Benedetto R. Donatelli

Benedetto Robert Donatelli passed away on September 6th. Ben was a wonderful, loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He was the son of Domenico and Maria Donatelli. Ben is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Mary Ann Bisesi. Their family, son Ben of Akron, daughter Jeannemarie Fazio (Tom) of Green, son Michael (Laura) of Mt. Juliet, TN, and daughter Rosemarie Griffin (Patrick) of Aurora, was the joy of his life. His seven grandchildren, Samantha and Anna Fazio, Emma and Christian Donatelli, and Giuliana, Colette, and Paxton Griffin, were especially dear to Ben. Ben was preceded in death by his siblings Edith Talamo, and brothers Henry and Victor. Ben leaves many cherished cousins, nieces and nephews. 

Ben’s life revolved around family and teaching. He was a veteran of the USAF having served in Chatearoux, France. Ben taught History and French for 40 years, last teaching at the University of Akron. He was a graduate of the University of Akron, where he earned his BA and MA degrees. Ben also studied at The Ohio State University, and the University of Oregon in Tours, France, by way of a National Defense Scholarship which he was awarded at an Ohio State University teaching contest. 

Ben was a life member of the Unione Abruzzese Society (the Italian Center). Ben enjoyed running for over 30 years and played an occasional round of golf. Ben and Mary Ann also enjoyed ballroom dancing for many years. The family thanks Pete Russo, and the Tallmadge Fire Department for saving his life in April 2007. The family also thanks Dr. Baranek and the professional staff at Summa for cardio rehab, and the kind, professional staff of Sanctuary Hospice and Home Instead. 

Cremation has taken place and there are no services per Ben’s request. Donations in lieu of flowers, may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105; Special Olympics Ohio, 921 Eastwind Dr., Suite 120, Westerville, OH 43081; or One of A Kind Pet Rescue, 1929 W. Market St. Akron, OH 44313. 

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