Louis Donello, 75, passed away Sept. 30, 2021, surrounded by loved ones.
Louie was born and raised in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, graduating from New Utrecht High School. Shortly following graduation he enrolled in the U.S. Army and fought courageously in Vietnam. After his honorable discharge, with two medals, he married the love of his life, Cecilia, in 1968.
Louie was a passionate entrepreneur, always with a new business in mind, and had strong friendships and family support to bring it to life. One of his most meaningful businesses was becoming highly regarded in the world of sports memorabilia. Working specifically with Don Mattingly of the New York Yankees, their friendship led to Lou’s many more business opportunities shared with his sons, Jerry and Louis.
Nothing was more important to Louie than his family, which he considered his greatest accomplishment. Spending time and being in support of his grandchildren filled his heart with joy. He will be greatly missed and forever, deeply loved.
He is survived by his wife Cecilia Donello; sister Denise Torelli; children Danielle Papandrea and husband Rocco, Jerry Donello and wife Amanda, and Louis Donello and wife Christina; and his beloved grandchildren, Mathew, Dominick, Isabella, Sofia, Giuliana and Lia.
A visitation was held Oct. 5 at the Holmdel Funeral Home, Holmdel. A Mass of Christian burial was offered Oct. 6 at St. Gabriel’s Roman Catholic Church, Marlboro.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation be made in Louis’s honor to the Mattingly Charities at mattinglycharities.org.
The article originally appeared in the October 28 – November 3, 2021 print edition of The Two River Times.
