Gerard A. Donatucci

Gerard A. Donatucci (Jerry), of Mechanicsburg, born March 19, 1933, in Erie, passed into God’s hands on October 26^th, 2023.

Born on March 19, 1933, in Erie, he was the son of the late Nicholas T. and Dora (Montagno) Donatucci. Jerry was the widower of his beloved wife of 60 years Nancy M. (Williams) Donatucci. He was also preceded in death by his oldest son Timothy, and brother John and his wife Suzanne Donatucci, and brother-in-law Harold Arrowsmith.

Father of Jody Donatucci-Clement, Steven (wife Vanessa), William (wife Sandy), and Jennifer Cleckner (husband Gregory). He was also grandfather to: Anthony, Christopher, and Marcus Clement, Caley Shutter, Olivia and Abbigail Cleckner, Kyle, Ashley, and Noah Donatucci, Stephanie Gillan, and Timothy Donatucci.  Jerry was also uncle to many nieces and nephews, great-grandfather of twelve children, brother to Dominic (Pete) Donatucci (wife Merle) and Donna Arrowsmith.  

He was lovingly supported for the last six years by full-time live-in caregivers Faustina Anning and Elizabeth Armah.  Jerry graduated from Cathedral Prep high school in Erie and earned a bachelor’s degree from John Carroll University, where he was a four-year scholarship football player.  A true patriot, he served his country as a 20-year military Army Aviator and Test Pilot in command and staff positions with  assignments in Korea, Germany, Vietnam, and various stateside locations. He retired as a Lieutenant Colonel with multiple combat Air Medals and a Bronze Star. After earning his graduate degree on active-duty military from Shippensburg University in Counseling and his military retirement, in his second career field he continued to serve others as an employee and manager in the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare (now called Human Services) before final retirement.  Mass will be celebrated at the convenience of the family with inurnment in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Gift of Life, https://www.donors1.org/.