PAUL CARMEN DiDONATO, JR., age 85; Beloved husband of 39 years to Jill DiDonato (nee Esmacher); loving father of Daniel (Jeanine) Donald and David (Cindy); stepfather of Joseph Velez (Shannon Murphy) and Jason Esmacher (Danielle); grandfather of Benjamin, Stuart, Raymond, David Alexander, Corbin and Hayden; great grandfather of Sabrina; beloved son of Paul C. Sr. and Bernadine A. DiDonato (both deceased); loving brother of Eleanor (deceased), Carmen (deceased), Guy (deceased), Anthony (Renee), Raymond, John (deceased) (Charlotte), Paulie (deceased), Thomas (Jacqueline), Anna and Dawn (Eddie, deceased); cherished uncle, cousin and dear friend of many.

Domiciled in Redford Township Michigan, once the Grandmaster Santa of the township. Paul’s mission was to be an everyday Santa to bring joy to all. Paul and Jill made a trip to Cleveland to visit family but unfortunately, he fell ill and did not recover to make it back. Paul passed away peacefully on September 9th. The good staff of the Cleveland Clinic Main Campus covered Paul with a handmade red and white crochet blanket. They too knew he was our “Santa Paul”.

Family and friends received to pay tribute and celebrate the life of Paul at THE RIPEPI FUNERAL HOME, 5762 PEARL RD. (AT SNOW RD.) TUESDAY, September 15, 2026 from 3-7 p.m. with Words of Remembrance at 6:30 p.m.