James A. Donato Sr.

James Albert Donato, Sr. Marlborough, MA — September 11, 2026

Jim was born in Braddock, just outside Pittsburgh, PA, on June 9, 1943, to Kathleen Donato (née Isabela) and Philip Donato. He grew up alongside his younger brother, Jeff.

Jim graduated from Duquesne University, where he met his wife, Mary Janet "Jaye" Donato (née Murphy), to whom he was happily married for over 58 years. He earned his MBA from West Virginia University, and while the couple lived in Morgantown, they welcomed a son, James Donato, Jr.

Jim had a pioneering career in IT Audit/Consulting which took the family to a number of cities across the United States, ultimately settling in Huntington Beach, CA.

In 2010, Jim and Jaye "reverse retired," moving to Hudson, MA, to be closer to their grandchildren. He cherished being a grandfather attending their sports and school events; and serving as the willing opponent in any basement sport for Myles, getting to learn about the animals at Drumlin Farm with Lorelei, and faithfully watching every episode of Sofia the First alongside Oliana.

After surviving a stroke in 2011 and the resulting aphasia, Jim became actively involved in the community around Boston University's Aphasia Resource Center, and participated in several of their programs and documentaries.

He is survived by his wife Jaye; son, James, and his wife, Celine; grandchildren Myles, Lorelei, and Oliana; and brother, Jeff.

Services

Viewing: Thursday, September 17 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM Tighe Hamilton Regional Funeral Home, 50 Center Street, Hudson, MA

Funeral: Friday, September 18 10:00 AM Saint Michael Parish, 23 Manning Street, Hudson, MA

In Lieu of Flowers

Donations may be made in Jim's memory to the Boston University Aphasia Resource Center. Gifts can be made online via Boston University Giving (https://give.bu.edu), specifying the "Aphasia Resource Center."