Donato Venetucci

 Donato Venetucci, 86 of Toms River, NJ died on Wednesday May 12, 2021 surrounded by his

family at Ocean Medical Center in Brick, NJ. Donato was born in Potenza, Italy and lived in

Ridgefield Park, NJ until moving to Toms River, NJ in 2004. He worked as a longshoreman for

Flexi-Van out of Secaucus NJ.

Donato is predeceased by his parents Vito and Carmela Venetucci, and his brother-in-law

Dennis D’Alterio.

Surviving is his wife of 48 years Patricia Venetucci, his children Vito Venetucci and his wife

Laurie of South Plainfield, NJ, Pasquale Venetucci and wife Marie of Toms River, NJ, Vincent

Venetucci and wife Jeselyn of Wayne, NJ, Gina Zito and husband Vittorio of Cedar Grove, NJ.

Loving grandfather to his 7 grandchildren Jordanna, Pasquale, Vincenzo, Donato, Valentina,

Miavanni and Arabella. Brother-in-law to Dolores D’Alterio and uncle to Jianene Meola,

Deeanna Petrykiewicz, Donna D’Alterio-Sullivan and Sophia D’Alterio.

Donato grew up in southern Italy during WW2. He was the youngest of 11 kids. He would

tell the family stories that during the war they would have to take shelter in train tunnels and

sneak out during the night to grab what food they could find to cook in burn barrels. Eventually,

Donato would travel to Stuttgart Germany and work for Porsche. After a few years he was

called back to Italy to serve in the Italian Military. Instead of serving in the military he was able to

serve in the Guardia di Finanza. They are similar in responsibilities to the US Customs

Enforcement. Eventually, he would make his way to Montreal, Canada and work as a welder

and help build houses with friends that were from the same area of Italy that he was from.

Donato made his way to the United States sometime during 1968. He met Patricia D’Alterio in

1970 at The Coup in Fairview, New Jersey. They were married on September 15, 1972. They

had four children , 3 sons and 1 daughter. Donato instilled in them at a young age that work and

always taking care of your family is what mattered. He wanted them to be the best in whatever

they did, whether it was practicing on their instruments, studying for school, playing sports or

working. As his children grew up and started having their own kids that lion of a man they knew

mellowed and softened up. His grandchildren could do no wrong and he spoiled them when he

could. Donato always enjoyed having a house full of family during the holidays. He would be

running around the kitchen with multiple pots going on the stove and his wife yelling at him for

oversalting or almost burning something. Donato welcomed everyone into his home as family.

There was always plenty of food and a pot of espresso ready to be shared. He will be missed by

many, but his memory and traditions will be carried on through his children and grandchildren.

Family will receive friends on Friday May 14th, 2021 from 3-7pm at the Timothy E. Ryan

Home for Funerals 995 Fischer Blvd. Toms River, NJ. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered

on Saturday May 15th at 10am at St. Justin RC Church in Toms River, NJ. Committal will be

private. Condolences may be sent by visiting www.ryanfuneralhome.com

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