Alfred E. Donado

Alfred Donado passed away peacefully on March 4, 2016. He was born in Harrison, NY May 19, 1930. After marriage he lived and raised his family in northeast and central New Jersey. He studied International Business at the Latin American Institute in New York City, which led to a 45 year career where he traveled the world extensively. For 30 years he managed the International Ink Division of J.M. Huber Corporation in Edison, NJ, which he started and grew successfully. He continued world travel with his wife, family, and friends after retiring, and built and maintained close friendships around the world and at home. Al served in the United States Navy during the Korean War. He was an Eagle Scout and a Scout Leader for many years. Throughout his life he was committed to civic service and was an actively involved volunteer with many community organizations. Faith and religion were also deeply important to him. He was an altar boy and an Ad Altare Dei Boy Scout, and was an active parishioner in Annunciation Parish, Wayne, and St. Mary’s, Colts Neck. Al was passionate about many things and had a vibrant zest for life. As a young man he was a semi-pro baseball pitcher for the Westchester County Blue Sox/Paramounts. He loved the game, and was an avid Mets fan. He read extensively about American history and world affairs, and was always ready for a lively debate. He also enjoyed poetry and the game of golf. His life experience and search for knowledge made him both engaging and insightful. He was an accomplished jazz guitarist and vocalist, and brought music to every party and gathering locally and overseas. For many years he was a rhythm guitarist with several Lakewood area jazz bands, and played with a summer jazz trio in Belmar. Al was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Margaret (Cristiano) Donado, and his sister, Peggy Lavoie. Above all else he had endless love, loyalty, and devotion to his family. He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years Joyce Donado, nee Johnston (m. July 18, 1953), his devoted children Jeanne Anne, Kathleen and her husband Michael Weinstein, Craig, James and his wife Colleen, and the joys of his life, granddaughters Kristin Marie Weinstein, Sara Weinstein, and Angelina Joyce Donado. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the following organizations, who aided Al in leaving this world in peace and with dignity, or to the charity of your choice. Please specify Al’s name in your note: Township of Lakewood EMS 1555 Pine St. Lakewood, NJ 08701 or Meridian Hospice 1340 Campus Pkwy., Suite A2 Neptune, NJ 07753. Memorial Gathering will be held on Friday, March 11, 2016 from 4-8 pm at the D’Elia Funeral Home Rt. 70 & Vermont Ave. Lakewood, NJ 08701, with a memorial service at 7pm. Memorial Mass will be held on Friday, April 1, 2016 at 10:30AM at the St. Luke’s Church in Toms River. Interment will be held privately.