WHEREAS, Robert C. Donatucci was a proud, lifelong resident of Philadelphia. He was born in South Philadelphia's Girard Estate neighborhood on May 3, 1952. Robert was one of five children born to Yolanda and the late Thomas Donatucci. His siblings are Thomas, Ronald R., and Rita Donatucci, and Maria Marciano; and
WHEREAS, Robert Donatucci graduated from Saint Monica's grade school and Bishop Neumann High School, in 1970. He then followed the family tradition of attending Temple University, from which he graduated with a B.A. degree in Political Science in 1974. On June 23, 1984, he married Maria Patelmo. From this union, Robert and Maria were blessed with two children, a son, Thomas, and a daughter, Dierdre; and
WHEREAS, On April 8, 1980, Robert Donatucci was first elected to represent the people of the 185th District in the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. This was in a Special Election held to fill the seat that had previously been held his brother, Ronald Donatucci, who had just been elected Register of Wills in Philadelphia. Robert continued to hold this office from then until his untimely passing on November 9, 2010, after being elected to his sixteenth term. He rose to become Chairman of the House Liquor Control Committee and also served on the House Committee on Ethics. He was held in high esteem by members of both political parties and was known for his bipartisan approach in reaching across party lines for the common good of the Commonwealth and his constituency. Perhaps the love his constituents had for him was best demonstrated by the fact that, just a week before his death he garnered eighty-four percent of the vote in his district, winning reelection by a five to one margin; and
WHEREAS, In addition to fulfilling the demanding duties and responsibilities of his Office and his absolute and unyielding devotion to his family, Robert also found time to be a very active and faithful member of his parish, Saint Monica's Roman Catholic Church. He could be found every Sunday attending the 7:00 a.m. Mass and also provided valuable moral and financial support to the church. Year after year he secured grants from the Commonwealth to assist the parish's Fathers and Sons Boys' Club. He also was passionate about collecting and restoring classic Chrysler-built cars and enjoyed spending time with his many friends at the car club; now therefore
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we hereby join in mourning the death and celebrating the life of The Honorable Robert C. Donatucci. He will long be remembered for his accomplishments and his humanity and will be sorely missed by all who knew him.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the Donatucci family as evidence of the profound condolences and respect of this legislative body.
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