John W. Donath Jr.

On October 20, 2026 Dad took his final lap, crossing the finish line into peace. As he crossed that finish line, he was gently reminded of the love each and everyone of his children had for him. And he heard all of our names. He was truly at peace.

John was predeceased by his wife Mary (Connelly) Donath whom he cherished and terribly missed since her passing in 2021. They are together now in a place we are sure brings them the happiness and peace they always found and enjoyed at their camp they purchased and built in Sterling NY est. 1980.

After many years working as an auto mechanic at Rays Exxon in Syracuse, John ventured out along with his wife Mary to establish John D's Service Center in Syracuse. He owned and operated his auto repair shop for 18 years before his retirement in 2004. He was known for honest answers, fair prices and a mechanic who genuinely cared. The deep trust and loyalty of the customers he serviced was very much his professional pride.

After retirement John and Mary spent every chance they had at their camp in Sterling NY. You could almost always find them there. A place they truly cherished. More than just a favorite escape camp brought them a community of true friends who quickly became an extension of their own family. Creating countless laughs, campfires, golf cart rides and life long family memories.

Another passion truly started by his brother David Donath was his passion for dirt track racing. An avid supporter of his family. Dad bragged to anyone who would listen about his nephews talents and success in the dirt track racing motor industry. One of his greatest joys was watching his nephews channel their passion into a thriving racing motor business. He was their biggest fan bursting with pride over every engine they built at Donath Motor Worx and every milestone they reached.

John is survived by his daughters, Sharalynn (Warren) Donath-Kellogg, Darlene Hutchins Jacqueline Donath Patti Donath, Veronica (Rich Knapp) Becker and Jackie Angarano; sons: John (Nancy) Donath, Paul (Heather) Donath, Ed Pitcher and Rich (Shelby) Pitcher; sisters Shirley (William) Ruszczyk of Minoa, Sharleen Turner of Tennessee; brother: David Donath of South Onondaga; 25 grandchildren, several great grandchildren, great great grandchildren and great great great grandchildren, also several nieces and nephews. Also survived by the 2nd love of his life is his dog Colleen. Colleen gave him a tireless reason to keep going, offering a quiet unconditional love that sustained him through his hardest days.

John was predeceased by his spouse: Mary (Connelly) Donath, children, (infant) daughter Sharlene Donath and daughter Wendy Jo Donath; sister: Marth Jane (Donath) Costello; brothers, Paul Donath, Fred Donath and Jimmy Donath; parents, John and Jane (Keller) Donath, Sr; Son in law, Jeffrey Hutchins, Daughter in law: Robin Turo.

Calling hours will be held llam-lpm Tuesday October 27, 2026 at New Comer Cremations & Funerals Burial, 705 N. Main St., N. Syracuse, NY.

Burial will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery.

Contributions: In lieu Of flowers please consider making a donation in John Donath Jr's name to Multiple Sclerosis Resources Of Central New York Inc. at 6743 Kinne St. East Syracuse, NY 13057

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