N. Donn Talenti
May 16, 1932 - March 28, 2017
Donn's irreplaceable smile, generosity, and passionate spirit will be treasured
A beloved life partner, son, brother, uncle, great uncle, colleague and friend to many, N. Donn Talenti, AKA “Uncle Donn,” was born on May 16, 1932. He loved everyone around him deeply. Throughout his life Donn compassionately performed Acts of Kindness for family and friends, often anonymously. He passed away on March 28, 2017 at his Mill Creek, Washington home, after living in the Seattle and Mill Creek area for 21 years.
Born in New York City, Donn was a loving and doting son, brother and uncle. After college, Donn, always a consummate professional, rose to become a trusted Chief Financial Officer for the Riese Organization of New York of New York City where he remained for thirty-three years, “retiring” in 1996.
Donn’s passion for opera started in New York City where he delighted in sharing performances at the Metropolitan Opera with his family and friends. At 18, Donn met Julian Patrick at The Roxy Theatre. Julian was singing in the chorus and Donn was working as a page. Julian became an accomplished opera singer, performing internationally. They were together for fifty-six years sharing a passionate partnership in life, love and The Arts.
Moving to Seattle, Donn became immersed in the Seattle Opera. He was a dedicated member of the Seattle Opera Guild, also serving as President. Donn was a dynamic Seattle Opera Patron and Donor, an Ambassador and Artist Aide. He often hosted visiting opera Principle Singers from the time they arrived in Seattle until their departure at the conclusion of the opera’s performance run. In recent years, as an Ambassador, he shared his knowledge and understanding of the Opera’s content with new patrons at McCaw Hall. Although he could have easily retired after arriving in Seattle, Donn chose to create an Encore Career working in the Seattle Opera Ticket office until just days before his death.
Besides attending opera, Donn loved theatre performances, gardening, travelling, collecting and movies. Donn always delighted in hosting many family holidays and any opportunity to get his family and friends together. He will be dearly missed by so many and his irreplaceable smile, generosity, passionate spirit and fun-loving personality will be a treasured memory for all who knew and loved him.
Donn is survived by his sister Santa May, of New York City, New York, niece Lisa and her husband Roland DePietto, great nephews Anthony and Rocco DePietto of Snohomish, Washington, niece Linda May of Port Townsend, Washington, nephew Mark and his wife Melanie May and great nephews Evan and Alex May of Marietta, Georgia.
A Mass will be celebrated for Donn on Wednesday May 31, 2017 at 9:45 AM at St. Francis of Assisi Roman Catholic Church, 2117 45thStreet, Long Island City, NY 11105. A Seattle Memorial Service for Donn will be announced soon.Donn is predeceased by his life partner Julian Patrick, father Pasquale Talenti and mother Julia (Pacilio) Talenti.
FUNERAL INFORMATION
A Mass will be celebrated for Donn on Wednesday May 31, 2017 at 9:45 AM at St. Francis of Assisi Roman Catholic Church, 2117 45th Street, Long Island City, NY 11105. A Seattle Memorial Service for Donn will be announced soon.
DONATIONS
Donations in memory of N. Donn Talenti may be given to:
The Julian Patrick Camp for Gifted High School Singers
c/o The Wenatchee Valley Museum and Cultural Center
127 South Mission Street
Wenatchee, WA 98801
Phone: (509) 888-6240 www.wenatcheevalleymuseum.org (see link below)