OBITUARY
Victor Louis D'Onofrio
October 1, 1997 – March 25, 2020
Victor Louis D’Onofrio of Sarasota passed away on March 25, 2020, in Fort Hood, Texas at the age of 22; he was born on October 1, 1997, in Livingston, NJ.
Victor, “Donny”, was proud of his accomplishments in the U.S. Army as an M1A2 Abrams Tank Crewman and Specialist. He was known for his accountability, his compassion, humor, and charming smile. His unapologetic way of always being himself was truly a breath of fresh air. He was someone who if you told him to do something, you wouldn’t have to check if it was done. He was trustworthy and full of unconditional love and emotion for everyone who was present in his life. We will miss his hugs that took our breath away and his smile that has comforted many of us in our darkest times. We love you, dearly.
He is survived by his loving parents Sherry Allen & Vincent D’Onofrio. Mother's fiancé, Tony DeLoach & Stepmother, Paola D’Onofrio. Big “sissy” Felecia French with niece Harley Terry and two little sisters, Miranda & Dalila D’Onofrio. Grandparents, Frances Evans, Louis Allen, Agostino & Clara D’Onofrio. Aunt Julia & Godfather Luciano DiNardo with cousins Michael & Brittany. Aunt Michelle Arntt & Uncle’s Mark, Steven Allen with cousin Brittnee, Charles & Christina Allen with cousins Nathan & Allyson.
Celebration of Life and Military service will be announced as soon as more information is known about resuming social gatherings. Robert Toale & Sons Funeral Home @ Palms Memorial Park is entrusted with final care.
Memories
Victor Louis D'Onofrio
have a memory or condolence to add?
ADD A MEMORYFelecia French
July 2, 2020
Hey bro,
Today is a scary day for me. I just want to make sure you're here with me and can help me through it. I love you so much, and I can't wait until I get to see you again. Thank you for showing me you're here still. The little things keep me going. I miss you. Forever and ever, pinky promise.
love, sissy.
Triston Broderick
May 26, 2020
I went to basic with vic. One of the best men and a close friend to have no matter the situation. He helped me through training when my home life was in pieces. It kills me to have had found out through Facebook about his passing. Prayers to his family.
Alexandra Grady
May 8, 2020
I went to high school at ALJ with Victor, but specifically I remember he sat next to me in science class. I always looked forward to going to that class because I knew I was in for a laugh from him every day! Such a sweet and genuine soul. Rest in paradise and prayers to your family!
Mark Berg
May 8, 2020
I met up with Victor in Killeen Texas while working on base for my company. We met at my favorite -Texas Roadhouse. I never had met him previously but we had talked like we knew each other for a long time. I was happy to buy his dinner and thanked him for his service to our country.
Fredy Reyes
May 1, 2020
Victor was a student in my US History class at ALJ just a few years ago. He was always respectful, always prepared and always engaged. My deepest condolences to the family.
Julia DiNardo
May 1, 2020
Victor I remember coming to the hospital on the day you were born to see you for the first time and your Rangers sleeper that made uncle Lou smile. We had countless get togethers at Nonna and Nonno’s house and our house for holidays and birthdays. One of my favorite times spent together was Christmas holidays of 2017. Remember our sing along at Nonno and Nonna’s house when we were all singing to so many different songs, Nonno’s comment to all of us when we sang Hotel California. We laughed and treasured the time together. I will always remember your beautiful smile and dimples, your gorgeous deep brown eyes and the tight hugs you always gave. I always told you that you gave the best hugs. I remember our visit to Georgia when you graduated boot camp. You were so proud and we were even more proud of your accomplishments! The army had always been of great interest to you since you were a little boy and we were all thrilled that you were doing so well. I can still hear your voice from your call on New Year’s Eve telling us how much you missed being with family and your plan to visit in June. Always ended our call with I love you! And our last conversation in March. You’re forever in our hearts Victor. Nonna and Nonno are so heartbroken! Dalila and Miranda miss their big brother so much. We all miss you! Mike and Britt still remember all of the school vacation breaks spent with you at Nonna’s. You were taken from us way too soon! May you be united with our loved ones in heaven and please watch over your dad who loves and misses his big boy so much! All my love always my handsome nephew! Love you aunt Julia ❤️
Ashley Cutugno
April 20, 2020
Oh Victor I remember when you were just a bump in your moms belly. She would have to walk around with a water bottle pressed against her ribs because that was you favorite place to stay. I really enjoyed watching you grow up and being in my own childhood memories, some of which I’ll never forget- like your house being child proofed to the max but that didn’t stop you, you were way to smart. You pushing your stroller into the kitchen to climb on top of the counter and get into the cabinets and kitchen draws. My fondest memory from the time you could walk and talk was you dragging that blue blanket around and playing with army guys. Anything to do with the military was your favorite toy, all you would talk about was that one day you were going to be in the military. You were so determined, and to watch your dreams unfold was truly inspiring. Victor you were the little brother I wish I had. I’m still having a hard time excepting the reality of this but I just want you to know that everyone loves you dearly and you will be greatly missed!
Kenneth Ugokwe
April 19, 2020
I love you victor d onforio I remember in alj you brought so much joy in my heart your childish and tender jokes really helped me in Johnson I love you and I wish you well. May your soul rest in paradise my friend
Christina Allen
April 18, 2020
I have so many memories with you, Vic. You were such a bright kid. You never gave up and kept on doing what you thought was best. You always made me and your uncle so proud of you! You were definitely very entertaining when we baby sat you. You loved that pool no matter how cold it was, or the time we found you in the kitchen eating frozen food. You would look at us and say "what? I'm hungry"( lol ). Even though you just had dinner..
You always made us laugh. Also, I will never forget the time you came up to me at our wedding and said to me, "I'm so happy your part of our family" and I love you. That was awesome! You always gave me a huge hugs. I will never forget that moment we had an that inside joke, which never got old. Everytime you were out in the street playing with your friends you always stop to help me bring in my bags in from going food shopping. No questions asked. You just did it. I didnt even have to ask. As you got older, every time you would stop to see us you would just stop in to say "Hi!". This meant the world to us! ! I would open the door and the first thing out of your mouth would be, "got any bags for me to carry, Aunt chris?". Everytime I saw you, I couldn't believe how tall you got! Nathan and Allyson loved you so much they would get all crazy when you came over. They would jump all over you and you wouldnt care. I will definitely miss your smile, your hugs, your sense of humor and your stories. You definitely will NEVER be forgotten. Your mother raised one great son! You have been taken to soon. We miss you so much and love you for all eternity. May the clouds give you kisses. We love you!
frances Evans
April 18, 2020
Our lives will never be the same again, I pray that somehow you will give your Mama strength, to go forward with all the crazy and happy memories and the sadness, that was shared, through the years, and now.
You grew into being an amazing young man who had finally found your niche in Life, the Army, a girlfriend, and a purpose. and a plan for your future. as you told me what you wanted to do when you left the Army.
My memories of you will always be when you were little guy singing, and being Bob the builder. and our Cozumel trip when you jumped in the pool with all your clothes on, after the babysitter got you dressed for dinner. and you sitting in the pool at the pool bar asking for DIRTY MONKEYS! and you calling the Iguanas dinosaurs, and strangers in the airport calling out your name at the airport, as you made an impression on them, at the resort we stayed at. I still laugh about that!! yes you were one unforgettable little kid!
Victor Caraballo
April 18, 2020
I went to basic training with Victor its funny because my names Victor too I never got a lot of mail from my mom and family, i remember him telling to come sit with him so I could read his letters with him and it helped me through alot. Victor was an amazing guy and will be missed
Randy Bynum
April 18, 2020
June 10th 2017
Basic training I remember seeing him holding his bag as the drill Sargents railed into us. We got introble for something but all I remember is him smiling. He always had one even after a really hard workout he was smiling. He was a great battle buddy but he was a better friend.
Sherry Allen
April 16, 2020
I sleep with your blanket. I am having a really hard time with this. I am trying to be strong but I am failing miserably. You are an amazing young man, I am so proud of you and all that you had accomplished. You never gave up you knew you had more to offer. I was so blessed to be your mother and to share the short 22 years we had together. I will forever cherish every second good and bad of our lives together.
Thank you for loving me and being the most amazing son anyone could ask for. Stand by me and hold me up when I fall. Lay near me and wipe my tears as I try to sleep. I will talk to you every day, I will wish you were here every day. I will miss you every day.
Dear Lord, please watch over my son.
Rosario Guerriero
April 12, 2020
I remember the most playing soccer with him in Garwood all the time. I always wondered how he was able to do so many tricks that no one else could do. Everyone always watched him because he played so well. I really enjoyed playing with him because he loved soccer just as much as I did. 🇮🇹
Stephanie Goux
April 11, 2020
We were two halfs of a full idiot. You made life so much fun. You had the biggest heart in the world and would give anyone anything they needed with no hesitation. You were goofy and charming and we were head over heels for each other. I miss your little grin everytime you tried to bug me. I miss making jokes about each other everyday. To be able to talk to you about the good/bad/ everything. Even your little episodes where you thought your world was ending. I miss driving the back roads with you in texas blaring music. I miss listening to you talk about everything that made you happy from moving up in work, seeing your family. Playing guitar, ect. You taught me how to feel loved again and for that I can't thank you enough. I still remember you sending me videos of you learning how to two step just so you could dance with me again next time we went out. I also still remember you not caring about the dance, twirling me around in the middle of the dance floor singing at the top of your lungs. You were my peace of mind and I miss you more and more as the days continue. We have so many memories together and I was so happy to share my life with you. I miss you so much love you long time ❤
Kaleb Davis
April 10, 2020
Donny “life’s a beach and you’re here dude” we would always say.. I’m at a loss of words when I received that call the morning it happened. You were a brother to me and we shared so many good memories, laughs, tears. I’m glad I got the time I did with you to teach you how to two step even if you couldn’t quite get it down. You still let me teach you everything I knew. I love you brother... you will be deeply missed..
Big Sissy
April 10, 2020
Hey buddy,
I still can't believe that were forced to live another day without you here. It's been two weeks and two days since you left us.. I still have so many questions... Why did this happen to us? How can we move forward knowing that you won't be there for the big stuff.. knowing that I won't ever have a niece or nephew from you, or see you standing at the altar. How can I hold mommy up? How can I get her through this when you are her favorite ;) today I took your pole out to the canal... and I begged if you're here let me catch something. I caught a largemouth bass and then yelled for mommy to get it off the hook. She told me to set it in the water until she walked down and it let itself free from the hook all on its own. I feel stupid but I also feel like it was you, showing me that you're okay.. and you're free, but you're still here with us. I literally cried when I was moving from your room you usually stay in at Tony's to go back to the suite... mom said the sheets weren't washed and you left your old shirts. Which by the way I've been creepily smelling every night to try and help me go to sleep. But nothing works, I feel a knot in my throat almost every waking moment that at any second I can break down. I try and pretend you're just at work, and that's why we aren't talking. That you're just busy on the tank and can't have your phone. I don't know why this happened to us. But please help me get mommy through this and daddy vinny. Please watch over us, and help us navigate this weird new world without you here. I love you, dearly. Forever and ever. I don't even know how to tell Harley that you're gone from us. You are her favorite and the ONLY guy she goes to willingly. She loves you so much, and it breaks my heart because I am so scared that she might be too young to carry your memories with her. I love you so much please help her remember. Love, Sissy
Loren Pardist
April 10, 2020
Victor,
Although I never knew you too well I have memories of a funny, confident, strong willed young boy. I do know that your sister thought the world of you, and the void you’re leaving behind she’ll always be recovering from. I still can’t believe you’re gone and my heartbreaks for your family. I’m wishing you all peace to bring you comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your heart.
Michael Gerhart
April 10, 2020
Vic, I am at a complete loss of words. You were always like a brother to me. Before you moved to Florida we used to hang out literally everyday. I can’t count the amount of times we would go swimming at your house every summer or the amount of times we went fishing together (and of course I always walked away with more and bigger fish). You had me laughing so hard every time we hung out or were on FaceTime together. I miss you so much man! It was so awesome to grow up with you I wouldn’t trade that away for the world. I miss playing sports with you. It was such an honor serving with you (even though we are in different branches). I know you will be watching over us all and probably cracking jokes about us while you’re up in heaven. Soldier to guardian angel... sounds like a pretty awesome promotion to me. Thanks for all the great memories, man. Love ya. Brothers forever!
Shania Wells
April 2, 2020
Donny you always had my back no matter what. And I always had yours. You called me a couple times in the middle of the night because you needed someone to talk to. I miss being at NTC with you and all you did was sing, and sing. The same songs over and over. You never lost the enthusiasm and you were always prepared for all the tasks we had to do. You were one of my best friends and Im definitely going to miss seeing you roll up with your truck blaring music and you rocking out. #damnitdonny
Silvia Raya
April 1, 2020
Donny you were like a brother to me. Never a boring moment in the tank, weather it was an argument on who the best rapper was or a casual conversation. Gonna miss you playing the same songs over and over again and how you always found a way to complain about work. I’m glad I got to meet you. TILL VALHALLA
#OG23crew#damitdonny
Courtney Menz
March 31, 2020
A beautiful soul. I was very fortunate to have met him, always kind words and a beaming smile. I was a new student in a new state at a new school, Victor was one of the kindest people at that school. One of those friends where you always look forward to their presence because you know they’ll put a smile on your face.. truly just an amazing person and he will always be in my heart. I miss you, Victor. Rest easy ❤️
David Fosco
March 29, 2020
Victor was a student of mine and made his class stand out among so many others in my 20 years in education. He always took the time to have a proper conversation--not just "How is the weather". Thoughtful, outgoing and genuine only just begin to describe him and do not do him enough service. I am sorry for your loss and hope that the outpouring of love shows the high regard in which Victor was held by fellow students and faculty alike.
ALJ Crusaders Forever; 5th seat 3rd row
Alyssa Kilburg
March 28, 2020
Victor and I had so many good times back in high school, and I am truly happy that I had the pleasure of calling him my friend. He helped me through a lot of hard times, and showed me that not everyone on this earth is bad. My condolences go out to his family during this hard time. He will truly be missed.