Donald John Venice

February 20, 2018

Donald John Venice was born on February 20, 1935. He passed away on February 20, 2018, his 83rd birthday. He was the loving husband to Patt Venice, and devoted father of Darren Venice, David Venice, and Donald Venice (deceased). He is survived by his sister June Acampora and her husband Joe Acampora; his brother Ronald Venice and wife Joanne Venice. Don's first love was his family, followed closely by the Fire Department. Don proudly served his city as a Jersey City Fire Captain and Vice President of the Jersey City Firefighters Union. He retired in 2001 and moved to Galloway, NJ, where he became a member of the Pool Committee in the Four Seasons Community. A true gentleman, Don was known not only for his bravery, but for his generosity, kindness, and good humor. He enjoyed roulette, made friends easily, and was loved by all he met. Don ("JD") was born and raised in Jersey City. His mother, Rose, worked at the Medical Center and his father, Joe, was a barge captain. Don lived on a barge in Jersey City for the first five years of his life. A graduate of Lincoln High School, Don became a fireman in 1959, was sworn in in the morning and was laid off with his entire class the same afternoon. Don eventually got to put out his first fire, kicking off a career that spanned five decades. In 1989, Don married Patricia Colicchio, who became wife, mother, and grandmother. Don took tremendous pride in his two grandchildren, who both serve in the military, Johnathan in the US Army and Nicholas in the US Marine Corps, as well as his grandson, Travis. He took great joy and doted upon his many nephews, nieces, great-nephews, great-nieces, and great-great-nieces and nephews. Don fought courageously until the end, and will be remembered as a hero by everyone. Family and friends are invited to attend the visitations at Lowenstein-Saraceno Funeral Home, 58 S New York Rd, Galloway on Thursday Evening Feb. 22, 2018 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm and again on Friday February 23, 2018 from 2:00 to 4:00pm and 7:00pm to 9:00pm. Mass of the Christian burial will be held on Saturday February 24, 2018 at 7:30 am at Our Lady Of Perpetual Help Parish (Assumption), 146 S. Pitney Rd. Galloway, burial will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, North Arlington, NJ.