James F. Donato Sr., Waverly Restaurant Owner, Dies

James F. Donato Sr., a lifelong Madison resident, Korean War veteran and owner of the Waverly Restaurant in the borough with his children for the past 28 years, died Monday at the Department of Veterans Affairs New Jersey Health Care Center at Lyons, according to his obituary. He was 80.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the funeral, scheduled for 9 a.m. Friday at the 159 Main St., Madison, with a Funeral Mass scheduled for 10 a.m. at St. Vincent Martyr Church. Interment will be in St. Vincent's Cemetery. Visitation is Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m.

Donato owned and operated, with his son, James Jr. (Beau), and his daughter, Mary Beth Donato, the Waverly Restaurant in Madison for at least the past 28 years, the obituary says.

The Korean War veteran served in the U.S. Marine Corps, was a recipient of the Purple Heart and was a member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart. Donato was predeceased by his wife, Margaret "Peggy" (nee Prendergast), and is survived by his children, James Jr. (Beau), Steven, Michael, John, Mary Beth Donato and Jana Hoesly; a brother, Anthony Donato; nine grandchildren and one great-grandson.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to VANJHCS, Attention: Voluntary Service (135LY), Hospice and Palliative Care Unit, 151 Knollcroft Rd., Building 2, Lyons , N.J. 07939.