Donato Ventresca Sr. passed away at Melrose-Wakefield Hospital, on May 13, 2015. He was 81 years of age. Donato was born in Italy on September 2, 1933 to the late Giovanni & Loreta (Federico) Ventresca. He was raised in Italy and came to America at the age of 19. Mr. Ventresca lived in the North End of Boston for many years before moving Melrose 45 years ago. Donato was the owner of Great Northern Construction Company in Medford which he ran for over 35 years. He enjoyed taking trips to Aruba, the Caribbean and going down to Foxwoods. Mr. Ventresca liked tending to his garden and tomato plants; he was an avid Larry David fan, loved the Red Sox and enjoyed watching the Patriots. Donato was the beloved husband of the late Loretta (Federico) Ventresca. Devoted father of John Ventresca of Stoneham, Phyllis Johnson & her husband Robert of Hudson, NH, Salina Ventresca & Donato Ventresca Jr. both of Melrose. Brother of Anna Federico of Medford. Grandfather of Robert & Michael Johnson, Deanna Ventresca and John Ventresca Jr. Visitation will be held at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St. Melrose, on Sunday May 17, 2015 from 2:00-6:00PM. Funeral from the Gately Funeral Home, on Monday May 18th at 9:00AM, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at Incarnation Church, 425 Upham St. Melrose at 10:00AM. Entombment at Holy Cross Mausoleum in Malden. Relatives & friends are respectfully invited to attend. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in Donato's name to the American Lung Association, 460 Totten Pond Rd. #400, Waltham, MA 02451.