Patricia Donofrio

Patty Donofrio, 74, of Akron, Ohio went home to the loving arms of her Lord and Savior on December 18, 2024, after a long illness with alzheimer's. Patty was born on June 8, 1950 to the late Anthony and Pauline Donofrio (Miljak). Patty grew up in Akron, graduated from Ellet High School, and later retired from Akron Children's Hospital after 36 years of service. 

From the time Patty was a young girl she excelled in sports, namely softball and bowling. She was on a softball league for much of her adult life but mostly with life-long friends from the Croatian American Club (CFU). Her father taught her to bowl at a very young age and she went on to become one of the best women bowlers in the Akron area carrying over a 200 average. She has won many awards and trophies and achieved a high series of 793 which is not achieved by most. 

As much as she enjoyed sports, her true passion was her love for the Lord and serving Him through her church which she loved so much. She never missed a service, taught Sunday school, and served on the Deaconess Board for many years helping members in the church and the community in any way she was needed. 

Patty loved her family more than anything. Her family remembers her always putting the needs of others before her own, giving of herself to make the lives her family easier. She was self-less and loving and took on the role of matriarch after they lost their mother in 1986. She was the glue that held the family together and carried on many traditions such as baking her grandmother's and mother's ethnic Christmas cookies every year which she proudly gave out as gifts. She was also well known for making our mother's famous lasagna. 

Patty was always happy and positive and saw the best in everyone. She leaves behind a legacy of godliness, love, and kindness to all who knew her and will be forever loved and forever missed. 

Preceded in death by her parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. She is survived by her brothers John (Mary Jean) Donofrio, and Joe Donofrio (Constance Santos); sister Marie Donofrio (Rod Thomas); and many nieces and nephews who have loved her as a second mother; and many cousins who embraced her as "sister" rather than a cousin. 

Family and friends are invited to call at Newcomer Funeral Home (131 N Canton Rd, Akron, OH 44305) on Saturday December 28, 2024 from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. A church service will follow at Second Baptist Church (690 S Main St, Akron, OH 44311) with a luncheon to follow in the church fellowship hall. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Patty's honor to Second Baptist Church of Akron.

To leave a condolence or share a memory, see the guestbook below.