Obituary of Benjamin DiDonna

Benjamin DiDonna, 83, of James St., died Sunday, April 12, 2009, at The Avenue Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, after a short illness. Mr. DiDonna was born in Schenectady and was a graduate of Nott Terrace High School. He was a U.S. Navy World War II and Korean War veteran. He had worked for several years at the General Electric Co. in the Steam Turbine Department, later working for many years at Evan Express as a truck driver. Ben was a communicant of St. Anthony's Church and will be remembered for his friendliness, sharing his life stories and trips with family to Yankee Stadium. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Janet VanWormer DiDonna; three children, Leonard DiDonna, Deborah Roberts and Laura Doerr; two sisters, Carmella DiDonna and Nancy Benedict; eight grandchildren, Mickey DiDonna, Sarah DiDonna, Melissa DiDonna, John Phillips, Anne Roberts, Lisa Emery, Patrick Emery and Alexandra Doerr; three great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a son, Benjamin DiDonna and siblings, John DiDonna, Jr. and Antoinette Gannon. Funeral service Wednesday morning at 9:15 from the Daly Funeral Home, Inc., 242 McClellan St., Schenectady. Calling hours Tuesday evening 6 to 8 at the funeral home. Interment will be in Park View Cemetery, Schenectady. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 260 Osborne Rd., Loudonville, NY 12211.