Donato Carinci, a cherished ice cream vendor in Grimsby for 5 decades, has died at 77. He was loved by generations.
He lived in Scunthorpe and is survived by his wife, Andonietta. His son Pietro, and daughters Giovanna and Sabrina also survive him, along with five grandchildren: Alessandro, Erin, Gabriella, Vincenzo, and Gianluca. More family lives in Italy.
Donato sold ice cream in many areas, including Waltham, Holton le Clay, and the Willows. He also served Wybers, Laceby, and Nunsthorpe, as well as Great Coates, Keelby, and Caistor.
Donato was born near Naples, Italy in 1948 and was one of eight children. At six, he tended goats and sheep to help his family earn money. At 14, he moved to Milan and worked in a factory.
In 1973, Donato moved to the UK in his Mini Cooper and started working for Angelo Giaquinto. Angelo had started Angelo’s Ice-Cream in Scunthorpe in the 1960s.
Donato married Angelo’s daughter, Andonietta, in 1976. They opened a restaurant in Grimsby, but Donato wanted more flexibility. He started selling ice cream in the late 1970s, which allowed him to visit family in Italy yearly.
His son, Pietro, spoke about his father’s dedication to the same ice cream route for 47 years. He continued selling ice cream until chemotherapy started. Customers missed him and asked about him, and the family shared funeral details.
People remembered his smile and kindness, noting that he served four generations of families. Donato considered it a hobby, not just a job. He saw customers as extended family and, even after reducing his workload, he couldn’t give it up.
Customers visited his family home for meals, and he was always helpful to everyone. He often talked with customers, who would bring their kids and grandkids. People would ask for broken cornets, and he would happily oblige.
Donato loved his customers and his family dearly. He was remembered as a loving and dedicated man. Pietro shared that his parents loved each other deeply.
Donato was also a kind and lovely dad. He helped his family with love and taught them his values and strong work ethic. He paid for a family trip to Majorca, where his daughter’s boyfriend asked for his blessing, and the wedding will still take place there.
Donato visited Italy each year to reunite with siblings, nieces, and nephews. Pietro remembered crowded kitchens with family and understood their hard life growing up.
Donato remembered the happy times, which shaped him into the person he became. He wanted simple things: family, meals, and occasions, and he loved visiting Italy and family there.
His funeral is on Friday, February 28, at Holy Souls Church, followed by a wake at the Polish Social Centre. Donations can be made to Lindsey Lodge Hospice.