Anthony “Tony” F. DeDonatis, Sr., 83

February 28, 2023

Anthony “Tony” F. DeDonatis, Sr., 83, of Elizabethtown, passed away peacefully at home while surrounded by his immediate family on Tuesday, February 28, 2023. Born in Harrisburg and raised in Hershey, he was the son of the late Pietro and Clementina (Perin) DeDonatis. Tony was the beloved husband to his devoted wife Janice C. (Schell) DeDonatis, for over 61 years.

Anthony Sr. graduated from Hershey High School in 1957. Following graduation, he was enlisted in the PA National Guard for 9 years. Tony was extremely hard-working with his entrepreneurial endeavors including the DeDonatis Texaco of Hershey, Grime Busters with his son Jr., and House of Style with his daughter.

Tony loved helping his family and friends and was always ready to lend a hand to anyone in need, as he had great physical strength and could fix just about anything. Tony’s persistence and positive outlook on life earned him the “Optimist of the Year” award in 1972-73.

In addition to his wife Janice, Tony is survived by his son Anthony F. DeDonatis, Jr., his daughter AnneMarie Balog (Ken Jordan), his 2 grandchildren Victoria DeDonatis-Hurst (Shawn) and Sam Pence, along with his great-grandchildren Aden DeDonatis, Elijah, Matthew, and Lukas Hurst, Samuel and Gabriel Pence, and several nieces and nephews..
He was preceded in death by his 2 children Peter and Tom, his sister Mary (Carlucetti), and his brother Rudy DeDonatis.

Services will be private and at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, the family asks to send a memorial donation in Tony’s name to Homeland Hospice, 2300 Vartan Way #270, Harrisburg, PA 17110, or to GemmasAngels.org.