Obituary of Ray Anthony DiDonato

Ray Anthony DiDonato, 65, passed away unexpectedly on October 12, 2018 at his home. Ray was born December 3, 1952 in Ashtabula, Ohio, the son of Anthony and Hilda DiDonato. He graduated from St. John High School where he excelled in football and was selected as a Co-Captain, Sunkist High School All-American, and All-NEC. He obtained a football scholarship from Youngstown State University and played football for the Penguins before being drafted into the United States Armed Forces and being stationed in Fort Meade, Maryland from 1972 - 1974. Upon graduating from Youngstown, he attended the Ohio State Highway Patrol Academy and was employed as an Ashtabula City Patrolman. On October 1, 1977, he married Francine (Nappi) DiDonato and they moved to Columbus, Ohio where he began his career as an Investigator for the Ohio Attorney General's Office. Ray went on to become the successful owner of his own company, Oyl Air Specialty, and was currently employed in the same type of business. Ray was an avid golfer. He was a member of Medallion County Club and currently a member of Scioto Country Club, a dream he was able to fulfill. He loved coaching his children in sports and being a number one fan of his daughter's Upper Arlington High School Lacrosse and Field Hockey teams. Ray enjoyed mornings at Colin's Coffee, and spending time with his friends and family in Columbus, or in Ashtabula at the Crow's Nest, many times with his long-time childhood friend, Dean Colantino. Ray especially enjoyed his grandchildren, Victoria (Rory) and Grayson and playing in golf tournaments with his brother Lou. Ray is survived by his wife, Fran; his mother, Hilda; his daughter, Dr. Renee DiDonato and son-in-law, Eric Lynch; daughter, Ashton; his grandchildren, Rory and Grayson Lynch; his brother, Lou (Ann) DiDonato; his sisters-in-laws, Pat (Mario) Guarracino and Cindy (Gian) Piras; and brother-in-law, Dennis Nappi. Also surviving are his nieces and nephew, Wendy (Todd) Nagy, Tricia (Rafael) Yaipen, Maria Guarracino, Chelsea (Shane) Thornton and Nina Nappi, and Vincent DiDonato, and their families; and his pets, Jackson and Kennedy. He was preceded in death by his father, Anthony; his brother, Peter J. DiDonato; his uncle, Peter DiDonato, and his in-laws, Frank and Ann Nappi. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Evans Scholar Foundation, re: Ray DiDonato and sent to Scioto Country Club, 2196 Riverside Drive, Columbus, OH 43221. Ray was passionate about the Foundation which provides scholarships to golf caddies in financial need. Ray would like to be remembered as a friend to all; and, as his niece used to say, "playing golf eight days a week". Visiting will be held from 11:30 am - 1:00 pm with a service at 1 PM on Tuesday, October 16, 2018 at the ZABACK-WILLIAMS-DUCRO FUNERAL HOME, 500 West Prospect Rd., Ashtabula. Burial at St. Joseph Cemetery, Ashtabula and reception to follow. A Celebration of Life will be held in Columbus, Ohio for his friends soon. www.ducro.com