"We don't age by years, we age by stories, and we will miss his stories." HERKIMER - Absent from the body, present with the Lord, Mr. Rudolph T. "Rudy" Donato, passed away surrounded with love on Saturday morning July 25, 2015. A lifelong Herkimer resident, he spent many wonderful and cherished years as owner and operator of Rudy's Menswear, Inc., a family business which offered fine clothing and formal wear. Mr. Donato was 88 years old and shared in the success of several businesses with his family in the Village of Herkimer throughout the years. It is truly reflected upon that indeed his family brought him the greatest pride and joy; he loved each and every one so dearly. He was born on February 16, 1927 in Herkimer, NY a son of the late Thomas and Clara (Foglino) Donato and was educated in Herkimer schools. He was a proud veteran of the United States Navy, having served our country during World War II. He was united in marriage on November 4, 1950 to the former Mary E. Sanita at St. Anthony's Church, Herkimer with the Reverend Gustav Purificato officiating. The couple shared in 50 wonderful years together. Mrs. Donato passed away on December 11, 2000. Rudy was a member of the Church of Sts. Anthony & Joseph, as well as the Herkimer Michael S. Pliseck VFW Post #4915 and a life-time honorary member of the Herkimer Elk's Lodge. Over the past ten years Rudy was fortunate enough to spend time in as well as to live in Saratoga Springs. This made him very happy especially to be close to the horses as he was an avid racing fan. His family survives, inclusive to his loving children, Reina Merkelbach and her husband Kenneth of Albany, Joanne Circelli and her husband William of Plattsburgh, Alba Bowman and her husband Edward of Herkimer, Gina Hartman and her husband Richard of Herkimer, Teresa Bunce and her husband David of Herkimer, Clarina Talarico and her husband Terrance of North Carolina, Mary Baggetta and her husband Thomas of Schenectady, and Rudolph J. Donato of Schuyler. He will be missed by his grandchildren, Danielle and Andrew Circelli , Jessica Bowman (fiancé Mike Maida), Barbara Hartman, Maureen Minguela (John), Carolyn Saugh (Vik), and Audrey Piccione (Frank), Wesley Bunce, Kari O'Reilly (Stephan), LeighAnn Talarico, Sanita Baggetta (fiancé Ryan Laicona), Angelina, Isabel, and Xavier Baggetta, and great - grandchildren, Chloe Hartman, Daniel O'Reilly, Anjali Saugh, Maya Saugh, Christian Saugh, and Julian Piccione. Also surviving are two Sisters- In- Law, Theresa Fusco and Marie Sanita, as well as many nieces and nephews, especially mentioning Denise and Robert Martin and Renato and Patty Donato. He was predeceased by his parents and his wife Mary, along with his brother Renato Donato and his wife Mary Louise, his granddaughter Julia Ann Bunce, his nephew Thomas V. Donato, and his great - nephew, Christopher Martin. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday July 28, 2015 at 9:00 AM directly at the Church of Sts. Anthony & Joseph, South Main Street in Herkimer, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Father Quy Vo , Pastor. The funeral procession will immediately follow the mass to the family mausoleum at Calvary Cemetery, Herkimer, NY where he will be laid to rest. As a tribute to the wishes of Rudy, there will be no public funeral home calling hours. Please omit floral offerings. Donations in memory of Rudolph Donato are asked to be considered to either the Herkimer Area Resource Center Capital Campaign Fund or to the Holy Spirit Polish National Catholic Church, Little Falls, NY. Envelopes will be provided at the church services. The family extends a special thank you to Dr. Gregory O'Keefe and the staff of the Alpine Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, especially mentioning Stacey Randall. Great comfort and concern was also offered by Father Rafal Dadello and the family was very appreciative of this. All funeral and entombment arrangements have been planned with The Enea Family Funeral Home, 220 North Washington Street, Herkimer, NY, Funeral Directors Harry J. & Kevin E. Enea (315) 866-1011. To leave an online note of sympathy, please visit www.eneafamily.com on the Internet.