O. John Donati | Physician, 89

O. John Donati, 89, a family doctor in Milmont Park for more than 50 years, died of heart failure Tuesday at home in West Chester.

The son of Italian immigrants, Dr. Donati grew up in Wildwood. He earned a bachelor's degree from Villanova University.

During World War II, he served in the Navy at Okinawa, Iwo Jima, the Philippines, and the China Sea.

After his discharge, he graduated from Pennsylvania College of Osteopathic Medicine. He completed a internship at a hospital in Detroit before establishing a practice in Milmont Park in 1951. In 1960, Dr. Donati was a cofounder of Tri-County Hospital, now Springfield Hospital, in Delaware County. He retired in 2002.

An avid bow hunter, he was a cofounder of Little Pine Lodge, a hunting club in Potter County. He and his wife of 61 years, Lydia "Lee" Avellino Donati, enjoyed golfing at Chester Valley Country Club, family gatherings, vacations at the Shore, and travel. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus.

"He was a great man; everyone really loved him," his wife said.

In addition to his wife, Dr. Donati is survived by daughters Laura Schiavone, Elisa Rodger, and Maria Green; a son, Paul; 11 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Another son, Robert, died in 1991.

A Funeral Mass will be said at 11 a.m. Mondayat St. Agnes Church, 233 W. Gay St., West Chester. Friends may call from 9:30.

Donations may be made to the Abramson Cancer Center, 2525 Market St., Suite 750, Philadelphia 19104.