Donato Daffan

Donato Daffan, 78, died on September 8, 2022 at his home in Forked River, surrounded by his loving family. 

Born on February 27, 1944 in Arzignano, Italy, to Luigi Daffan and Meri Chiarello Daffan, Donato came to the United States at the age of seven in 1951. He resided in Newark, NJ until he married his wife Patricia in 1969. They lived in Belleville, NJ, before moving to Hazlet, NJ, where they raised their family and lived for over 40 years.

Donato worked in the manufacturing field for most of his adult life as a production planning manager. Donato loved all things Italy and traveled back there several times to visit family. As an avid soccer fan, he enjoyed watching his children play sports growing up, particularly soccer. His greatest pride and joy came from being with his family and seeing his children excel in life. He was a wonderful Nonno to his grandchildren, whom he adored beyond words. His hobbies included working on his precious lawn, resurfacing furniture, fixing just about anything, and cooking. If you were treated to his chicken cutlets, you were one of the lucky ones. Donato was a kind and gentle soul who was loved by all who knew him. 

Donato is preceded in death by his parents, Luigi Daffan and Meri Daffan; granddaughter, Mia Daffan; brother-in-law, Leonard J. Scharffenberger, Jr.; father-in-law, Frank V. Monticello; and mother-in-law, Frances Monticello. 

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Patricia Monticello Daffan; three children, Nicholas Daffan and his wife Megan, Stephanie Ritacco and her husband Robert, Alissa Van Volkom and her husband Derek; six grandchildren, Nicholas, Kiki, Roman, Rocco, Matthew and Delilah; brother, Dario Daffan and his wife Michele; sister-in-law, Marilyn Scharffenberger; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Anthony and Judy Monticello; brother-in-law, Frank Monticello; and many nieces and nephews. 

Cremation was  private. A memorial mass will be held at The Church of St. Pius the Tenth, 300 Lacey Road, Forked River on Friday, September 16 at 11:00am.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a memorial donation to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital at stjude.org. 

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