Beloved father and papa, Donald “Don” Distasio Sr. passed away on March 21, 2026 to be with his Lord the way he lived his life, with quiet, peaceful dignity, and surrounded by his loving family. 

Don was born April 5, 1940 to Patrick Distasio and Marie Frunzi Distasio, and was raised in Belleville with his five siblings.  Growing up, Don enjoyed spending time with his extensive family and many friends.  He especially enjoyed hanging out with the Greylock Dukes and making the occasional wager.

Through a mutual friend Don met the charismatic Carolyn Serratelli and soon after the two married on June 20, 1964.  They raised their three children in Glen Ridge, but later moved to Mendham, where they enjoyed hosting gatherings and Sunday Dinner for their family and friends. 

Don was introduced to the construction industry early in life by his father.  As an astute businessman and notoriously hard worker, Don eventually branched out on his own and founded King Lumber, along with several other prosperous business ventures throughout the years.  When his children were older he collaborated with them to start a family business venture, Showcase Kitchen & Bath in Bloomfield.

Known for his quiet demeaner, peaceful strength, and silent charity, Don will be missed immensely by his loving family, his dear friends, and others whose lives he touched. 

Don is preceded in death by his wife Carolyn, brother Patrick Distasio and sisters Kathleen Wolfe & Edna Mazzanti.

He is survived by his children Patrick Distasio & wife Suzanne, Donald Distasio Jr. & wife Kate, and Diane Matai & husband Naim; his grandchildren, Arber Matai & wife Melody, Breanne Astrella & husband Alex, Joseph Distasio, Alex Matai & wife Anna, Vincenzo Distasio, and Dardan Mati; his great-grandchildren Mia Astrella and Alessio Matai; his brothers John Distasio & Gerard Frunzi, and his brother-in-law Most Reverend Arthur J. Serratelli.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that a memorial donation be made to Alzheimer’s New Jersey https://www.alznj.org