Obituary of Anthony B. DiDonato

� Dudley-Anthony B. DiDonato, Sr., 89 , long time Dudley Selectman died September 21 at UMASS Memorial Medical Center surrounded by his children, grandchildren and loved ones. His wife of 43 years, May J.(Cacciapuoti) DiDonato died in 1991. He leaves three children: June Fliri of Mystic, CT, Anthony B. DiDonato Jr. and his wife Patricia of Dudley, and April Stevens and her husband Michael of Dudley; seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He also leaves his long time companion, Terry Golenski; two brothers: Leo DiDonato and Jeremiah DiDonato; two sisters: Carol Dellomo and Rose Dufries; and many nieces, nephews, grand and great-grand nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by brothers Pasquale DiDonato, and Santo DiDonato Tony was born in Dudley to Emil DiDonato and Laura Troy DiDonato who both emigrated from Italy. Tony, like all his brothers, followed his father into the building trades, eventually creating his own business building and remodeling homes. Tony served in the Army during the Second World War, deployed as a combat infantryman in the European Theatre. A self made man, Tony was humbled when awarded an honorary Bachelor of Science degree in Public Administration from Nichols College in 2002, having never completed high school. He beamed his well known smile as he stepped up to the podium to receive his degree, his family and friends applauding proudly. Mr. DiDonato was the longest serving Selectman for the Town of Dudley, his current term being his 13th. Tony dedicated over 50 years of service to his beloved town of Dudley serving 36 years as a selectman and on a variety of other committees and boards, from his start on the sewer commission to the Library Building committee where the flag pole at the Pearl Crawford Library on Schofield Ave was dedicated in his honor. He was a communicant at St. Anthony of Padua Church where he actively volunteered since the church was built in Dudley over 40 years ago. A 60 year member of the Dudley Grange 163, he was a welcoming fixture at the annual Strawberry festival . His community involvement included a number of organizations, among them, the VFW , American Legion post 184, Webster-Auburn Elks 2118, the Dudley Lions Club, and the Knights of Columbus 2118 where he was selected to be a Grand Knight. He loved to deliver meals to the homebound through the Meals on Wheels programs, used to walk annually for the Crop Walk to end hunger and gave to various American Cancer Society fundraising events. Tony lived his life to the fullest. He loved spending time with his family and friends. He loved serving his community and never hesitated to volunteer his time. He enjoyed being up front and center in local parades. He took pride in his yard and garden. In his unending quest for knowledge, he was an avid reader. His quick smile, kind words and warm personality will be greatly missed. A funeral will be held Monday Sept.26 with a Mass at 10AM in St. Anthony Of Padua Church, 24 Dudley Hill Rd. , Dudley . Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery, Dudley. With Military Honors provided by the Webster/Dudley Veterans Council . Calling hours will be held on Sunday from 2-4 & 6-8 PM at Bartel Funeral Home & Chapel, 33 Schofield Ave. , Dudley , MA . In lieu of flowers donations could be made to any of the organizations Tony loved to support.www.bartelfuneralhome.com