Gary R. Donatelli

Gary R. Donatelli, 60, passed away September 8, 2009, surrounded by his family, following a short, courageous battle with cancer. Gary was born and raised in Akron on North Hill and lived the last 22 years in Jackson Township. He attended Saint Martha Grade School and North High School. Gary worked as a tire builder for General Tire until the plant closed in 1982. He then started a very long and rewarding career with Rent-A-Center Stores where he began as a delivery driver and worked his way up to Regional Manager overseeing several stores in the Canton/Massillon area. He was a great leader, mentor, and friend to all of his co-workers at Rent-A-Center. Gary was a true sports fan and enjoyed cheering on the Browns, Indians, Cavs, and Buckeyes although his greatest joy was watching his son Rudy compete in various sports throughout his school years. One of his proudest moments was watching Rudy's team from Canton Central Catholic High School win the State baseball championship title in 2008. He also coached many championship men's softball teams for Palumbo's New York Life and General Tire in the 1970's and 1980's. Gary was also very devoted to his family and enjoyed spending time at home with Kathy, Rudy, and his beloved dogs Spike and Gonzo. He loved spending time in the backyard on the patio where he would sit and relax with a good cigar and a sports magazine or newspaper. He was an honest, hard working man and a true patriarch. He will be deeply missed by many, many, people. Preceded in death by his father, Rudolph Donatelli and brother, David Donatelli, he is survived by his wife of more than 28 years, Kathy; mother, Lida Donatelli; son, Rudy; sister and brother-in-law, Judie and Charlie Burkley; brother, Rudy; brothers and sisters-in-law, Ronald and Ginger, Tim and Diane and John and Pam; sister-in-law, Nancy Donatelli; mother and father-in-law Robert and Jeanne Barnes; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, friends and neighbors. "I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith. From now on the crown of righteousness awaits me, which the Lord, the just judge, will award to me on that day." 2 Timothy 4:7-8 The family will receive friends from 4 to 8 pm on Friday, September 11 at the Hennessy-Bagnoli Funeral Home, 936 N. Main Street, Akron. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, September 12 at 10 am at St. Paul Catholic Church, 303 S. Main St., North Canton. Interment at Rose Hill Memorial Gardens in Massillon. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Gary's memory to Mercy Medical Center Hospice, 7568 Whipple Ave. NW, North Canton, OH44720.