Obituary of Donna Jean Trisuzzi

Donna Jean Trisuzzi passed peacefully at home with her husband and son by her side on January 21, 2021.  She shared 67 years of love and kindness with everyone she met. Private arrangements were held under the direction of the Norman Dean Home For Services, Denville.  Donations in her memory may be made to the good work of the Rockaway Township Fire Co. #5, White Meadow Lake, 1 Pawnee Ave, Rockaway, NJ 07866.  Please share your memories here.

Donna was born on a beautiful summer day in June of 1953.  She was the only child to bless her parents Jack and Dorothy (nee Donato) Cagnoni.  She was raised in Palisades Park and graduated PPHS in 1970.  She went on to William Paterson University earning her degree in special education. In 1977 she had her son William, and the world stopped.  Billy was her light and her everything.  She was and always has been the proudest Mother and did everything she could to ensure he had a good life and a comfortable home to live in.  In 2000, Donna met Ron Trisuzzi and the rest was history.  After a brief courtship, they married and settled in East Hanover.  Donna went back to work as a teacher where she certainly made an impact on the lives of all her students through the years.  She had an amazing ability to “reach” each child.  Her specialties were math and science and she shared in the students joys and accomplishments always.  She has been an educator with the Chancellor Academy for the past eight years in Pompton Plains.  It was here that she enjoyed new friendships and guided her students through many special activities such as yearbook and “Odyssey of the Mind.” While in public education she was awarded for developing a student mentoring program.

Many might know Donna from Rockaway Township.  Her husband Ron is “Ronnie the Barber” from The Hair Shop.  Through the years, along with Ron she donated much of her time and talents to the community.  She was active with the Lyons Club and The Rockaway Twp. Fire Company #5 planning and executing many fundraisers through the years.  Her favorite was always the comedy night they put on in the White Meadow Clubhouse.  Always a good time had by all for a great cause! She was a fantastic hostess and loved these annual events.

Donna loved to entertain and she knew how to keep a beautiful home.  She liked everything immaculate and took great care and pride in all things. She was the family baker and holiday planner. She was famous for her cheesecakes and holiday breads. She also always took great care of herself.  Her clothes were always pressed perfectly, her make done just so, she ate right and did everything she could to lead a healthy lifestyle. Throughout her brave battles these past years, she always kept the faith and stayed optimistic.  She will be remembered always for her fierce and loving spirit. 

She leaves only beautiful memories to her husband Ron Trisuzzi; her son and daughter-in-law William Kisker, DMD and Shalini Varma, MD; her step children Ronald Trisuzzi Jr. (Cynthia) and their children Ron and John; Angela Laird (Michael) and their children Michael and Annabella  and her beloved and loyal feline Merri.