Florian I Donatelli
October 21, 1929 - March 15, 2020
Obituary
MADISON, Wis.-Florian I. Donatelli, 90, of Madison, passed away on Sunday, March 15, 2020 at The Cottages in Madison.
Florian was born Oct. 21, 1929, in Chicago, Ill., the beloved son of Ferdinand Donatelli and Marie (Butler) Donatelli. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother and sisters, Anthony, Margaret Rotman, Anna Mae McCauley, Raymond; and nephew, Scott Dvorak. Florian is survived by his brother, Edgar (Mary Ann) Donatelli; sister, Genevieve (Robert) Dvorak; brother-in-law, William McCauley, eight nieces and nephews; 14 great- nieces and nephews; cousins; and many friends.
In 1947, Florian entered the Christian Brothers. He went on to earn his Masters in English and taught for over 20 years in the Christian Brother High Schools throughout the Midwest. After leaving the Christian Brothers he worked in various substance abuse organizations including The Pines in Janesville, Wis. and retiring from Creative Community Services in Madison. Very important to him was the fellowship, support and his 50+ years as a member of A.A.
Florian will be lovingly remembered by his family and extensive A.A. family for his sharp sense of humor and his selflessness. Thanks for the memories. A special thank you to Kathy and the staff of Heartland Hospice, the doctors and nurses at Meriter Hospital in Madison and the staff at The Cottages of Madison.
A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at a later date at Providence of God in Chicago, Ill. Interment will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Chicago, Ill. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderon East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420
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Memories
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Terry Testolin
Other •
My deepest sympathy to Florian's family and friends. Florian was my AA sponsor and a great friend for the last 15 years. He saved my life and was a very loving spiritual guide. His strength and humor helped many. His work in AA in Madison and elsewhere saved lives and helped many people overcome alcoholism and to live a decent joyful life. Florian always said to me and others,, "God is Love" and he is inside us. I will be praying for you and to Florian. He taught me how to pray and meditate which has changed my life. I will miss him so much as I know will his many friends in the Madison area and elsewhere. We traveled together to meetings, retreats and his wonderful talks in AA.
Florian was a saint who helped this slowly recovering alcoholic and many others. He was a kind soul whose example lives on now with us, as we celebrate and pass on his love and care, that is a legend in AA in Wisconsin! with sadness for the loss of my wonderful friend and gratitude for all the spiritual gifts he gave me, my prayers and condolences are with you, peace, Terry Testolin - Richland Center
PM
Patrick Murphy
Other •
I had the pleasure of working with Florian on the Serenity Weekends at the American Martyrs Retreat House in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Oh, what a message he had and what a sense of humor too. I will never forget him nor will I ever forget his message for alcoholism recovery.
Pat Murphy
Cedar Rapids, Ia.