Violet Elena Donato

Violet Elena Donato, age 78 years, of Staten Island, NY, died peacefully on Saturday, April 11, 2020 at her daughter’s home in Raritan Township, NJ, surrounded by her loving family and under the caring watch of Hunterdon Hospice.

Born in Manhattan, New York City, NY, November 17, 1941, daughter of the late Richard and Helen Scaramellino Mayronne, Violet was raised in the Gravesend section of Brooklyn, NY and had lived the majority of her life in the New Springville section of Staten Island.

Graduating from James Madison High School in Brooklyn, Violet would work as a bookkeeper for many years at Kinney Motors in Brooklyn, and later at Star Pontiac on Staten Island.

The role she would want to be remembered for however, is that of being the matriarch to her cherished family. The titles of loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend truly tell the story of this amazing soul.

It was on Manhattan Beach in Brooklyn, NY, where a young Michael Donato would go up to a striking young lady named Violet, who was two years his junior in high school, and boldly “start talking.” Cupid’s arrow pierced both of their hearts instantaneously, and a love affair that would be the foundation of how a couple makes it work, was formed.

Marrying on June 16, 1962 in Brooklyn, NY, Violet and Mike’s love was based on mutual respect and grounded in love. The did virtually everything together, and thus imparted the importance of family onto the next generations. Mike even brought her a cup of coffee in bed each and every morning and carried her pocketbook through the malls; if that does not say true love, then what does?

Violet was there for her family in every way possible. From creating new traditions that will surely stick with the family for generations to come, to simple things like just goofing off and being silly with her grandkids, Violet was the rock to whom they could all turn. She had a great listening ear and sage advice on virtually any topic. Her friends from childhood were still close friends to this day, a testament to her loving and caring persona.

Simple and always humble, Violet enjoyed painting, cooking and spending time in Lauderdale by the Sea, FL with her family, especially her beloved Mike.

Though her time on Earth seems all too brief, Violet’s heart will surely shine on through the eyes, and in the actions of her children, grandchildren, great grandchild, and family… all of whom know the truth that is contained in the words of the following poem, entitled, “The Magic of a Grandmother” whose author is unknown:

There was magic in grandmother’s touch,
and sunshine in her smile.
There was love in everything she did
to make our lives worthwhile.
We found both hope and courage
just by looking in her eyes.
Her laughter was a source of joy,
her words warm and wise.
There was a kindness and compassion
found in her embrace,
And shining down from Heaven above
we see the glow of Grandma’s face.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving and devoted husband, Michael Donato, Sr. in 2009.

Surviving are her children and their spouse, Michael and Elaine Donato Jr., Jannine and Al Valledor, and Thomas and Kolleen Donato; her grandchildren: Nicolle Donato, Thomas Donato, Samantha Stratton, Jessica Donato, Michael Donato III, Nicholas Donato, Victoria Stratton, Matthew Donato, Gabrielle Stratton, Robert Stratton, and Jenna Donato; a great grandchild, Brooklyn Donato; her siblings, Richard and Veronica Mayronne, and Barbara and Butch Ciervo; several extended family members; and many dear friends.

Given the current gathering restrictions in place in New Jersey, a public Mass of Christian Burial is being planned at a later date under the care and direction of Wright & Ford Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 38 State Highway 31, Flemington, NJ 08822. Please check back on this page for updated service information; again, the information will not be available until the restrictions are lifted.

A private family visitation at the funeral home, with a blessing by Rev. Guy Selvester, and burial at Resurrection Cemetery, 361 Sharrott Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10309, took place under the care and direction of Wright & Ford Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Flemington, NJ.

***Due to the inability to have a public ceremony at this time, and knowing how vital the love of family, friends, and the community is when someone passes, everyone reading this is encouraged to leave a detailed note on this page—perhaps a favorite story, or maybe the way Violet touched your heart—something to help inspire a measure of comfort and hope to all who read the comments.***

Please visit Violet’s permanent memorial site at www.wrightfamily.com to light a memorial candle, leave messages of condolence, share words of comfort and recollection, and post photographs of her life.

In lieu of flowers, those who wish to honor Violet’s love of family are asked to make a contribution in her name to St. Jude Children’s Hospital by clicking HERE.

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Wright & Ford, your local, family owned & operated “Life Celebration Home”