Miss Donna A. Peppenelli

UTICA– Miss Donna A. Peppenelli, age 76, went home to heaven and her family, especially her twin sister Dorothy, on Monday, November 15, 2021; she passed accompanied by all of the prayers of her nieces and nephews, especially at the end of her earthly journey. Born in Utica on October 16, 1945 to the late James A. and Antoinette (DeFazio) Peppenelli, Donna spent her life in Utica alongside her twin and life companion, Dorothy. She graduated T.R. Proctor High School/Class of 1964, and then further pursued her interests by studying accounting as well as attending Beauty School, which enabled her to become a NY State Licensed Beautician. Donna began her professional endeavors at the General Electric Company at their Bleecker St. location, and then became involved with the family concern, the Tiki Toi Restaurant, where she kept a watchful eye on the operations of her uncle’s business. Donna later took on a new role as a Secretary to the Oneida County Department of Social Services. Donna established a wonderful rapport with her employers, who proved to be blessings in her life. She was an independent soul, and though slender bodied, she could accomplish the labor of any man! Donna remodeled her family homestead and was a “handy woman” before this was a common phrase! She utilized her dad’s tools during her renovation, and did amazingly meticulous work. Donna was so proud of all these accomplishments. Donna was an accomplished golfer, and she made numerous friends on the fairway at Valley View Golf Course. She loved playing that course for over 20 years in the Women’s League with her sister, Dorothy. Another hobby Donna enjoyed was playing cards, and pinochle was the game. The players were always situated at the kitchen table, with the usual suspects in place. Other pastimes saw Donna dabbling with computers and her cell phone, by which she played games of chance, watched YouTube videos about dogs, and kept up with friends and family on Facebook. An animal lover, Donna forever had a dog in the house, and they were always well trained. Her care and attention to each dog – both to their needs and their unique personalities – revealed her enormous heart. Her particular favorite dog was Heidi, whom she and Dorothy loved dearly; Heidi was considered part of the family and queen of the house. Raised Catholic, Donna believed in the Lord and her family parish was St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish. Donna shared a special, unique bond with her twin Dorothy. Wherever you saw one, there was the other. In the year following Dorothy’s passing, Donna was lost and missed her companion dearly; thus, it is fitting that the two are reunited again. Donna will be forever remembered by her nieces and nephews, Michael, Debbie, Steve, John, Charlene, Peggy, Anthony, Diane (Russell), Linda, Antoinette, and Rich, with a special thank you extended to niece Christina O’Neil for caring for Aunt Donna with such love and compassion. Her nieces and nephews were her everything; she taught them countless life lessons, even helping to raise them, and especially desired that they all be together as one family – Donna cherished an old school, yester-years approach to all members caring about and investing in the family! She will always be cherished by her great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins; and Mary Ann Nicolette, who was her golf partner and long-time family friend. Donna was predeceased by her siblings and their loves, her twin sister Dorothy M. Peppenelli who passed on September 13, 2020, John “Big John” and Ilse Peppenelli, Philip and Jean Marie Peppenelli, James “Mousie” and Mary Peppenelli, Anthony “Satch” and Sandra Peppenelli, Marie and John Greco, Joseph and Sharon Peppenelli, and Delores Ann Peppenelli. Donna was also predeceased by her paternal grandparents, John and Maria Grace (Palazzo) Peppenelli; her maternal grandparents, Philip and Carmella (Graziano) DeFazio; and her nieces and nephews, Phyllis Ann, Shannon Lynn, Phillip, David Peppenelli, Margo Pascarelli, and James Greco, Sr. It was Donna’s wish that all of us remember her in her best times, and thus there will be no public visitation. The Peppenelli family will gratefully accept memorial donations made in Donna’s honor to Anita’s Stevens Swan Humane Society, online at https://www.anitas-sshs.org/donate. Interment will take place privately in St. Agnes Cemetery, where Donna will be laid to rest alongside her beloved family.

Miss Donna A. Peppenelli

October 16, 1945 - November 15, 2021