Former Mayor of Loveland, OH, The Honorable Donna M. Lajcak, age 72, of Bluffton, SC died Sunday, November 15, 2015 at her home.
Donna was born on February 9, 1943 in Clairton, PA, the daughter of the late Romolo Lancianese and Rose Patitucci Lancianese. She was a graduate of Saint Francis College in Loretto, PA, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Education.
She began her career as an English instructor in the greater Pittsburgh area. As her husband advanced in his career, she continued teaching in St. Louis as well as Chicago. After 16 years of teaching, Donna concentrated her efforts towards volunteer work. She was the former Chair of the City Beautification Committee in Loveland, former Chair of the Nisbet Park Amphitheater Renovation Committee, Past President of the Junior Women’s Club of Loveland, board member of the Steeplechase Homeowners Association, member of the Greater Loveland Historical Society, member of the Clermont County League of Women Voters, and member/Trustee of the Culture Council of Greater Loveland.
She also hosted and produced the Loveland Community Update for Public Access Television. She was a parishioner of St. Columban Catholic Church, where she served as a Lector.
She was elected to serve with the City Council of Loveland, ultimately being elected to Mayor in 1999. Known as “The Marrying Mayor”, she married more than 100 couples from across the nation and from 17 countries around the world, including China, Italy, Poland, and Venezuela.
Donna was preceded in death by her brother, Ramon “Ray” Lancianese and her sister, Gloria Vahey. She is survived by her loving husband of 48 years, Denis J. Lajcak; brother, Perry Lancianese of West Palm Beach, FL; and many loved family members.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, November 21, 2015 at St. Andrew’s Chapel, Pinckney Colony Road, Bluffton, SC. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to St. Luke Missionary Hospice, www.stlukemissionaryhospice.com/donate/ Sauls Funeral Home of Bluffton is assisting the family. www.saulsfh.com
