Mario P. Donato, 81, of Willow Grove and formerly of Abington, a retired butcher who fought in several major World War II campaigns, including the Battle of the Bulge, died of cancer Saturday at Abington Memorial Hospital.
Mr. Donato was born in Abington and graduated from Abington High School in 1937. During World War II, he served in the Army as a staff sergeant with the 80th Infantry Division. He was involved in fighting in the Ardennes and the Rhineland as well as the Battle of the Bulge.
For his service, he received several Bronze Stars, his family said, and a Purple Heart.
He spent his entire working life in the family grocery store on Horace Avenue in Abington, where he was the butcher until he retired in 1983.
After living in Abington most of his life, Mr. Donato moved to Willow Grove a few years ago.
He was a member of the North Penn post of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Sandy Run Country Club, Upper Moreland Senior Citizens, and the 55 Club of Our Lady Help of Christians Roman Catholic Church in Abington.
Mr. Donato was a member of Abington Presbyterian Church.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Mary Elizabeth "Betty" Forsyth Donato; son Edward M.; two brothers, and a granddaughter.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. today at Abington Presbyterian Church, Old York and Susquehanna Roads, Abington. Friends may call after 10 a.m. Burial will be in Hillside Cemetery, Susquehanna Road and Johnston Street, Roslyn.
The family suggests contributions to Abington Memorial Hospital Home Care Hospice, Suite 250, 2510 Maryland Rd., Willow Grove, Pa. 19090.
Herb Drill's e-mail address is hdrill@phillynews.com.
