Rudy G. Donatelli

Rudy G. Donatelli, 67, passed away on January 9 following a long and courageous battle with cancer.  Rudy was born and lived his entire life on North Hill.  He attended St. Martha School and graduated from North High School where he excelled in baseball and basketball.  He went on to Kent State University where he played baseball and was named to the All-MAC Team in 1976.  Rudy continued his love of sports by coaching youth leagues and at his alma mater, North High where his teams won many City Series Championships.  He was inducted into the Greater Akron Baseball Hall of Fame in 1987 and was a member of Blessed Trinity Parish. Rudy retired from the City of Akron Recreation Bureau after a long career as the Director of Patterson Park Community Center. Rudy was an avid golfer and enjoyed playing at all the local courses, especially Good Park.  He will be missed by all who knew him, especially his family, friends and everyone on North Hill.

Rudy was preceded in death by his parents, Rudolph and Lida; his sister Judie Burkley; brothers: Gary, Ronald, David and John.  He is survived by sisters-in-law Kathy, Ginger, Nancy and Pam; brother-in-law Charlie Burkley; and Brother Tim (Diane); many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends; and his special neighbors Bob and Janelle Arnold.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, January 15 at 11:00 a.m. at Blessed Trinity (St. Martha) Church, 300 E. Tallmadge Ave.  The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the Mass.

Please note that due to the current Covid pandemic, FACE MASKS WILL BE REQUIRED AT THE CHURCH. Burial will follow at Chestnut Hill Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Blessed Trinity Food Pantry or the Humane Society of Summit County.

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