Anthony L. DeDonato

Anthony DeDonato was born in flushing, NY on March 7, 1928. His parents were Pasquale and Loretta DeDonato, his father being an immigrant from Italy. He was one of four children (Pre-deceased); his sister Joan, and brothers Frank and Joe. As a hard working teenager, at the age of 17, Anthony decided to enlist in the U.S. marine Corps in 1945. He was honorably discharged in 1947, and joined the NY Telephone Company for employment. In 1950, he was called back to the U.S. Marines for deployment in the Korean conflict and served in China. He was again honorably discharged in 1951 as a Corporal. Before his second tour in the Marines, he became engaged to Beatrice Mirabella. Anthony and Beatrice were married on April 27, 1952. Anthony was employed with the NY Telephone Company for 42 years, retiring in 1952. Anthony was employed with the NY Telephone company for 42 years, retiring in 1990. He started as a splicer and worked his way up to an Outside Plant Engineer. From Flushing, NY, Anthony and Beatrice moved to North Massapequa, NY, and in 1997 they moved to Melbourne, Florida. During his retirement, his primary interest was spending time with his wife and family. Anthony and Beatrice were very active with volunteer work and social activities with the Telephone Pioneers of America Indian River Life Member Club. He recently celebrated his 61st wedding anniversary with his wife. He is survived by his wife Beatrice, his daughter Loretta Ward, her husband Martin Ward (pre-deceased), son Anthony and wife Christina; grandchildren Kristen, Kerri, Lauren and Christopher; great-grandchildren Ayden, Ryland, Alex, Tucker and Gabrielle. A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:30AM, Wednesday, June 26, 2013 at Ascension Catholic Church, Melbourne, FL. The family will receive friends at the Beckman Williamson Funeral Home Viera, FL Tuesday, June 25, 2013 from 2 till 4 and 6 till 8P.M.