Joseph James Donato, Age 89 of Merchantville and formerly of Gloucester City, passed away peacefully at Cooper Hospital on September 22, 2026 with his loving family by his side. Cherished husband of 55 years to Mary Edna Donato (nee Burke). Devoted father of Joseph F. (Stephanie) Donato and Michael J. Donato. Beloved grandfather of Nicholas M. Donato and Sophia E. Donato. Predeceased by his parents, Joseph Donato and Eleanor Donato (nee Downey). Dear brother-in-law of Frances (late Francis “Pat”) Burke, Michael (Joann) Burke, MaryAnn (late James) Burke, Jeannie Burke, and Frances and Robert McQuillan (late). Survived by many nieces, nephews, great – nieces, great – nephews and cousins.
Born in the family home on Thompson Avenue and raised and educated in Gloucester City, he kept his friendships with grammar school and high school friends for his entire life. Joe served during the Korean War then began a career as a sheet-metal worker and a proud member for 35 years of Sheet Metal Workers Union Local # 19 in Philadelphia, PA.
In 1971, Joe and Mary Edna married and moved to Merchantville where he was a parishioner of St. Peter’s R.C. Church. His passion outside of his family was watching his beloved Notre Dame Football every Saturday in the fall. He was a devoted Villanova basketball, Philadelphia Eagles, and Philadelphia Phillies fan.
Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Joe’s Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, September 26 at 10 am at Saint Peter’s R.C. Church: 43 West Maple Avenue, Merchantville, NJ 08109. There will be No visitation before Mass. Family requests in lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516. Please write in memo: Joseph James Donato. Full obituary.
