Arthur J. "Arco" Didonato

Arthur Joseph “Arco” DiDonato, 95, of Dennison, passed away on Thursday, March 2, 2017 at Community Hospice in New Philadelphia, after a lengthy illness. Born May 24, 1921 in Dennison, he was a son of the late Pantaleone “Pete” and Elisa (Palandrani) DiDonato.

On June 5, 1948, he married the former Lois Irene Thompson with whom he enjoyed a blessed and loving marriage until her passing on their 60th wedding anniversary. They are survived by four sons, Kevin (Sherri) DiDonato, Rich (Beth) DiDonato, John (Reta) DiDonato, and Greg DiDonato; 13 grandchildren, Matt (Kari) Scott (Lisa), Terry, Chad (Earnest), Keith (Diane), Liz (Cameron), Phillip, Patrick, Caitie (Brandon), Carly, Christina, Shelby, and Ciera; 13 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his step-mother, Teresa (Rastelli) DiDonato; brothers, Guido and Enrico DiDonato; and an infant brother.

A lifelong resident of Dennison, Arco was a member of Immaculate Conception Church in Dennison where he served in a variety of positions including the church board and as a volunteer for the parish festival, and he was a 1939 graduate of St. Mary’s High School. He worked many years for the local railroad industry, as well as at Alsco for 15 years. Along with his wife, Arco was very active in his community, especially in support of the Dennison Railroad Depot Museum and Festival, having been a past Grand Marshall of the Festival Parade. They also proudly represented their son, Greg, at local events in his district while he served in the Ohio Legislature for 12 years.

Father Tyron Tomson will celebrate the funeral Mass on Tuesday, March 7, 2017 at 10am in Immaculate Conception Church in Dennison. Arco will be interred with his beloved wife in St. Mary’s Cemetery near Dennison. Visitation will be 5-8pm on Monday at the R.K. Lindsey Funeral Home in Dennison, concluding with a 7:45pm Christian Wake Service. In lieu of flowers, contributions honoring Arco’s memory may be made to the Twin City Christian Service Center, Immaculate Conception Church’s Memorial Book Fund, Community Hospice and the Trinity Hospital Twin City Foundation.