1928-2026
Donald “Donnie” Milan Massanelli, 87, of Springdale, formerly of Pine Bluff, was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting and fishing while also having an amazing talent for fixing anything from cars to pocket watches.
He passed away Thursday, March 5, 2026, in Springdale.
Donnie was born on October 14, 1938, in Pine Bluff, son of John and Nadine Evelyn Barnes Massanelli.
Mr. Massanelli was reared and received his early education in Pine Bluff, graduating from Pine Bluff High School in 1956.
Donnie served in the Arkansas National Guard before being called up into the United States Army.
He worked for the Cotton Belt Railroad as a switchman for 15 years.
Along with his parents, Donnie was preceded in death by two infant brothers, John Massanelli, Jr. and James Nelson Massanelli; two other brothers, Verner Joe (Parie) Massanelli and Jackie (Jean) Massanelli; and a sister, Nadine Evelyn “Honey” Massanelli.
Survivors include his loving wife, Betty Traylor Massanelli of Springdale; brother, Tommy Massanelli of Benton; two nephews, Stanley and Bobby Massanelli; and a niece, Toni Massanelli Taylor.
Funeral services will be 2:30 p.m., Monday, March 9, 2026, in the Chapel of Ralph Robinson and Son with Brother Feral West officiating. Visitation will be Monday afternoon from 1:30 p.m. until service time at Robinson’s. Burial will be private at Graceland Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Cotton Belt Rail Historical Society, P. O. Box 2044, Pine Bluff, AR 71613 or the donor’s favorite charity.
