Robert A. Donato, pathologist

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Robert A. Donato, a pathologist and a former medical director at Jeanes Hospital, died Sept. 27 at his home in Mt. Airy after a long illness.

After retiring in 1985 from Jeanes, where he was also chief of pathology, Dr. Donato continued working at Presbyterian Medical Center, doing both clinical and anatomic pathology studies.

Born and raised in South Philadelphia, he graduated as one of the four honor men from Central High School's 179th Class. He attended the University of Pennsylvania and then graduated from Hahnemann Medical School in 1948. He completed his pathology residency at Bryn Mawr Hospital.

He served as a captain in the Army during the Korean War and became a pioneer in blood-banking techniques at the U.S. Army Hospital in Tokyo. At the end of the war, he returned to the United States and worked in the laboratory at Jeanes Hospital.

He was instrumental in establishing blood banking standards in Philadelphia and was an active board member of the American Red Cross Regional Blood Services as well as the National Board of the Blood Services Division for many years.

He enjoyed gardening, tennis and spending time with his beloved German Shepherds who were given special permission to visit him during his hospitalization at HUP.

Dr. Donato is survived by his wife of 28 years, Susan Hansen; sons Anthony Donato and Geoffrey Donato; daughters Carrie Donato Morgan and Claire Donato; stepsons David Hansen, Peter Hansen and Matthew Hansen; stepdaughters Amy Hansen Meir and Liz Hansen Hinds; a sister, Sylvia Marusi, and 12 grandchildren.

Funeral services are private at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. Donations may be made to the American Red Cross, Penn Jersey Region, 700 Spring Garden St., Philadelphia, PA 19123. – WF

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