Donald Robert Antoniello

Donald Robert Antoniello, age 76, passed away peacefully in Fort Worth, Texas on September 8, 2023.

Don was born in Brooklyn, NY on June 13, 1947 to Anthony Charles Antoniello and Vesta Scarber Antoniello. As the saying goes, while Don wasn’t born in Texas, he got there as fast as he could. Don was born to a large Italian family in Brooklyn, NY. His family moved to Irving, TX in 1956. He graduated from Irving High School in 1965. After graduation, he attended Austin College in Sherman, Texas from 1965 to 1969. It was there that he met Diana Norman Antoniello. They graduated in 1969 and 1970 respectively and were married in 1970. Diana was the love of Don’s life and they remained married for 53 years. They moved to Arlington, TX in 1977, where they lived for the rest of Don’s life.

Don attended UT Southwestern Medical School for two years before deciding to pursue a life of public service instead with the Social Security Administration. Don served faithfully as a public servant for 38 years, working in management with the Social Security Administration before retiring in 2007.

Don loved to travel and was able to do so more often in the early years after his kids graduated from college. Some of his favorite trips with his wife and family included Disney World & Disneyland, the Pacific NW, Nashville, and New England. He loved movies, sports, and above all spending time with his family. He often demonstrated these loves through activities such as Academy Award prediction games with his family, going to movies with his wife and children, attending Dallas Mavericks and Texas Rangers games, attending TCU events, and family dinners & celebrations often featuring Italian food. He served his family and community coaching multiple little league sports teams.

Don became a grandpa in 2002 and took enormous pride in his eventual four grandchildren. He loved spending retirement hanging out with family for dinners, little league games, recitals, and traveling. In 2006, Don was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. He fought Parkinson’s with enormous strength and courage until the very end.

Above all, Don is remembered by his family as a man of Christ who put his family before himself, trusted in the Lord, and always looked for opportunities to share his faith. Don and Diana were part of the Tate Springs Baptist Church and Fielder Road Baptist Church families for 46 years.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Anthony and Vesta Antoniello; his sister, Tonia Vernon, and her husband TD, and four-legged members of the family Gus, Ernie, Bert, Bodacious, and Toby.

He is survived by his wife Diana Norman Antoniello; daughter Deawn Antoniello Goedderz and her husband Ralph; son Darren Robert Antoniello and his wife Maisie Chan Antoniello; grandchildren, Dominick James Goedderz, Sophia Michelle Goedderz, Liam Anthony Antoniello, and Matthew Robert Antoniello; and many much-loved nephews and other family members.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you consider a donation to Universal Health Services. Don’s last days were made better by the amazing care from the team at this beautiful facility. Checks can be mailed to Universal Health Services at 1208 Country Club Ln, Fort Worth, TX 76112.