Nicola DiDonato February 25, 1932 April 14, 2012 Portland - Nicola DiDonato, 80, known as Nick to family and friends, passed away peacefully Saturday, April 14, 2012 surrounded by his family after a brief illness. Nick was born in Portland, Maine on February 25, 1932, the son of Domenica and Orazio DiDonato. He grew up on Washington Avenue and went to Portland schools. He graduated from Portland High School in 1950 and was very involved with his high school reunion committee. Nick also became involved in coaching Little League in East Deering for many years and serving as the Little League District President in the mid-70's. Nick was an Airman First Class in the US Air Force when he met and married Carmela ""Bunny"" Antenucci on November 29, 1952. Nick started his career as an insurance agent, then went to work as a salesman for Cudahy Meat Packing Company. After Cudahy, he worked for many years at Commercial Fruit on India Street behind the meat counter until they closed. Nick worked at Smaha's in South Portland for many years until his retirement in 2009. After retiring, he enjoyed playing cribbage every morning in South Portland with his group of friends. Nick is predeceased by his wife of 53 years, Bunny and is survived by his daughters, Mrs. Warren (Kathy) Knowles of Myrtle Beach, SC, Carleen Hamel of Saco, and a son Fran DiDonato of Portland, grandchildren Nicholas and Brian DiDonato of Portland, Amanda Clemm of Brunswick, and four great-grandchildren, along with several nieces, nephews, and extended family members including his former daughter-in-law, Brenda MacDonald, whom he thought of as a daughter. Friends and family are invited to a period of visitation at A.T. Hutchins, LLC, 660 Brighton Avenue, Portland on Wednesday, April 18, 2012 between 9:30 and 10:30AM; followed by a funeral service at 10:30AM. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery, South Portland. To offer words of condolence to the family, sign a guest book and share memories, go to the obituary page at www.athutchins.com The family would like to give special thanks to Linda, Deb, Todd, VNA Hospice; along with the many friends and the fellowship at The Rock Church, for their care & support during Nick's last weeks.