Didonato, John
John “Johnny D” Didonato, 89, of Manchester, entered into eternal rest surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, April 21, 2024. Son of the late Michael and Christina (Gallinoto) Didonato, John was born on July 26, 1934, in Hartford, CT.
In his early years, John worked at Royal Typewriter in Hartford, where he met the love of his life, Patricia Didonato. They married in 1955 and spent the next 68 years by each other's side. Together they owned and operated C&P Market in Hartford, CT. John also worked at Buckley and Camp Market and Lanata's Market in Glastonbury. Johnny then went on to become a widely known pasta salesman for Carla's Pasta, selling throughout New England for over 30 years.
Johnny was also a part of the Manchester Democratic Town Committee for which he was recognized with a lifetime service award. In addition to town politics, he was also involved in the Democratic Connecticut State Party, assisting in various campaigns and reelections. He was even invited to the White House where he met President Jimmy Carter and First Lady Rosalynn Carter. John was also elected Constable for the Town of Manchester, as well as a member of the Parks and Recreation Commission. Last but certainly not least, John was a lifelong New York Yankees fan.
Johnny is survived by his children, Cynthia Witwicki and her husband Will, his son John Didonato and his wife Valerie, his daughter Susan Thurston and her husband Marc; his grandchildren, Christina Nunes and her husband Filipe, Ashley Biel and her husband Brian, Angela Witwicki and her partner Travis Piskura, and Jenna Wyble and her husband Luis; his greatgrandchildren, Olivia and Adriana Nunes, Sophia and Tristan Biel, Alison Piskura, Eliana Wyble, and another great-granddaughter on the way; his brother, Joseph “Yogi” Didonato; his very close friend, Carla Squatrito, as well as many loved nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Besides his loving wife, Patricia, Johnny was predeceased by his siblings, Thomas, Anthony, Danny, Rocco, Minnie, Katie, Millie, Lucy, Stella and Connie, and his grandson, Billy Witwicki.
Relatives and friends are invited to the John F. Tierney Funeral Home, 219 West Center St. for a visitation on Thursday, April 25 from 3 to 8 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Bartholomew Church, 736 Middle Tpke in Manchester on Friday, April 26 at 10 a.m., please meet directly at church. The burial will be held privately and at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Salvation Army, 661 Main St. in Manchester, or the American Heart Association, PO Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692. For online condolences, please visit www. tierneyfuneralhome.com.