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Niagara Gazette

NIAGARA FALLS — Florence K. Donato of Niagara Falls, NY, died on Saturday, October 30, 2010 at Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo, NY. Born in Syracuse, NY, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Maria (DeFazio) Donato.

Florence moved to the Niagara Falls area as a child with her family and attended local schools. During World War II she was employed at Bell Aircraft in Wheatfield, NY. She later worked at the former Nabisco Shredded Wheat Co. and Kimberly Clark Corp. until the plants closing. Florence went on to become a civilian office clerk at the U.S. Air Force Recruiting office on Pine Avenue in Niagara Falls until her retirement. While there, she was awarded an honorary recruiter certificate for being directly responsible for operating the office as well as the enlistment of numerous men and women to the Air Force. In 1970, Florence was also recognized for her heroism when she alerted the tenants of fatal fire that claimed two lives and nearly destroyed the landmark Sagamore Apartments in Niagara Falls. Her quick response to discovering smoke in the hallway and waking the tenants was credited for preventing a much more disastrous result. Florence was formerly involved in local politics for the Democratic Party and their campaigns. In her leisure time she also enjoyed Bingo and going to the Casino.

Florence is survived by one sister, Josephine (late Thomas) Tedesco of Niagara Falls, NY and was the beloved aunt to Penny (Mark) Adams, Ronald Appoloney, Thomas (Kathy) Tedesco, Frank (Jane) Donato, Rickie (Debbie) Donato, Richard (Joanne) Donato, William (Loraine) Corsaro, Jean Battilini and Sandra Barbaro. She is also survived by many great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great-nieces, great-great-nephews, great-great-great-nieces, great-great-great-nephews and cousins. Florence was also predeceased by three sisters and two brothers, Mary (late Angelo) Trapasso, Angeline (late John) Corsaro, Anthony (late Lillian) Donato, Lena (late Frank) Appoloney and Frank (late Mary Lou) Donato.

Visitation will be on Thursday November 4th from 9 - 11:15 AM at M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 MILITARY ROAD, NIAGARA FALLS, NY, where funeral services will begin at 11:15 AM, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 12 Noon in Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph Parish at St. Joseph Church, 1413 Pine Avenue, Niagara Falls, NY. Entombment in St. Joseph Cemetery, Niagara Falls, NY.

Visit www.mjcoluccifuneralchapel.com for online guest register.