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A local politician — who would have entered his 16th term in Harrisburg in January — passed away Tuesday.
Since 1980, state Rep. Robert Donatucci has served the state House of Representative’s 185th District, which encompasses Girard Estate, Marconi, Newbold, Packer Park and part of the Navy Yard as well as sections of Southwest Philly and Delaware County.
The 1970 graduate of Bishop Neumann High School, 2600 Moore St., and chairman of the House Liquor Control Committee was recently re-elected in the Nov. 2 general election with 83 percent of the vote against Republican Michael D. Bruno.
Born May 3, 1952, Donatucci is survived by his wife Maria Patelmo and their two children.
The viewing is set for 6 to 9 p.m. Friday and 9 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Pennsylvania Burial Company, 1327-35 S. Broad St. The funeral will be held at St. Monica Parrish, 17th and Ritner streets, 11 a.m. Saturday.
“I was saddened to hear of the death of state Rep. Donatucci,” state Sen. Larry Farnese said in a statement. “He was a loyal and dedicated man who devoted himself to his community. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.”
State Sen. Anthony H. Williams said Donatucci’s statesmanship, wisdom and work ethic will be missed.
“I am extremely saddened by the untimely death of my friend and collegue, Robert Donatucci," Williams said. "Rep. Donatucci worked tirelessly to serve the people of Philadelphia and Delaware County for over 30 years. It was my honor to work side by side with him for the past 20 years to make a real difference in the lives of the people in our district and throughout Pennsylvania.".
Donatucci committed half a lifetime to public service, U.S. Rep. Chaka Fattah said in a statement.
“We served together in Harrisburg as young men when we were both starting out our legislative careers," Fattah, who served as both a state senator and representative before he was elected to Congress, said. "I offer my prayers and condolences to his family including his wife Maria, two children and brother Ronald Donatucci, and join with all who mourn his passing.”
State Rep. Kenyatta Johnson said Donatucci was an esteemed colleague and his passing is a devastating loss to the city of Philadelphia and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
“May God bless his family during this difficult time and always, and I will continue to keep them in my prayers," he said.
Condolences may be sent to Maria Donatucci and family, 2502 S. Cleveland St., Philadelphia, PA 19145.
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