I fondly remember this trip to Northern California with a very small group of determined dancers.  We visited schools and community centers and spread the word about Chapman's dance program.  I was one of two guys and hardly a dancer at all.  I had aspirations of being a singer then but Donna found a use for me anyway and I did my best to learn the moves and keep up.  I retrospect, I was pathetic, but she as patient and supportive.  Donna taught me the importance of being professional and giving it your all -- even when your all ain't all you'd like it to be.  We made it through that January trip to San Francisco and back somehow.  I'll never forget how she drove that van, with all of us in it down Lombard street.  My happiest moments at Chapman!
-- David Oliveras 

I met Donna and Chuck about 3 years ago through their daughter I dated. I still remember the first time I met them as if it were yesterday. They immediately treated me as if I were part of the family, which by the way meant I was not full at the dinner table till they felt I was full. The meals that Donna and Chuck prepared were something I looked forward to more than they will ever know. I had the opportunity to spend some of the holidays with them over the past few years, and on those days it was ping pong with Donna and Bocci ball with Chuck. Shorty after meeting them, they realized I am pretty handy at fixing things around the house, and I was able to repay them for all the great food and company they shared with me. I will never forget the big smile on Donna's face when I would show up at the house with the home made organic chocolate chip cookies, she really did light up the house.

I have done work for lots of people over the years, but none will ever stand out like Chuck and Donna. When people hire you to do work on their house, they sometimes micromanage you to the point of regreting you took the job. I can honestly say that this special couple treated me exceptionally well and with so much respect, that I would look forward to helping them and fixing things for them. I probably wished on more than one occasion that something would break at their house just before dinner so I could sit with them at the dinner table.

I was at the Cucunato's earlier today doing some work for Chuck. Normally Donna and Chuck would be out gardening together, but today it was Chuck as I drove up to the house. I know things will never be the same for the family and many others that Donna touched, but the memories of her will never pass. God only knows why Donna was taken so soon from Chuck and the rest of the family.

 Donna, thank you for always treating me as if I were part of your family, I will never forget it.  

Henry Canales

Dear Christa,

How extraordinary and lucky is our freindship? All of our friends that grew up together since High School has always loved and adored you, and your Mother.

She was so beautiful, and so well respected. Her positive attitude, her passion for dance, and her example of a great mother has been past down to both you and Carrie. I am so poud to have you in my life and see how Amazing the product of your parents is in you, and now in your daughters. You are definatly an extention of who she was and your family makes this world a better place.

I know your Mother and mine are looking down on us with a huge smile knowing that we will go on and continue to make them proud of us with our choices in life. We love our moms so much and we will all be together again some day...

DONNA.... God Bless You for being the person you were. You will be missed...

Clark Romo and Ed Romo

In memory of Donna Cucunato, with love... 

I pray you'll be our eyes,
and watch us where we go,
and help us to be wise
in times when we don't know.

Let this be our prayer
when we lose our way:

Lead us to a place,
Guide us with Your grace
To a place where we’ll be safe.

La luce che Tu dai (The light that You give us)
I pray we’ll find Your light
Nel cuore resterà (will stay in our hearts)
And hold it in our hearts
A ricordarci che (reminding us that…)
When stars go out each night
L’eterna stella sei (You are the everlasting star).

Nella mia preghiera (In my prayer).
Let this be our prayer
Quanta fede c’è (there's so much faith)
When shadows fill our day:

Lead us to a place,
Guide us with Your grace,
Give us faith so we’ll be safe.
La forza che ci dai (The strength You give us)
We ask that life be kind
È il desiderio che (is the wish that)
And watch us from above.
Ognuno trovi amore (everyone may find love)
We hope each soul will find
Intorno e dentro sè (around and within himself)
Another soul to love.

Let this be our prayer
(Let this be our prayer)
Just like every child
(Just like every child)
Needs to find a place:

Guide us with your grace
Give us faith so we’ll be safe.

E la fede che (And the faith that)
Hai acceso in noi (You have lit inside us)
Sento che ci salverà (I believe will save us).