Dominic Ierace “Donnie Iris,” 83, of Coraopolis, passed away peacefully on October 26th, 2026 surrounded by his family after a courageous 4-year battle with bladder cancer.
He was born in New Castle on February 28th, 1943.
Donnie grew up in Ellwood City as a kid who loved playing baseball, hanging out with friends, and was into cool cars. He was introduced to singing, by this mother, Carrie “Chickie” Scripsky, who encouraged him at a very young age to sing at church functions and family gatherings. Chickie must have known something no one else knew because this kid grew to be a dynamic rock and roll singer whose voice and music shaped the sound of Pittsburgh and beyond for more than five decades. He briefly attended Slippery Rock University and served in the Army National Guard for 6 years. Alongside his singing career he owned a successful mortgage business, SIMCORP, for more than 20 years. He enjoyed playing golf, smoking cigars, and frequenting local music venues in support of fellow musicians.
Donnie first gained national attention as a member of The Jaggerz, whose song “The Rapper” reached the top of the national charts in 1970. The record introduced him to audiences across the country and was the start of a career that would literally last a lifetime, singing for more than 70 years. Donnie later joined his dear friend and creative partner Mark Avsec to form Donnie Iris and the Cruisers. Their friendship and creative partnership lasted 45 years. The band had a big hit with “Ah! Leah!” and followed it with fan favorites such as “Love Is Like A Rock” and “That’s The Way Love Ought To Be.” These songs became the soundtrack for a generation of listeners and are still staples on radio and at live shows. Donnie became an icon in the city of Pittsburgh. Generations of fans saw him as one of their own, and his trademark glasses, his warmth on stage and his loyalty to his hometown earned him a lasting place in the city’s heart. He was a performer, a collaborator and a friend to everyone who loved his music.
Donnie was a proud family man. His daughters, Erin and Addy, his biggest fans, shared in his unwavering love. In his last month, they never left his side, giving him the same love and care he had always given them. With the steadfast support of their husbands, Greg Fusetti and Scott Molony, they devoted themselves to keeping him surrounded by family and love.
In addition to his daughters and sons in law, he is survived by his wife, Linda, his sister, Caren Levis (Richard), his cherished grandchildren: Dominic, Sammy, Gianna, Jack, Chase, and Lia; as well as his nieces and nephews: Carrie, Ryan, Jason, Lori and Joe. He was preceded in death by his parents, Samuel Ierace and Carrie Scripsky.
A thank you goes out to all of his band members from Donnie and the Donnell’s, The Jaggerz, and Wild Cherry. Most of all, to The Cruisers, his “brothers,” Mark Avsec, Marty Lee, Paul Goll, Kevin Valentine, Joe Vitale Sr, and Joe Vitale Jr., Austin Avsec, and the entire back stage crew, thank you for the music, the memories and for being part of our family. To Michael Belkin, Barry Gabel, Morgan Krach, Denise Labbe, and the entire Live Nation Team, who supported him, and for the many years of love and friendship, thank you.
There are numerous special people to whom we would like to extend our heartfelt and sincere gratitude. We are forever grateful to his friends, who surrounded him with love and support.
A thank you also goes out to Dr. Leonard Appleman, and Dr. Tatum Tarin and the entire team at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center enough. They cared for him not just as a patient, but as a friend. The family of Donnie is incredibly grateful for the kindness, dedication, and guidance shown to him and to all of us during such a difficult time.
Finally, to all his tremendous fans, who came to the shows, sang his songs, bought the records, wore the shirts, and continued to show up year after year and generation after generation: thank you. He never took your love for granted. He knew how fortunate he was to spend his life doing what he loved, and he knew that none of it would have been possible without you. The family is so thankful to everyone for all your messages, tributes, posts, support, and prayers. They know that his music will keep playing in Pittsburgh and far beyond for a long time and he will be deeply missed.
Services and interment were private for Donnie. However, a memorial and register book will be available for fans, friends, and those whose lives he touched to leave their memories on Thursday, November 5th from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. at the GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, who was in charge of his arrangements.
The family will not be in attendance of this event, but everyone is welcome to visit the funeral home to leave a heartfelt message or words of condolence. These messages will be collected and returned to the family as a way to show love, support, and appreciation so many have for Donnie.
Though everyone says goodbye, Donnie’s music, legacy, and memory will live on in the hearts of his fans forever.
Donnie’s family kindly requests that no floral donations be made, rather a contribution to a scholarship fund and cancer research fund that are being formed in the near future. Please refer back to this obituary for further information.
The GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, Inc., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, was honored to care for Donnie and his family during this most difficult time.
