Joseph James Donato, Age 89 of Merchantville and formerly of Gloucester City, passed away peacefully at Cooper Hospital on September 22, 2026 with his loving family by his side. Loving and cherished husband of 55 years to Mary Edna Donato (nee Burke). Devoted father of Joseph F. (Stephanie) Donato and Michael J. Donato. Beloved grandfather of Nicholas M. Donato and Sophia E. Donato. Predeceased by his parents, Joseph Donato and Eleanor Donato (nee Downey). Dear brother-in-law of Frances (late Francis “Pat”) Burke, Michael (Joann) Burke, MaryAnn (late James) Burke, Jeannie Burke, and Frances and Robert McQuillan (late). Survived by many nieces, nephews, great - nieces, great - nephews and cousins.

Born and raised in Gloucester City, Joseph was a graduate of St. Mary’s Grammar School in Gloucester City Class of 1950. He was a graduate of Gloucester Catholic High School Class of 1954. Joe was so proud to be born in the family home on Thompson Avenue, and kept his friendships with grammar school and high school friends for his entire life.

Joe proudly entered the U.S. Navy on December 27, 1954 and served during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged on November 1, 1957. Following his U.S Navy service, Joe began a proud career as a sheet-metal worker in the Philadelphia area. He was a dedicated worker who took pride in his craft and in providing for his family. Joe was a proud member for 35 years of Sheet Metal Workers Union Local # 19 in Philadelphia, PA.

Joe met Mary Edna in Margate in 1968. Three years later, in 1971, Joe and Mary Edna married and moved to Merchantville. Joe was a parishioner of St. Peter’s R.C. Church in Merchantville from 1973 to the present day. Joseph’s passion outside of his family was watching his beloved Notre Dame Football every Saturday in the fall. Additionally, he was a devoted Villanova basketball, Philadelphia Eagles, and Philadelphia Phillies fan.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Joe’s Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, September 26 at 10 am at Saint Peter’s R.C. Church: 43 West Maple Avenue, Merchantville, NJ 08109. There will be No visitation before Mass.

Cremation was private. Inurnment will be private and at a later date at Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery.

Family requests in lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516. Please write in memo: Joseph James Donato or https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org Tunnels to Towers: https://dogood.t2t.org/Donate Please write in memo: Joseph James Donato

Condolences and Memories may be shared at www.mccannhealey.com under the obituary of Joseph James Donato.

Funeral Arrangements and Inquiries may be made through: McCann -Healey Funeral Home: Gloucester City Ph: 856 - 456 - 1142