dad as we had several times together especially in the The Serra Club over many years. A good, good man and a credit to faith and family. I will not attend funeral as I have a wedding at same time, but he and you will be remembered in my Thanksgiving Day Mass.
-Fr. Tom Frank
San José-Austin
November 27, 2013
John R. and odell s. Zarsky,P.O.BOX 99, STOCKDLE,TEXAS 78160 Lo was a friend of Ours OVER THE YEARS YEARS, a fellow Serran, and a great companion. He was a great christian. Eteral rest grant unto him O lord. We will hAVE A MASS SAID N HIS MEMORY AT ST. MARY'CATHOLIC CHURCH IN STOCKDALE, TEXAS
November 27, 2013
Nancy Lowe
Lou and Millie were good friends with my parents, Joel and Jean Wareing. I have many fond memories of visiting with your Dad and Mother when they were visiting my folks in Georgetown. I also enjoyed listing to their stories and memories of WWII at their Squadron reunions. He and Joel are reconnecting once again. I am so sorry for your loss…
Nancy Lowe (Joel and Jean Wareing's daughter)
November 27, 2013
May God bless all of you.
Showing 1 - 9 of 9 results
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more