Obituary of Donna M. Lodato

Donna M. Lodato passed away suddenly on Sunday, June 21, 2020 in the comfort of her home with her loving mother by her side. She had shared 66 years of unconditional love, laughter, and amazing memories with family and friends.

Born in Hoboken to Nancy (DeLuca) and the late Patrick F. Lodato, Sr., she was one of five children to bless the Lodato household. At the age of thirteen, Donna and her family relocated from Union City to their forever home in the Indian Lake Section of Denville. Fiercely optimistic, Donna had many careers. First, she started out at the General Public Utilities Corporation in Parsippany, retiring in 1990 from their legal department. After her first retirement she went back to school and earned her Master’s Degree in Special Education and became a Special Education Teacher for a few school districts; Donna retired from Dover School Systems in 2015. After her second retirement, she worked part time as a Tutor for Progressive Steps. In addition to all of her hard work and dedication to her career, Donna also made the time to volunteer. She loved animals and was committed to work at St. Hubert’s Animal Shelter. In honor of her father, she was active with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society where she was the Captain of their group and raised awareness along with funds when participating in the Light the Night walks every year.

Donna felt at home while in the water – she loved going to the beach, especially Bethany Beach in Delaware, traveling, going on cruises, exploring islands, and swimming her heart out. She was an amazing baker, famous for her gingerbread and other Christmas time cookies. Above anything else, her family was the first priority in her life. She loved her nieces and nephews unconditionally. Although our independent, compassionate, patient, kind, lovely soul was taken too soon, we will forever reminiscence about all of the incredible moments we spent with her. We take comfort in knowing she is now reunited with her father, Patrick and her kitty cat, Holly.

She leaves only joyful memories to her beloved mother, Nancy; her adored siblings, Patrick Lodato and his wife Martha, Carlene George and her husband David, David Lodato and his wife Nicole, and Joseph Lodato and his wife Gayle; her cherished nieces and nephews, Jennifer Oatley and her husband Scott, Julie Flannery and her husband Joe, Sean George, Alyssa Reilly and her husband Terrance, Brock, Kara, and Gabrielle Lodato; her treasured great-nieces and great-nephews, Braden and Addison Oatley, Hunter Reilly, Joseph Flannery, and two that are soon to be born; her dear cat, Codey; and many Aunts, Uncles, cousins, extended family and friends.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, June 25^th at St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church at 12 pm following a public visitation at Norman Dean Home for Services from 9:30 – 11:30 am. Burial will follow at Denville Cemetery. Memorial Donations are being accepted by way of www.inmemof.org to Leukemia & Lymphoma Society or St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center. Please leave a condolence, light a candle, and share your favorite memory of Donna here to continue to celebrate the extraordinary life she shared with us.