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Donald A. Delapenha
Donald A. Delapenha
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Donald Delapenha Obituary
Every weekday at 6:05 p.m., the Delapenha children would stand outside their home in Allendale, N.J., and wait for their father, Donald A. Delapenha, to come back from work. "As soon as they heard the train whistle, they would know, five more minutes," said Mr. Delapenha's wife, Lorraine.
They'd line up with their bikes, waiting for him to take them on their daily ride around the neighborhood. Samantha, 8, and even Robert, 6, rode two-wheelers, and Madison, 2, would sit in a child seat on the back of her father's bike, and off they'd go.
For Mr. Delapenha, getting home from his job as a senior vice president at Keefe, Bruyette & Woods in the World Trade Center was often the best part of the day. At work, he was known as Crusher, either because he was an offensive lineman in college or for his 300-yard golf drive; no one knows for sure.
Mr. Delapenha, 37, was a large, stocky guy, who wore shorts "11 months out of the year," his wife said. "He didn't care if it was December, he'd be outside shoveling snow in shorts and a sweatshirt."
His bulk earned him another nickname: Big D. For Christmas, his lifelong friend Gary George gave Mr. Delapenha's children the gift of a star named after their father. "That's what we called it: the Big D," Mr. George said.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Verna Morales
September 25, 2024
You will never be forgotten always loved and remembered
Roger Delapenha
September 11, 2021
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Cindy Roe
September 7, 2021
Remembering Donald on the 20th anniversary of 9/11...
Al Lasso
September 7, 2021
Still think about you after 20 years. Never forget you Don. No matter if it's 20 years or 100 years... we must all always remember.
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JAMES S Rinaldi
October 17, 2020
He was one of my best friends. I will miss him forever.
Paul Gallin
September 12, 2020
My dear friend and never forgotten man of valor....visited your Memorial last Summer and with all the world's dismay your positive and never ending love of life, family and others will continually prevail and live strong on the hearts and minds of many....Never Forget.
Al Lasso
September 11, 2020
Miss you Donny, Just want you and your family to know we will never forgot. God Bless
James Rinaldi
May 10, 2020
Hi Donny my old buddy and pal. I miss you very much. We enjoyed so much together with sports and hanging with the gang. Bless you my friend.
Al Lasso
September 12, 2019
Every year on this day I think of you Donnie, Those days growing up in East Hanover and playing football they were good times. You were such a good guy always having fun. I will never forget you Donnie, none of us from Hanover Park will. God Bless you and your family.
Laura Kilshaw
May 13, 2019
I saw one of my friends stories on Instagram when she visited the 9/11 memorial and Donald's name stood out as it had a white rose on it...so I googled him and found his page. Rip Donald...sending love from the UK. Laura
Paul Gallin
September 11, 2016
My saddness overcomes me each time I reflect on my dear and good friend Donny D...Doesn't need to be 9/11 to recall the valiant and loving man I grew to know... From the Jersey Shore thru College and our times on Wall Street..so varied and valuable an impression he and his family made on my life... My thoughts,prayers and hearfelt hope to all Donny has touched,loved and cared for...Family,Country and Comittment...Rest In Peace Good Man and Please Continue to Stengthen your Family and Friends..as we NEVER FORGET!
Al Lasso
September 11, 2016
Always thinking of you my friend. There are no words to express my sorrow just know that we will never forget. God Bless you and your family.
Sandee Mac (Weiner)
September 10, 2016
Thinking of you Donny ...
Al Lasso
September 11, 2015
Never Forget Buddy! God Bless you and your family.
Kim Miller
September 10, 2015
For years I wore a bracelet with Don's name on it. I never knew him. When 9/11 happened, I signed up to wear the name of a victim as a way to remember. I am now 40--3 years older than Don was. I have three kids--2 girls and a boy. Like Don. I have a daughter named Madison. Like Don. I never knew of his personal life til tonight. Interesting how those things happen. Always remember. Never forget.
Al Lasso
September 14, 2014
Your Memory will live on my friend. Let us all ensure that this country never forget that day and the people who lost their lives.
September 12, 2014
forever in our hearts
Al Lasso
September 12, 2013
We will never forget
Joe Massie
September 11, 2013
Miss you my friend.
Sandee Mac
September 10, 2013
Remembering Donny now, and especially tomorrow.
January 18, 2013
love you donny
Madison Delapenha
April 12, 2012
My dad was very special to me and i always wonder if his spirit is ever with my family and I. I just want him to know that I always think about him and that I miss him so very much. Love you dad.
Al Lasso
September 12, 2011
Always in our hearts an Prayers Don...
Geffery Gioia
August 31, 2011
Donnie was a fraternity brother of mine at Baldwin-Wallace College. He was a senior when I was a freshman and he was also President of the fraternity. Even though he was older than I was and President of the fraternity (plus a phenomenal offensive guard for the Yellow Jacket football team), he treated me w respect and kindness. He was one of the best men on campus. He was the epitome of a true leader. I never saw Donnie after he graduated in the Spring of 1985 but I still think of him often. I try to model my life after the way in which Donnie carried himself in college. Our thoughts and prayers remain w Donnie and his wonderful family everyday. Blessings.
Madison Delapenha
January 1, 2011
I was to young to notice what happened to my father but when i was old enough my mom told me what happened to him. i was crying so hard but, i new i was not the only one. Every year on that day my family and i would go to a memorial and pray for my dad but now its gotten to me to hard and i could not bear to go any longer. But my mom has found a wonderful man she loves. I will love him as a father but he could never re place my real father that i love and miss dearly. I love you daddy and i always will even though i can not hug, kiss, or see you any longer i still love you with all my heart!
Chris Castrigano
September 3, 2009
As a teammate,classmate of Don's at BW,I can say he was a great guy. Always smiling and very supportive of all of us. As a father of 3, Don is a great reminder to me to be the same kind of father and husband I see he was for you. I'm sure he's still with you helping all of you grow into fine peaple like him. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Chris Castrigano
Doug Abraham
May 1, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Al Lasso
September 11, 2008
Never Forget...
Devon Delapenha
October 30, 2007
Rest in Pease Donald, God bless
Kristine
October 31, 2006
As I cross-stitched your name on the memorial that I am doing for all of the victims, I prayed for you and your family. Please know that your death was not in vain. We will always remember. God Bless.
P Tabbernor
September 22, 2006
In memory....
neville .w delapenha
December 2, 2004
Neville Delapenha and Family
I did not know Donald but heard of him evey time I pass ground zero. I say a prayer for Donald and his family. My prayers are with you and your family. Neville
Denise Renwick
September 11, 2004
Judy and family~
3 yrs passing today, Although I think of Donnie and your family often, and the tests in which God has had you endure, my thoughts and prayers are with you today and always.
Peace...
Pamela Hawkins
September 15, 2003
To the Donald A. Delapenha family and friends,
Lubbock, Texas had an memorial in which American flags were displayed for each victim of 9/11. I visited our memorial site, several times. It was over whelming. I purchased a flag and received a certificate for whom the flag flew. My flag was for Donald A. Delaphena. I am proud to fly my American Flag daily in honor of Donald. God bless the Delaphenha family and friends.
Mary Cassella
September 12, 2003
I worked with Don at Smith Barney and I have nothing but great memories; he always made me laugh; he would bring me bubble gum when I gave up smoking. Later on from time to time I would run into him he at the trade center and he would always have a big hug for me and proudly fill me in on his family. My love and sorrow to his wife and children. I will never forget him.
Larry Blanc
September 11, 2003
My sincerest condolences to Donny's family. As my little brother in our fraternity, as my teammate and as a friend I can truly say that Donny was one of God's "Good Men". Although we didn't see each other after college my memories of him can always raise a smile, what a nice gift to receive.
Donnie's Bracelet
Kim Wagner
September 11, 2003
To the Delapenha family: My first entry on here was March 2002--I had just purchased a "mercy band" that happened to have Donnie's name on it. It is now Sept 11, 2003--and i wanted you all to know that Donnie's memory is still in my heart and on my wrist. In fact, for my birthday last month, I got a new 14K ID bracelet--with his name on it. People ask me how long I plan on wearing his name and I tell them "Until I have a reason to not remember". That reason, of course, will never come. Donnie and his family are on my minds everyday as I place his name on my wrist. God bless you all.--Kim
Penny Laferriere
September 12, 2002
On September 11, 2002 I joined more than 200 musicians in the Rolling Requiem project in Milwaukee Wisconsin to perform the Mozart Requiem. I wore a badge close to my heart that bore the name of Donald A. Delapenha, and as I sang the words "Requiem aeternam dona eis, Domine, et lux perpetua luceat eis," it was for Donald and all the victims of Sept 11 that I prayed "Grant the dead eternal rest, O Lord, and may perpetual light shine on them."
God bless the Delapenha family. May he live in your hearts forever.
Penny Laferriere
Milwaukee Wisconsin
Danielle Nittolo
September 6, 2002
My thoughts and blessing have been with Donnie and his family ever since Sept 2001 when my mom, Eileen,
sadly shared the news. I still have a image of Donnie and I as kids in his mom's E. Hanover home.
God Bless to his loved ones.
Dani
Stephanie Foglia-Donato
August 29, 2002
Dear Delapenha Family, You have my deepest sympathy over losing Donnie. We were friends in high school. I remember him (going back 20 years ago) as one of the nicest people in Hanover Park with a great laugh and his little yellow convertible driving around with his good friends. I remember them well and know that their friendship was deep enough where you will always be able to count on them for anything, just as Donnie would have done for them. He was a wonderful person.
Alma Gabriel
August 26, 2002
I met Don when he and my son Ken played football at BaldwinWallace. He was mature for his age and had a wonderful personality. I grieve for his family, friends, and co-workers........
Angie & Tony Clement
August 22, 2002
May God Bless and watch over the ones that you left behind last September. We did get a chance to know you but we will never forget you. Rest in peace..........
Murray Granger
August 7, 2002
Delapenha Family,
Donnie and I knew each other at BW. I have nice memories of Donnie and College life. I know that Donnie was outstanding father and husband. Please know that our prayers are with you.
Murray Granger
Lauren Tuchin-Cheng
June 18, 2002
Dearest Delapenha Family,
We are devastated over your loss. We pray that your lovely family find comfort in happy memories. Please know that we think of you all so often and send you all of our love. Always, Lauren, David, Emily and Caroline Cheng
AL Lasso
May 8, 2002
My deepest sympathy to the Delapena family. It was a long time since I had seen Donnie, but hearing of his loss brought back all the good times and great memories of yesteryear growing up in E. Hanover. He was a great guy to be around, I know he will be deeply missed. I am so sorry for your loss. God Bless You, Al
Gary George
April 10, 2002
BIG "D" OUR PICTURE FROM VIRGINA IS WITH ME ALWAYS. I WILL NEVER FORGET THE TIMES WE HAD OR WILL HAVE. YOU'RE WITH ME ALWAYS. WE WERE A GREAT TEAM AND I ALWAYS RESPECTED YOU. I PROMISE TO HELP LORRAINE AND THE THE KIDS EVERY WAY I CAN. I MISS YOU FRIEND. LOVE GARY
Ken Gabriel
March 18, 2002
The memories are cherished.
Farewell my brother, teammate and friend...
Mery Rosado
March 15, 2002
Don,
As a client, colleague and friend you will be missed.
You were an important part of our business. You contributed
with honor and integrity. We will all miss you. I especially will
miss the support you always gave “The Corporate Bond Traders
Club of NY.” My deepest condolences to the family.
Mery Rosado - CSFB
President – Corporate Bond Traders Club of New York
"Integrity, Honor and Friendship"
you gave it all.
Terri Cruz
March 13, 2002
I did not know but knew of you. You broughtlove and laughter to those around you. You left us too soon,but the memories we have of you will never let us forget you.You will always be in ours hearts.
Me knowing your Mom and Sister I see the pain of loosing you everyday.
YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN!!!
Terri
Terry Stella
March 11, 2002
I am writing to remember my brother Don and his family. I will miss him every day and love and cherish his family left behind.
I LOVE YOU DON!!!!!!!
Terry
Kim Wagner
March 11, 2002
I wanted to do something in rememberance of the victims of 9/11. I purchased a "mercy band" from a non-for profit organization. It has the name of one of the victims...Donald Delapenha. I'm 26, live in Atlanta, GA, have never met Mr. Delapenha, but I will wear his name on my wrist everyday. He and his family will always be in my prayers. I would love to hear more about his life. If anyone would be willing to share anything about him, please email me. [email protected]
God bless to his family. I am honored to have him now be a part of my life.
Kim
VINNIE DEROGATIS
March 11, 2002
MY DEEPEST SYMPATHYS TO THE DELAPENHA FAMILY. DON REST IN PEACE YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN
Ed West
January 18, 2002
Although I had not seen Donny in years, I still have great memories of his compassion in life and as teammate.Donny gave me one of the most memorable moments as a coach when I saw him injured on the football field, giving his team inspiration while he was carted off.
That desire and passion to overcome adversity is still with me today. Rest in peace.
Anonymous
January 8, 2002
MAY THE LORD BLESS DONALD A.DELAPENHA AND MAY HE REST IN PEACE
WITH GOD AND HIS ANGELS..GOD BLESS
HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS..GOD BLESS
AMERICA AND MAY WE NEVER FORGET
9/11/01..AMEN...+++++
Teresa Jahn
January 5, 2002
America Cries
We see your sorrow-
and our hearts cry....
We can not erase your pain
but you do not have to face the anguish alone-for we-
-the American people-
are beside you.
We so desperately want to have the touch that brings you comfort,
the strength that gives you courage,
and the words to lighten your spirits.
And when we are left speechless
may the silence of our nation weave love into your hearts
to ease your sorrow.
May you find healing through our nation's strength as we-
-the American people-
face this difficult time together. Our hearts are with you. Teresa Jahn
Dixon, IL
Matthew Santillo
December 31, 2001
My deepest sympathy and best wishes to Donny's family and friends.
Regards,
Matt
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