Bruce Edmund Donatelli
LEXINGTON – Bruce Edmund Donatelli, 81, died on February 28, 2024, at his home in Lexington, SC surrounded by family. Born in Los Angeles, CA, on May 26, 1942, he was the son of the late Judge Victor Edmund Donatelli and Doris McCormick Donatelli. He was a graduate of the University of California, Los Angeles receiving a BS in Electrical Engineering in 1965, Tau Beta Pi; and an MBA in Economics in 1967.
After graduation from UCLA, he went on to serve in the United States Army rising to the rank of Captain. Following retirement from the Army, he worked as a management executive and director for manufacturing companies in the private sector including Babcock and Wilcox, Edgewater Steel, Triangle Tools, and Harsco Track Technologies. After retirement from Harsco in 2007, he became a consultant to manufacturing companies and educational institutions.
As an industrial leader and expert, he testified in front of the US Senate Banking and Finance Committee on manufacturing, steelmaking, raw materials trade, tariff protections, and import and export controls. He served on SC Governor Carrol Campbell’s Private Industry Council. He was actively involved in Rotary, Toastmasters, the York County Chamber of Commerce, and the Lexington County Chamber of Commerce.
Bruce devoted his life to service and volunteered with numerous organizations including Volunteers of America Carolinas, Turning Pages and the Greater Columbia SC Literacy Council.
Bruce’s Christian faith was the cornerstone of his life. He served as an elder and taught Sunday School for many years. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Columbia, SC.
Above all Bruce loved and treasured Julie, his wife of 58 years, his children, grandchildren and family and friends. He enjoyed traveling, cooking and everything culinary, discussing religion, debating politics and policy, fishing, boating, and living on Lake Murray. Like his father, he was fascinated by trains and the railroad. He was an award-winning amateur photographer, and he wrote poetry. He enjoyed music especially classical, and, while serving in the Army in Germany, developed a fondness for polka music. He was a natural athlete and played tennis and golf throughout his life. He was an avid fan of Lady Gamecocks Basketball.
Survivors include his wife, Julie Guziel Donatelli; children, Christina Donatelli Stodder (Seth), Amy Anne Donatelli Lassing, M.D. (Jeff), and Paul E. Donatelli, M.D. (Frances); grandchildren, Nadia, Thomas and Harry Stodder; Augie, Genevieve, and Penelope Lassig; and George and James Donatelli; and as well as a sister, Sheila Donatelli Bradford (Bill).
The service for Mr. Donatelli will be held at 2pm, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at First Presbyterian Church, with the Rev. David H. Lauten and Russ Harless officiating. Burial will be held in the churchyard. The family will receive friends following the service in Jackson Hall of the church. Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family.
Memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 1324 Marion St, Columbia, SC 29201.
Memories and condolences may be shared at ShivesFuneralHome.com.
