John Donvito, 89, La Plume, died Thursday, May 13, at home. He and his wife of 55 years, Erma Petro Donvito, married on April 21, 1955.

Born July 6, 1920, in the Bunker Hill section of Dunmore, he was son of the late Joseph and Adelina Grippo Donvito and was proud to have lived in LaPlume since 1956. He was educated in the Clarks Summit School. Following the bombing of Pearl Harbor, John wanted to serve his country and joined the Marines. He was a decorated, disabled veteran, having received the Purple Heart medal after being wounded in Okinawa on May 21, 1945.

He was founder of Clarks Summit Building Supply and the Clarks Summit True Value hardware store, which he had owned and operated since 1950. He was a member of Our Lady of the Abingtons Church, Dalton, VFW Abington Memorial Post 7069 and other professional and business organization while owning his business.

John's fondest memories were growing up in Clarks Summit and working in his father's shoe shop. He enjoyed the outdoors and was an avid gardener. A true craftsman at heart, he would work with wood and make things to share with others in his home workshop. He was an accomplished home improver who completed many home projects.

Also surviving are a brother, William, Clarks Summit; two sisters, Laura Borushak and husband, William, Stroudsburg; and Edith Novak, Black Walnut; several nieces and nephews and many friends.

He was also preceded in death by four brothers, Joseph, Richard, Frank and Arthur; and a sister, Philomena "Fanny" Arre.

The funeral was to be Monday, May 17, with mass at 10 a.m. in Our Lady of the Abingtons Church, 700 W. Main St., Dalton, with celebration by Msgr. William P. Ward. Interment with full military honors was to be held in Abington Hills Cemetery, South Abington Twp. Bearers will be nephews William Donvito Jr., Joe Donvito, Frank Donvito, John Arre, Jack Morgan, Scott Borushak and Cody Morgan.

Arrangements at Jennings-Calvey Funeral and Cremation Services Inc. 111 Colburn Ave., Clarks Summit 18411. The Abington Memorial Post 7069 will hold services Sunday at 5:30 p.m. in the funeral home.