Alfred H. DiDonato

Alfred (Al) was born and raised in Hackensack, NJ. Upon graduating from H.S. he attended Shippensburg State Teachers College in PA. Immediately after graduating, he left for active duty in the U.S. Army Reserves and was active for 5 years, completing his enlistment.

He married Eleanor J. Grob (Ellie) in May 1958. In September 1958, he started his teaching career at Dwight Morrow H.S. in Englewood, NJ. He coached Basketball and Football and his team won the Basketball State Championship. During his time there, his Principal introduced him to Columbia University admissions and he began his Masters degree in education. That began the path he followed for over 40 years. During his 9 years in Englewood, he became a father to two beautiful girls, Susan and Karen. He was forever grateful to Waldrow Kindig, Principal at DMHS, who saw potential in Al.

He applied and was hired at Rutherford H.S. as the youngest Principal they had ever employed. It was a fine school district and he was there for 5 years, but due to overcrowding and the inability to get a vote to enlarge the school, the high school went to double sessions. The commute and long days from Old Tappan to Rutherford became difficult and he was asked to apply to Cresskill H.S.. He did so and was hired by Dr. Robert Scott and the Board of Education. He was Principal for many happy years before promoting to Superintendent until his retirement in 1997.

He spent many happy days playing golf at the Old Tappan Golf course with his buddies and keeping the family swimming pool pristine. He also spent time during the winter in Florida, where he and his wife both played golf and enjoyed retirement.

Al is survived by his wife Eleanor, his loving daughters Susan Gold and her husband Alex and Karen Ten Hoeve and her husband John. He is a proud grandfather of David Gold, Connor Ten Hoeve and Danielle Gold. He is also survived by 4 nieces and nephews: James, Maria DiBenedetto, Barbara Donito and John Donito. He is long predeceased by his parents Mamie and Gus of Hackensack, NJ as well as his siblings Joseph, Mary Verrone and John Donito.

The family will receive guests at Becker Funeral Home, 219 Kinderkamack Rd., Westwood, NJ on Thursday, December 26th from 2-4 and 7-9PM. A Celebration of his life and faith will take place on Friday, December 27th at 11AM with interment at Westwood Cemetery in Westwood, NJ.