Ishpeming- Arthur F. Donato, age 72 of 556 Jasper St. Ishpeming, passed away Thursday, October 8, 2009 at the Mather Nursing Center where he been a resident for the past 1 month.

Arthur was born November 28, 1936 in the family house in Ishpeming to the late Nicholas & Evelyn (Matherson) Donato. Arthur was a self employed, "Jack of all trades", working mostly as a carpenter. He proudly worked on many buildings and homes around the Ishpeming area including the old Salisbury School where his lived with his family. He was also a firefighter for the City of Ishpeming during the 1970's. Arthur and his wife Connie, who were married in 1956, enjoyed living in different areas including California, Illinois and Las Vegas, Nevada, where he happily worked as a Black Jack Dealer, playing cards being one of his biggest passions. Arthur loved old movies, cars, garages and spending the long winters in Florida with his son Mark and family. He was a strong, wonderful person who would do anything for anyone.

Arthur is survived by his three children: Anthony (Sharon) Donato of Elgin, IL, Evelyn a.k.a Suzie (Paul) Bertucci of Ishpeming, and Mark (Rebecca) Donato of Palmetto, FL, 10 siblings; Rocco (Janet) Donato of California, Stella (Bob) Ball of California, Mary Lou (Joe) Suardini of Ishpeming, Irene (Gert) Cevigney of Ishpeming, Tony (Dee) Donato of FL., Rosemarie (Dione "Chic") Cecchini of Ishpeming, James (Barbara) Donato of Ishpeming, Ralph (Helen) Donato of WI, Nick Donato Jr. of Ishpeming, and David Donato of Ishpeming, 9 grandchildren, Heather Donato of Ishpeming, Addey (Eric) Quigley MN., Daniel Willey Jr. (Loretta Dugan) of Ishpeming, Sasha Donato of FL., Mathew Willey of Ishpeming, Marina Donato of FL., Ana Willey of Ishpeming, William Bertucci of Ishpeming, and Cody Donato of FL., 2 great grandchildren, sisters-in-laws Patricia Powers and Peggy Lynd along with numerous nieces and nephews. Arthur was preceded in death by his parents, wife Connie and brothers: Victor & Danny

Funeral services will be held at 6:00PM on Monday, October 12, 2009 at the Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home with Fr. Greg Heikkala officiating. The family will greet relatives and friends at the Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home on Monday from 4:00pm until the time of service.