Donald Milan Massanelli

Donald “Donnie” Milan Massanelli, 87, of Springdale, formerly of Pine Bluff, passed away on March 5, 2026. An avid outdoorsman, he cherished hunting and fishing throughout his life and possessed a remarkable talent for repairing anything from automobiles to delicate pocket watches.

Born on October 14, 1938, in Pine Bluff, Donnie was the son of John and Nadine Evelyn Barnes Massanelli. He grew up in Pine Bluff, graduated from Pine Bluff High School in 1956, and later served in the Arkansas National Guard before being called to active duty in the United States Army. He worked for many years as a switchman for the Cotton Belt Railroad.

Preceded in death by his parents and siblings—two infant brothers, John Massanelli, Jr. and James Nelson Massanelli; brothers Verner Joe (Parie) Massanelli and Jackie (Jean) Massanelli; and sister Nadine Evelyn “Honey” Massanelli—Donnie is survived by his loving wife, Betty Traylor Massanelli of Springdale; his brother, Tommy Massanelli of Benton; two nephews, Stanley and Bobby Massanelli; and a niece, Toni Massanelli Taylor.