Obituary of August DiDonna

August C. Di Donna, "Augie", 81, passed away at his second home in Murrell's Inlet, SC May 2, 2013. Born in Schenectady, he was the son of the late Anthony J. and Mary Caruso Di Donna. Augie as he was known, graduated from St. Joseph's Academy and received his bachelor's degree from Siena College. A veteran of the Korean War, he served in the Navy aboard the U.S.S. Worcester. He was employed as Chief Auditor for the New York State Dept. of Labor, a job he held over 25 years and at the same time cooked for his family's restaurant "Di Donna's on Saratoga Lake". He was married to the late Hilda Jean Parker Di Donna. A longtime Saratoga Lake resident, he lived in Murrell's Inlet for the past six years. Augie was an usher at his church, St. Mary's in Ballston Spa; a lifetime member of the American Legion, VFW and B.P.O.E. as well as a member longstanding at Italian Fraternal Hall in Mechanicville. Augie was a kind and gentle man who was as generous as they get. Cooking was his passion, even from his wheelchair he would create appetizing dishes for family and friends. Augie liked playing cards and occasionally games of chance during his leisure time. Besides his beloved wife Hilda, he was predeceased by his daughter Darlene Di Donna in 2008 as well as brothers Angelo and Anthony Di Donna. Survivors include his loving daughter, Debora Di Donna and her husband Michael Kinisky of Stillwater, two cherished grandchildren: Kevin Heritage and Angel Peltoa (fiance Christopher Norton) and two great grandchildren: Zane August Parker Di Donna and Vincent Norton. Augie leaves behind his dear brother and best friend, Joseph Di Donna and his wife Amy of Saratoga Springs as well as his companion Diane Joslin Gabriels. Several nieces and nephews also survive. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, May 8 at 10:00 AM from the Glenville Funeral Home, 9 Glenridge Rd. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 AM at St. Mary's Church, 178 Milton Ave. Ballston Spa with the Rev. Thomas Kelly officiating. Calling hours will be 5-8 PM Tuesday at the Glenville Funeral Home. Interment will take place at Gerald B.H. Solomon National Cemetery with committal service at 1:30 PM.