Joseph A Didonna

Joseph A. DiDonna, 70, of Schenectady, died peacefully at home with his children and family at his side. Joseph was born in Schenectady, the son of the late William and Lempi Hellsten DiDonna. He was employed as a Custodian with the Schenectady School District for over 30 years before he retired. Joe loved his German Shepherds. He also loved cooking for his family and friends, driving his antique car, and just listening to one of his Juke Boxes with his late Carol. Always a jokester, Joe had quite a sense of humor. In addition to his parents, Joe was also predeceased by his beloved wife of 52 years, Carol DiDonna, who died in 2015, his daughter; Jodi DIDonna. He is survived by his children; Melissa DiDonna-Giesin of Schenectady, Bridget Congdon and her husband Theodore of Niskayuna and Joey DiDonna and his life partner, Alan Paquin of Rotterdam, four grandchildren; Keka Giesen and her fiancé Mike Thomas, Ronald Giesin, and his fiancé Cassandra Attanasio, Steven Congdon and Sydney Congdon, three great grandchildren,; Brennan Thomas, Hailey Thomas and Annika Thomas. Joe was also predeceased by his brothers and sisters; Robert DiDonna, Lillian “KeKa” DiDonna DeSorbo, Sylvia DiDonna, Eileen DiDonna, Anthony DiDonna, Gary DiDonna and Edward DiDonna. He is also survived by brothers and sisters; William DiDonna Jr., Kathleen DiDonna Fiala, Joyce DiDonna Eppler, James DiDonna, Richard DiDonna, Ronald DiDonna, Judy DiDonna Mannolini, Cynthia “Dea” DiDonna DiJohn and Brenda DiDonna Kelba, and many nieces and nephews. Calling hours will be held on Wednesday from 6-8 pm at the DeMarco-Stone Funeral Home, 1605 Helderberg Ave. Funeral services will begin on Thursday at 1 pm at the funeral home. Burial will be at Memory Gardens Cemetery in Colonie. Memorial donations may be made to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at stjude.org.