Joe Donato, 71, of Lancaster, PA passed away on Wednesday, October29, 2008 at the Lancaster Hospice Center in Mount Joy, PA.  He was the loving husband of Suzanne Houck Donato with whom he celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary in August.

He was born in Lancaster County, the son of the late Joseph A. and Angela Yohn Donato.

Joe proudly served his country in the 82nd Airborne Division as a paratrooper from 1954 to 1957.  For most of his adult life, Joe was a highly respected owner of his own company, Donato Painting and Contracting, from which he had recently retired.  While limited by illness in recent years, Joe enjoyed spending time with his many friends and family, and most of all, his beloved companion, Jozette. He also enjoyed traveling the United States, especially through the New England States. He was an avid hockey and college football fan.

In addition to his wife, Joe is survived by his two sisters, Rose Donato Witmer and Joanne Donato Page. He is also survived by ten nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Memorial Graveside Service at Millersville Mennonite Cemetery, Rts 999 and 741, Millersville, PA on Saturday, November 8 ^th at 10:00am.  Arrangements by the Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home, Millersville  872-5041. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Joe's memory can be made to Hospice of Lancaster County, Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604-4125 or the Humane League of Lancaster, 2195 Lincoln Hwy. East, Lancaster, PA  17602  www.humaneleague.com. To send an online condolence, please visit www.snyderfuneralhome.com