Donald “Donato” Joseph Marinari, 84, passed away peacefully on July 6, 2026, surrounded by his loving family with gentle hands laid upon him. His final moments reflected the way he lived his life—deeply loved and surrounded by those who meant the most to him.

Born on June 5, 1942, in Paterson, New Jersey, Donato was the eldest son of Arthur and Katherine Marinari, preceded by his siblings, Arthur, Virginia, and Ronald. He grew up in Wayne, New Jersey, where he developed the work ethic, character, and values that would guide him throughout his life. He attended Wayne Valley High School before continuing his education at Seton Hall University.

From an early age, Don understood the value of hard work. While many of his friends spent their afternoons playing ball, he could often be found helping in his father’s barber shop, learning the importance of dedication, discipline, and serving others. As a young husband and father, he worked full time selling Yellow Pages advertising while attending college classes at night, determined to provide for his growing family. Through perseverance and exceptional leadership, he rose from salesman to become President and CEO of National Telephone Directory (NTD), earning the respect and admiration of colleagues throughout the industry.

 Above every professional accomplishment, Don’s greatest pride and purpose was his family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, mentor, and friend. He is survived by his beloved wife of 41 years, Diane; his six children, Denise (Jeff) Lewis, Vicki Tinney, Missi (Craig) Calafiore, Meghan (Brian) Gill, Donnie Marinari, and Katie Marinari; his twelve cherished grandchildren, Aja (Todd), Kylee (Anthony), Craig (Alexa), Christopher, Ashleigh (Hugo), Cami (Jack), Alexis, Caroline (Jake), Gracyn, Macallan, Lachlan, and Ellington; and his nine treasured great-grandchildren, Kennedy, Christian, Peyton, Parker, Olivia, Wynn, Cam, Mila, and Carter.

 Family was always his first priority. He found his greatest happiness surrounded by those he loved. He invested deeply in every relationship, making each child, grandchild, and great-grandchild feel uniquely known, valued, and loved. He never missed an opportunity to tell them how proud he was of them, celebrating every accomplishment—big or small—as if it were his own.

 Don had an extraordinary gift for connecting with people. His charismatic personality and unmistakable presence drew others to him wherever he went. He never missed an opportunity to teach a lesson, offer encouragement, or help someone see a better path forward. Even in his final days, he continued sharing the wisdom that defined his life. He taught others to remain grounded in what mattered most. His unwavering faith served as a guiding light for his family and became one of the greatest legacies he leaves behind.

 Don was an avid world traveler and an enthusiastic sports fan, especially loving the New York Yankees. His passion for the game was contagious, and countless family memories were made watching games by his side. He could talk baseball for hours, and those conversations became moments his family will forever cherish.

 Always handsome and impeccably dressed, Donald carried himself with quiet confidence and grace. Yet beneath his polished appearance was an exceptionally kind and gentle heart that made everyone feel welcome.

Don’s legacy is found not in the titles he held, but in the family he loved. He taught by example that hard work, integrity, compassion, and devotion to family are life’s greatest achievements. Those values will continue to live on in the generations that follow.

Though his family grieves his passing, they find comfort in knowing his life was one of extraordinary purpose, enduring love, and unwavering faith. He will be deeply missed, forever cherished, and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Visitation will be held on Sunday July 12th from 2-5pm at the Gallaway and Crane Funeral Home, 101 South Finley Ave, Basking Ridge, NJ. A funeral Mass will be held on July 13th at 10:00am at Our Lady of Perpetual Help, 111 Clarmont Road, Bernardsville, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, Donald's family ask that you consider making a donation in his name to the Alzheimer's Association:

 https://donorservices.alz.org/page/FUNYAFYQDKAutm_source=google&utm_medium=paidsearch&utm_campaign=giving_google&utm_s_subsrc=giving_google_brand_alz_donations&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=1707986387&gbraid=0AAAAAD8nX1psrFIkeJlAy_OTrlezr5bK_&gclid=CjwKCAjw6rfSBhAqEiwA_yocpoKhfV0dZWsinIvUUkQy_eDoF7kIuEmpF47T6pvPIsfUt1e8GjPkXhoCGEkQAvD_BwE