Joel C. Donato

In loving memory of Joel C. Donato, who passed away on November 7, 2025, at the age of 51. Born on August 12, 1974, in Des Plaines, Illinois, Joel was a man who mastered the rare and enviable skill of being the most extroverted introvert in history. He could light up a room – and probably did, considering his personality was a peculiar blend of sarcasm, quirkiness, and the effortless charm of a life-of-the-party type who would be just as content plotting world domination through poker strategies.

Joel spent over 12 years with Raising Cane's, where he opened the first St. Louis Market as a manager; going on to more recently becoming an area leader. Yes, folks, he was the pioneer of fried chicken fingers in the Show-Me State! Not one to rest on his laurels (which I can only assume were covered in grease), he continued aiding the chain's expansion like the fast-food superhero he was, cape optional.

Let’s take a moment to reflect on Joel’s hobbies, which were as eclectic as his personality. A self-proclaimed music aficionado, he soaked up blues, heavy metal, and rock 'n' roll as if they were a part of the food pyramid. Concerts? Please, more like his second home. He often serenaded his beloved wife, Shelly, with his guitar skills that no doubt made the neighbors contemplate their life choices. And if you thought he would throw in a Chicago Bears game along the way, you’d be absolutely right! Cubs fans need not apply – Joel’s loyalty clearly had its limits.

Joel was known far and wide for his preference of rustic cabins over swanky hotels, proving once and for all that you can take the man out of the backwoods, but you can’t take the backwoods out of the man! While others were busy counting thread counts, Joel was counting pine cones on his adventures.

A dog lover to the core, Joel’s heart truly belonged to his dogs, Trooper and Althea. The emotional wreckage left behind after Trooper’s passing should not be underestimated – it was like losing his partner in crime. Yes, it’s entirely possible he cried more over his dogs than you did over that rom-com you watched for the fifteenth time.

As for his proudest accomplishment? Well, it’s hard to compete with family, so hats off to Joel for raising the bar there. He leaves behind his cherished wife, Michelle “Shelly” Donato; daughter, Hailey (David Withers) Donato; son, Max Donato; and adoring grandchild, Tate Withers – all of whom certainly have highly entertaining stories to tell about their beloved jokester. Not to mention his mother, Elaine (Jim) Benedict, and brother, Jason Donato, who undoubtedly inherited his unique flair for humor (and probably some sarcasm). Joel was a beloved son-in-law, brother-in-law, and uncle.

Sadly, he was preceded in death by his father, John Robert Donato, who can now regale all who have passed with tales of his son’s unique brand of mischief.

So here’s to Joel – may his spirit live eternally in every sarcastic quip, every guitar solo that leaves you questioning the meaning of life, and perhaps in the collective grief of his family and friends who will remember him fondly, with a smile stretched across their faces and a witty remark ready to escape their lips. Bravo, Joel. Bravo.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date for friends and family.

Let’s raise a glass of bourbon to Joel, whose spirit will forever roam the trails he cherished. May the mountains always echo his laughter, and may his love for nature inspire us to take off our shoes, find our own trails, and maybe even embrace a little dirt under our nails, just like he would have wanted. Cheers to a life well-lived and a journey well-hiked!