Donato D'Onofrio

Donato D’Onofrio, known to his friends and colleagues as Dan, passed away on February 1, 2021 at his home in Toms River. He was born in New York City in 1925 and relocated to Ocean County in 1946 following his honorable discharge from the United States Marine Corp. Dan’s humbled beginnings started with the establishment of a tavern and restaurant located in Lakehurst in 1950. Since that time, Dan has owned and operated some of the most recognizable restaurants within the greater Ocean County area.

As an early restaurateur, Dan made a natural progression into establishing one of New Jersey’s largest retail plenary cooperatives known as Spirits Unlimited, wherein Dan has helped many friends and business associates become successful entrepreneurs and business owners.

As his career unfolded, Dan became interested in commercial real estate development during the mid 1970’s, and over the past thirty years it has become a major facet of his business interests. Today, Dan owns and operates some of the most notable real estate locations in Ocean County consisting of major shopping centers, retail strip malls, marinas and professional and medical office complexes.

Dan served many years as a former Director of Commerce Bank and is a member of the Toms River Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club, Elks, American Legion, and the Italian American Club. More importantly, Dan is a friend to many with a quick wit and great charm. He is perhaps one of the most liked and respected personalities in Ocean County.

Dan’s accomplishments as an entrepreneur can only be overshadowed by his “low profile” generosity to his community that he believes made it all possible. Dan is a true philanthropist at heart and has established his own private charitable foundation which provides financial assistance to many worthwhile charitable endeavors. Dan has served as the annual host for the Ocean County Unit of the American Cancer Society; is recognized as a Gold Keel Club member of the United Way; has provided several perpetual student scholarships for students of Ocean County, and; has adopted six children under the Christian Children’s Program. Dan’s charitable undertakings have also made him the recipient of many awards and recognitions, some of which include: State of New Jersey General Assembly 20th Annual Good Scout Award, Toms River Chamber of Commerce Man of the Year, Rotary Club “Paul Harris Fellow Award” and inductee into the “Pierce & Doan Society, Columbus Day Parade Grand Marshall, St. Joseph’s Century Club Man of the Year and, Toms River School District Businessman of the Year and Distinguished Citizen of the Jersey Shore Council of the Boy Scouts of America.

Dan resided in Toms River for more than twenty years with his beloved late wife, the former Mary Battilla of Ocean Gate, NJ. Together, Dan and Mary raised two sons, Donato II, known as DJ, and Steven. DJ has blessed Dan and Mary with four grandchildren - all girls, Danielle, Stephanie, Marielle, and Margaux. Steve has extended the family with two additional grandchildren, MaryMichael and Stephen.

Anderson and Campbell Funeral Home in Toms River is in charge of private funeral services. Condolences may be made by visiting www.andersonandcampbell.com.