Obituaries

Art Floral Shoppe Owner Dies at 69

Louis Joseph Donato was a Middletown resident.

Obituary courtesy John F. Pfleger Funeral Home

Louis Joseph Donato, 69, of Middletown died suddenly on Tuesday at Riverview Medical Center in Red Bank surrounded by his family and friends. Louis owned Art Floral Shoppe with the love of his life, his wife, Susan. He was a hard worker, he loved landscaping and crafting beautiful gardens. His passion was for music and playing guitar. Lou loved life and thoroughly enjoyed being the life of the party. He was extremely funny and he loved to dance and 50's Rock and Roll.  He loved cars, going to antique car shows, and camping.  His greatest achievement, aside from his family, was when he designed the float for FTD in 1972 named "Aquarius" and he won the grand prize.  He also loved listening to and calling Big Joe Henry on 101.5 FM. Lou was a wonderful, caring, funny man and his love for his grandkids knew no bounds.

Surviving are his wife of 47 years, Susan Donato; his son and daughter-in-law, Louis and Elizabeth Donato; his daughter and son-in-law, Tracy and Anthony Petracca; his 6 grandchildren, Emily Elizabeth Donato, Abigail Faith Donato, Clayton Joseph Donato, Hannah Linnea Donato, Sarah Linnea Donato, and Anthony Michael Patracca; and his sister, Joanne Izzo.

Louis was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Katherine Donato.

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A Memorial Mass will be offered Saturday at 11 a.m, at St. Anthony of Padua Church, 121 Bridge Avenue, Red Bank. All funeral arrangements are under the direction of John F. Pfleger Funeral Home, 115 Tindall Rd., Middletown. For more information, to send condolences or for directions, please visit www.pflegerfh.com.


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