Michael J. “Papa D” “Big Mike” Donato, 74, of North Haven, passed away on Monday, February 22, 2021 at Yale New Haven Hospital. He
was the beloved husband of 53 years to his high school sweetheart, Burnette Ruggiero Donato. In their early years the couple could be
seen cruising in his classic Corvette all over New England as members of the Corvette Club. More recently those cruises were
replaced by daily Dunkin runs and local escapes to their favorite park bench at Fort Nathan Hale where they shared laughter and fed the
birds.
After high school, Michael joined the Army National Guard to proudly serve his country during the Vietnam War. Later he was a member of
the North Haven Police Department until an early retirement. Friends may also recall his numerous years as a buyer at Chase Waste
Material Corporation in New Haven where he was a friendly face welcoming customers from behind his desk.
Michael’s true heart however belonged to his family. His greatest joy was caring for his beloved wife and celebrating the accomplishments
of his children and grandchildren. Whether preparing a lavish family feast or watching his grandkids from the sidelines, his smile and
pride were unparalleled.
Mike’s loving family consists of his daughter Burnette Ann Donato and son Michael Richard Donato. He will forever be Pop Pop to
Matteo S., Michael A., and Marco M. Donato. He is survived by his sister Ann (Peachy) Chadderton and numerous nieces, nephews and
all those he embraced as his “other kids.”
Always a compassionate man, Michael was a member of The Sons and Daughters of Italy, a parishioner of St Therese Church, and
generous benefactor to numerous local and national charities.
The visiting hours will be Saturday morning, Feb. 27th from 10:30 to 11:30 at The Havens Family, North Haven Funeral Home, 36
Washington Avenue. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated in St. Elizabeth of the Trinity Parish at St. Barnabas Church, 44
Washington Avenue, North Haven at 12 noon. Interment with full military honors will follow in All Saints Cemetery. Should friends
desire, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, PO Box 50, Memphis, TN 38101-9929 or The
Lakota Sioux St. Joseph’s Indian School, 1301 North Main Street, Chamberlain, SD 57325 or visit stjo.org. www.northhavenfuneral.com
Mrs.Donato,Burnette, Michael and Family. I am sincerely sorry to hear about the passing of your Beloved. My prayers are with you all. I met him a few times and he was always warm and welcoming. Blessings to you all.
Sincerely, Cheryl
I never had the pleasure of meeting this amazing gentleman, but I knew him through his daughter and grandson. Whenever Burnette spoke of her dad it was with such overwhelming love and joy. He was the ultimate gentle man, the patriarch of his clan, leading by example. He has left his family with strong roots to hold them steady, and golden wings to rise above. ❤️
Linda, thank you. You have captured the true essence of a man you only know vicariously. I appreciate your kind words very much. 💔
So very sorry to learn this sad news. Mike was such a warm and caring person. We will all miss his smile and humor. Condolences and prayers to the family
Burnette and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Your Michael will be sorely missed by many many people, Dave and I included. I loved spending time with both of you. We always had fun! Laughing to the point that my jaw would get sore. Heaven just got a great, kind, funny, loving angel. I will never forget watching the UCONN basketball games at your house with the two Mike’s. And all of the other times we spent together back then and again more recently with Dave. I can honestly say that Michael is one of a kind and I will miss him. If there is anything that we can do, please let me know. Love and prayers to you and your family.
It is with great sadness that I heard of Michael’s passing. Skippy and I shared so many memorable times in our life with Michael and Burnette, from planning our weddings, raising our children and helping each other through the good and bad times. Michael was always a wonderful cousin and good friend and always there if we needed him. My deepest sympathy to Burnette and his children and grandchildren. Rest in peace dear Michael♥️♥️
Burnette and family words cannot express how sorry I am for the passing of Mike, it was always a pleasure to see how much love and affection they had for each other. Love and prayers ❤️🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Ricky, I know you’ll always be with us. Love, Lucy
Burn,and Matteo I am so sorry to hear this news . He was a wonderful guy I know you guys will miss him
We remember Mike and Bernadette from North Haven High School. One the nicest guys ,and always a gentlemen. Linda and I will pray for him and the family. God bless you all.
Richard and Linda Brandi
Mike we will miss you and pray for you and your family daily.
Nicholas Milione and family
Sorry to hear of the passing of Mike He was a good customer of mine. My condolences to Mrs Donato and the Donato family.
Sincerely
Bill The Bush Man
Very sorry to hear of Mike’s Passing Always enjoyed our talks when we would run into each other RIP
I am sending my love and prayers to all of you after the loss of Mike. He is loved my many and only good memories are with me, his smile, his kindness and his wonderful sense of humor…he made everyone he came in contact with feel special to him. I will miss him.
My deepest condolences to you all. He was a kind and sweet man, and he will surely be missed by all, but forever present in our hearts. May he Rest In Peace.
Burnette, Micheal, Burnette and Peachy, had sent earlier did not go thru. Joe and I were so sad to hear that Mike had passed away. We have wonderful memories of visits to your house and having so many laughs and conversations. He was such a jolly and happy man. We know he will be surely missed by you all. But you will all be there for each other. Sending love and hugs to all of you.
Joe and Sandy
Cape Coral, Florida