Partner Julian Patrick

Queer Places:
3805 146Th St, Bothell, WA 98012

Nickolas Donn Talenti (May 16, 1932 - March 28, 2017) was born in New York City. After college, he rose to become a trusted Chief Financial Officer for the Riese Organization of New York of New York City where he remained for thirty-three years, “retiring” in 1996.

Donn’s passion for opera started in New York City where he delighted in sharing performances at the Metropolitan Opera with his family and friends. At 18, Donn met Julian Patrick at The Roxy Theatre. Julian was singing in the chorus and Donn was working as a page. Julian became an accomplished opera singer, performing internationally. They were together for fifty-six years sharing a passionate partnership in life, love and The Arts.

Moving to Seattle, Donn became immersed in the Seattle Opera. He was a dedicated member of the Seattle Opera Guild, also serving as President. Donn was a dynamic Seattle Opera Patron and Donor, an Ambassador and Artist Aide. He often hosted visiting opera principle singers from the time they arrived in Seattle until their departure at the conclusion of the opera’s performance run. In recent years, as an Ambassador, he shared his knowledge and understanding of the Opera’s content with new patrons at McCaw Hall. Although he could have easily retired after arriving in Seattle, Donn chose to create an Encore Career working in the Seattle Opera Ticket office until just days before his death.

Besides attending opera, Donn loved theatre performances, gardening, travelling, collecting and movies. Donn always delighted in hosting many family holidays and any opportunity to get his family and friends together.

Donn Talenti passed away on March 28, 2017 at his Mill Creek, Washington home, after living in the Seattle and Mill Creek area for 21 years.