Donna P. Torquato

Donna Patricia Torquato nee Francestine, 86, died Monday, January 17, 2022 at the Lantern of Saybrook. She was born December 31, 1935, in Boyers, Pa., the daughter of Ernest and Eva (Gatti) Francestine and moved to Ashtabula in 1963.

Donna was a stay-at-home Mom until her six daughters were in school and then worked as a Cashier at Kroger’s. In 1983, she joined the love of her life and worked by his side at Randy Publications, the family owned and operated business that produced the Citizen and Villager newspapers and later, Ad-Mat placemats.

She was a devout Catholic and kept active in her church. She even kept guard of the Perpetual flame for years (not straight, of course). First and foremost, Donna loved to have fun. She enjoyed crossword puzzles, a good laugh, time with friends and family. Her most joyous moments were with her husband, Rick. He was funny and she was his best audience. Her laugh was contagious and wherever she went she was everybody’s favorite.

Donna is survived by her six daughters: Lorene Torquato of Hilliard, OH, Terri (Bob) Negron of Morgan Hill, CA, Joni (Daryl) Close of Cornelius, North Carolina, Richele (Bob) Parcell of Ashtabula, OH, Jennifer Torquato (Nancy Dunne) of Hilliard, OH, Nancy Telzerow of Chagrin Falls, OH, five grandchildren; Terry, Renee, Russell (Lauren), Heather, Cassandra, two great grandchildren and her brother, Ernest Francestine Jr. (Michelle) of Butler, PA.

Donna was preceded in death by her Husband, Richard, her Parents, Ernest and Eva and her two sisters, Joanne Huth and Janie Fantuzzi.

Private family visitation was held at Guerriero Funeral Home in Ashtabula. Interment followed at St. Joseph’s Cemetery. The family would like to extend their gratitude to The Lantern of Madison and the entire staff at The Lantern of Ashtabula. Also, a special thanks to the medical team at the Hospice of the Western Reserve.  

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