Donato "Danny" DelPrete

Donato “Danny” DelPrete, 95, of Elkhart, passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, February 3, 2020 reuniting with his beloved wife Florence.  He was born in Elkhart to Louis and Josaphat (Patricelli) DelPrete on January 24, 1925.  He married Florence Troyer on July 19, 1947.

Danny founded By Pass Paint Shop Inc., a moulding and woodworking corporation, in 1947. The business expanded to other locations nationwide including Florida and Pennsylvania.   One of his favorite traditions was the annual By Pass Paint Shop Golf Tournament which he hosted for 50 years.

He was a semi-pro boxer and sponsored the St. James Boxing Club. Additionally, he coached softball at St. Vincent de Paul Elementary school for many years.  Danny was recognized for his philanthropic involvement with many Elkhart organizations. He was a member of St. Vincent De Paul Catholic Church and the Holy Name Society. He was a founding member of the Italian American Heritage Society, held memberships in the Italian American Relief Association, Elks Lodge #425, Optimist Club, and was a proud member of the Pearl Street Gang.

Danny found joy in playing “Happy Birthday” and “You Are My Sunshine” on his harmonica for those he loved. These songs will always be fond memories for his family and friends.

Danny and Florence were blessed with 11 children.  He is survived by: Cecilia, Zita (Bob), Therese (Jim), Donato (Maria), Germaine (Bob), Agnes (Tom), Lucio (Mary Ann), Vincent (Lisa), and Desiree (Keith), and his two sons-in-law, Jim Engledow and Tim Nicolini.  They were blessed with numerous grand and great grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his wife Florence on March 24, 2014, their two daughters, Virginia and Catherine, as well as his 4 brothers and 2 sisters.

A Mass of the Christian Burial will be held Monday, February 10, 2020, at 11:00 AM at St. Vincent De Paul Catholic Church.  Burial will follow at St. Vincent De Paul Cemetery.  The family will receive friends Sunday, February 9, 2020, from 1:00-4:00 pm at Hartzler Gutermuth Inman Funeral Home. The Rosary will be prayed at 3:00PM.

Memorial contributions can be made to IARA, 401 Harrison St., Elkhart, IN 46516.

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