The Lido Civic Club of Washington, D.C. awarded Louis “Lou” T. Donatelli its 2022 Man of the Year Award on November 19th at its annual Past Presidents Night Gala. Richard DiPippo, the president of the club, described Mr. Donatelli as “an outstanding American of Italian descent who has been a dynamic business leader who has served this community via local charitable and industry organizations.”
Mr. Donatelli started his professional career in the stock brokerage and investment banking business. In 1973, Lou turned his focus to real estate, having formed Donatelli & Klein, Inc. and First Potomac to invest in and develop real estate. Donatelli & Klein, Inc., now trading as Donatelli Development, is a privately owned fee-for-service real estate development corporation that has delivered more than 2,500 housing units and 1,110,000 square feet of retail space.
Lou was born in Washington and lived in Potomac for over forty years. He and his wife Ann have been married for 62 years, raised four children, and have 11 grandchildren. As a strong supporter of Catholic education, he served on the Board and received the President’s Medal from his alma mater, St. John’s College High School. An alumnus of Villanova University he served on its Board of Trustees for nine years, was a member of the Executive Committee, and received the President’s Medal.
Mr. Donatelli served on the Boards of Directors of Gonzaga College High School, The United Service Organization (USO), The Kiwanis Club of Washington, D.C., and the Yellow Ribbon Fund. He is a member of The Sovereign Military Order of The Knights of Malta and is affiliated with Associated Catholic Charities. Recognition of his many civic contributions include the Catholic Businessman of the Year Award in 2009 and, in 2013, a Lifetime Achievement Award by the National Italian American Foundation for Contributions in Business.
An avid golfer, reader, and gardener Lou is most proud of a sports bar in Washington, D.C., named in his honor: Lou’s City Bar, which he frequents for a burger and beer on game days.
Congratulations Lou and thank you for all you have contributed to our community!