Donna Maria (Phillips) Luciani was born in Philadelphia on October 29, 1953. She died September 4, 2026 , at the age of 72, after a long illness, at Bryn Mawr Hospital.

The daughter of Rosalie & George Phillips, Donna grew up on 39th and Poplar in Philly with her four younger sisters, Theresa, Kathy, Georgeanne, and Carla Phillips. Donna attended West Catholic High School for Girls and graduated with the Class of 1972. She met Anthony (Tony) Luciani in 1973 while walking her German Shepard, known as Baron, down Haverford Ave. Tony, being the smooth gentleman that he was, noticed her and tried to approach cautiously, even trying to pet Sir Baron. That almost proved to be a fatal mistake as Baron lunged and barked at Tony. Thank goodness for that leash cause it took all of Donna's strength to hold back Baron and kindly tell Tony, "He Bites!" From that moment on, well that started their Legacy. Donna and Tony were married on June 21, 1975 at St. Donato Roman Catholic Church.

After their marriage, as Tony began his career as a Salesman for Goodyear Tires, Donna began her 20-plus year career at the Overbrook School for the Blind. Beginning in Food Service and eventually becoming a Teacher's Aide.

They lived in Overbrook, 541 Simpson St., off of Haverford Avenue. There, they welcomed their two children, Michael Anthony Luciani, born in 1976, and Maria Rose (Luciani) Sabatino in 1979. The family eventually moved to Springhouse Road in Broomall in June of 1995.

Because Donna's parents died so young, she became a mother-like figure for all four of her younger siblings. As she and Tony raised their own family, their home became the gathering place for Donna's sisters and their husbands and growing families. There were few things Donna loved more than hosting cookouts and Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter every year. She always had a special place in her heart for children, regularly donating to St. Jude Children's Hospital. She also had a beloved collection of porcelain and collectible dolls.

For the final nine years of her life, Donna and Tony welcomed their daughter Maria's family into their home, where the three-generation family shared in the joys and challenges of everyday life. Children were such a deep well of joy for Donna, having several of her grandchildren around her was a daily source of gratitude and delight.

Donna is survived by her two children and their partners, Georgia Scannapieco of Germantown, and Robert E. Newton Jr of Broomall; her sister Carla Phillips of West Chester; grandchildren Anthony Michael Sabatino, Giana Sabatino, Franco Luciani, and De'onna Newton; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are welcome to attend Donna's Funeral and Mass on Monday Sept. 21, 2026, at 10:30 a.m., at St Pius X Church, 220 Lawrence Road, Broomall, PA 19008.

Preceded in death by her beloved Tony in February 2025, Donna's cremains will be interred at a later date at St. Peter & Paul Cemetery.