×

60th reunion is family’s last

FOLLANSBEE – The 60th and final Donofrio, Donofe and Dunope family reunion was held June 29 at the Follansbee Park Community House.

This year’s theme was “Bon Voyage – Sailing Off into the Sunset.” The community house became a cruise ship – the SS 3D – stopping at the port of call of Follansbee on the Ohio River.

Chair Melanie Donofe welcomed everyone aboard, led the group in prayers and rounded up the passengers for a final group picture.

A covered-dish dinner was held with 20 families and 50 people attending from West Virginia, Pennsylvania and Ohio.

After dinner, the group watched a movie covering 60 years of reunions and family history. Each family was presented with a copy. African violets were presented to Cruise Director Melanie Donofe and Co-Director Gerry Donofe by shipmate, Marian (Filiano) Gugala. The flowers were in honor of Mary (Baba) Donofe.

The reunion then moved out to the “Lido Deck,” where some passengers played bingo and others played bocci and baseball.

Members had a late afternoon dinner of Dicarlo’s pizza.

Everyone participated in the “Guess How Many Sea Creatures We’ve Captured” guessing jars. Leah Filiano won both jars. A Ty Beanie duck was awarded to the youngest passenger aboard, Max Filiano. An afghan made by New York shipmate Helen Brody was won by passenger Stan Gugala. Ty Beanie Babies were given to all children to take home.

Photo albums and group photos from past reunions and family tree books were on display for everyone to view.

Members said goodbye as the ship docked in port for the final time.

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *

Starting at $4.73/week.

Subscribe Today