Michael “Mike” Luigi Donatelli, 67, of Monroe, North Carolina, passed away on April 11, 2026. He was born on March 12, 1959, in Cincinnati, Ohio, the son of the late Errol Luigi Donatelli and Betty Ann Claypoole Donatelli. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Troy Allen Donatelli.

An honorable VA memorial service will be held at a later date in Salisbury, North Carolina.

Mike is survived by his brother, Anthony Wayne Donatelli (Shelia); his three sisters, Carol Lee Galbraith (Jim), Vicki Kay Joyner (Billy), and Kim Annette Nash (Chris Hollingsworth); and his special nieces and nephews, Jacob Griffith (Candance), Kenzie Nash, and Melissa Sue Barnes, along with many other beloved nieces and nephews. Mike shared an undeniable and deeply loving bond with his sister, Kim, and together they had a connection that was unbreakable. He cared for and helped raise her children as his own, loving them with his whole heart. They were his lifeline, and Kim was his constant source of strength and love.

Mike proudly served his country in the United States Air Force until his honorable discharge. He was a member of the honor guard at the Maysville, Kentucky VFW, where he participated in military funeral honors, including firing the World War II M1 Garand rifle during the 21-gun salute. As a young teen, he played the bugle and marched with the Charlotte Police Junior Drum and Bugle Corps. He was also active in the Boy Scouts at a church near his childhood home. Above all, Mike was a devoted, God-loving Christian who boldly shared the word of God with everyone he met, living his faith daily and leaving a lasting impact on those around him.

Mike went on to own and operate a fire and safety equipment company for 14 years, where he built a reputation for hard work, reliability, and dedication to serving others.

Mike will be remembered as a man of unwavering faith, deep love for his family, and a servant’s heart. His legacy lives on through the lives he touched, the faith he shared, and the family he loved so fiercely. Though he will be deeply missed, there is comfort in knowing he is now at peace in the presence of the Lord he faithfully followed.

Online condolences may be made at www.gordonfuneralservice.com

Gordon Funeral Service & Crematory, 1904 Lancaster Ave, Monroe, NC 28112, is honored to be entrusted to care for the Donatelli Family.