Joseph Civitate

Joseph “Donald” Civitate, 76, passed away peacefully after a short illness Saturday, February 24, 2007 at Taylor House. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30am Thursday, March 1st at Christ the King Catholic Church with burial to follow at Glendale Cemetery.
Don was born April 10, 1930 in Des Moines, the son of Joseph and Fortunata Civitate. He graduated from Dowling High School in 1949 and worked for Cimino Distributing for 27 years. Don was a member of the Society of Italian Americans and the Bellizzi MacRae American Legion. He was a valued volunteer for the Italian American Cultural Center and enjoyed playing cards and fishing. Don was a huge fan of Dowling High football, and never missed a Friday night game.
In 1961, Don married the love of his life, Leila. They were married for 36 years before she preceded him in death in 1996. He was also preceded in death by his sisters, Clara Pasutti, Mary Cecola, Marge Cosner and his brother, John Civitate.
Don is survived by his sister, Frances “Tootsie” Powell of Des Moines; his brother, Frank “Chick” Civitate of Illinois, as well as many nieces and nephews.
The family will greet friends after 2pm until 9pm at Hamilton’s Southtown Funeral Home on Wednesday, February 28th, 2007, where the rosary will be recited at 7pm. There will also be ceremonies performed by the Bellizzi MacRae American Legion at 6pm, as well as the Society of Italian Americans at 6:30pm.
Memorial contributions in Don’s memory may be made to the Italian American Cultural Center of Iowa, 1961 Indianola Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa 50315. Hamilton’s Southtown Funeral Home is handling arrangements.

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