Evo J. “Curly” Donnini, 93, formerly of Cato St., Woonsocket, died Wednesday evening at The Villages at Waterman Lake in Greenville. He was the husband of the late Martha (Nytka) (Oliveira) Donnini.
Born and raised in Manville, he was a son of the late Gino “Ciro” and Josephine (Pialunga) Donnini. He was a resident of Woonsocket for most of his life.
Mr. Donnini served in the Army during WWII. He was an instructor in radio and landing operations for the Army Air Corps and was discharged with the rank of Sergeant.
Following his service to his country Mr. Donnini was the owner of Curly’s Paint & Supply Co. on Arnold St., in Woonsocket.
In the early 1960s Curly founded Ciro’s Restaurant, now Ciro’s Tavern on Cherry, in Woonsocket. Coupled with its fine English Tudor décor and with Curly’s constant presence, attention to detail, and welcoming persona, Ciro’s became one of the premier dining establishments in Woonsocket.
Mr. Donnini was also the Past President of the Enrico Caruso Club in Manville and treasurer of the former Lincoln Credit Union.
Curly was a staunch Red Sox fan. He treasured nature’s beauty and had a special love of flowers.
He is survived by a sister Ebe August, a nephew Kenneth August, his step-children, Melinda J. Gervais, Manuel G. Oliveira, Therese N. Denault, and Antoino A. Oliveira Jr., and their families.
His funeral will be Tuesday at 9:00 am from the Menard-Lacouture Funeral Home, 127 Carrington Ave., Woonsocket, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am in St. Charles Church, North Main St. Woonsocket. Burial with Military Honors will follow in Union Cemetery, North Smithfield. Visiting hours are Monday from 5-8 pm. Flowers are welcome.
www.menardfuneralhome.com