Donald W DeLotto

JANUARY 7, 1940 – OCTOBER 7, 2022

Age 82, of Manahawkin, NJ.

Donald danced one last time with the love of his life, his wife Ann Marie DeLotto on Friday. After 58 years of marriage, she always kept a spring in his step, a perpetual smile on his face and his heart racing, until it stopped just moments after he walked off the dance floor. His heart stopped once before two years ago, but the Lord was merciful and let us have him with us for a bit longer.

He is survived by his wife Ann Marie DeLotto (Fede), his sister Sr. Doris DeLotto, his two sons Don M. DeLotto and his wife June M. DeLotto (Snyder), and Tony J. DeLotto and his wife Annamarie DeLotto (Ciliento), his three grandchildren Mitchell D. DeLotto, Christina M. DeLotto, and Gianna M. DeLotto, and a long line of extended family and friends.

With unshakable faith, he was a loyal servant of God and used all his skills and talents to serve others. He was happiest when helping others and when involved in charitable acts. A devout parishioner in six different parishes in his life where he served as Eucharistic Minister, Catechism Teacher, and Eucharistic Adorer at St. Mary's Parish Adoration Chapel for 22 years in Manahawkin. He did not fear death because he knew what was waiting for him, and we were blessed that we had him in our lives for all these years.

He loved to sing and do karaoke, go to concerts and plays, dance, learn, teach, bowl, golf, garden, travel, and build or repair anything. He was never one to cut corners or take the easy way out, and never put in less than 100% effort. His life’s passion was teaching Industrial Arts at Lodi High School, NJ. He loved to help students realize different vocations and get them started apprenticing in the trades. He not only taught students in a school, but everyone around him all the time using the most powerful teaching method, being a role model.

As a Vietnam veteran of the United States Marine Corps, he was tougher and stronger than most, but chose to use that tenacity to work three jobs at any given time, get a master’s degree in teaching, start four different businesses, and get multiple licenses (Master Plumber, Real Estate Agent, Insurance Agent, Tax Prep, Home Inspection). Donald was a member of many organizations and groups including Knights of Columbus, Elks, VFW, American Legion, Old Guard, Home Association, Italian Club, Special Police Auxiliary of Clifton NJ, and NJ realtors. Later in life, he joined Our Gang Theater Troupe and performed in the Guys and Dolls play.

He was not only a hero in his sons’ eyes but to everyone around him as he led by example. His friends and family all looked up to him and turned to him for help and advice his whole life. A true gentleman through and through, who always said and did the right thing. Kind, honest, graceful, compassionate, respectful, and a natural leader. He will be forever missed and always in our hearts.

In lieu of flowers please donate to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital *

A visitation for Donald will be held Wednesday, October 12, 2022 from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Thos. L. Shinn Funeral Home, 10 Hilliard Drive, Manahawkin, NJ 08050. A funeral service will be held Thursday, October 13, 2022 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at St Mary's Of The Pines, 100 Bishop Lane, Manahawkin, NJ 08050, with the committal service to follow at Ocean County Memorial Park Waretown N.J. 08758

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.shinnfuneralhome.com for the DeLotto family.