Donna Comella

Donna Michele Pilkenton Comella

Lyons--- Donna Michele Pilkenton Comella, 57, died Monday (June 25, 2012) after a brief illness.

        At Donna’s request, there are no calling hours or funeral services planned.  The family has ask that in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Humane Society of Wayne County, 1475 County House Road, Lyons, New York 14489.

        Donna was born on September 22, 1954 in Lyons, the daughter of James “Murph” and China (Taylor) Pilkenton O’Neill.  She was a phenomenal singer who worked with bands including The Society, Orchard and Roughouse.   Donna enjoyed a twenty year career at the Newark Courier-Gazette, where she was a talented associate editor, photo-journalist and digital edition editor.  She was the first female member of Kiwanis Club of Newark ant the first female president of the club.

        She is survived by her devoted husband, Salvatore Branciforte; son Anthony (Elise) Comella of Newark; grandsons Jack and Anthony Comella; brother Michael (Lori Smith) Pilkenton of Newark; step-daughter Lauren (Matt) Schrader of Hall and their daughter Ava Sophia; aunts and cousins in Virginia, West Virginia and Alabama; loving companions Tippy and Zena.  Donna was predeceased by her parents, step-father Jack O’Neill and ex-husband Philip J. Comella.

Remembrances may be made to www.murphyandsonsfuneralhome.com