Donald was born June 2, 1936, in Youngstown, the son of Neal and Marie DeSerio Cheffo, and was a lifelong area resident. Donald was a graduate of East High School and excelled as an all-around athlete. He earned eight letters combined in baseball, football and basketball. Donald was inducted into the East High Golden Bears Hall of Fame for baseball as an excellent pitcher.

Donald enlisted in the Army, July 18, 1955, and was stationed in Alaska at an Air Force base, serving as a firefighter until he received an honorable discharge July 5, 1957.

Donald was always a self-employed entrepreneur. He began as a hairdresser, owning several salons throughout the Valley, followed by venturing into catering, the restaurant business and multiple other businesses. In his retirement, he thoroughly enjoyed being known as “the flower man” at the Four Seasons Flea Market. He always looked forward to spending his winters in Florida and vacationing with his family. He had a true passion for horse racing and Wednesday night poker with friends.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife of more than 64 years, the former Jacqueline Moretti, whom he married on Dec. 29, 1956; his children, Michele (James) Caputo-Lopatta, Lisa (Joseph) DiMuzio, Dawn Marie (Ramon) Manna and Don (Christina) Cheffo; his grandchildren, whom he adored, James Michael, Lauren, James Augustine, Anthony, Marsia, Vincenzo, Carmyn, Dominic, Donald, Francesco, Giuliana, Kimmie, James, Ava and Zander; his great-grandchildren, Liliana, Joey, William and Katherine; a sister, Alice (Richard) Primavera; and sisters-in-law, Carol (Robert) DeRose and Gail (Carmen) Policy.

Donald was preceded in death by his parents.

Family and friends may pay their respects 2 to 3:25 p.m. Friday, Jan. 22, 2021, at St. Columba Cathedral, 159 W. Rayen Ave., Youngstown.

There will be a Mass of Christian burial, 3:30 p.m. Friday at the church, with the Very Rev. Msgr. Polando as officiant.

Following the Mass, Donald will have military honors provided by the great men of the Ellsworth VFW.

Donald’s family would like to extend gratitude for the care and support given by Dr. Arthur Duran and his staff, and also Jamie and Rita of Akeso Hospice.

The family, funeral staff and church will be practicing social distancing and proper health protocols. Due to the continued and increasing spread of COVID-19, the 6-foot social distancing rule will be honored, and all guests, must wear a mask. For the safety of everyone, we politely ask that all visitors exit the church after paying their respects to the family unless you’re staying for Donald’s Mass.

The Cheffo family understands if you feel unconformable or if you are unable to attend, please keep them and Donald in your thoughts and prayers.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the professional care of the Rossi and Santucci Funeral Home, 4221 Market St., Boardman.

In lieu of flowers, Donald’s wish was for his friends and family to consider a donation to the Children’s Tumor Foundation, in honor of his great-grandson, Joey. Please make checks payable to the foundation; they can be mailed to c/o Lisa DiMuzio, 4695 Messerly Road, Canfield, OH 44406.

Family and friends may visit www.rossisantuccifh.com to view this obituary, sign the guest book and send condolences to Donald’s family.

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