Donald W. Zessin Sr.

Donald W. Zessin, Sr., 38, of Spring Lake Heights, NJ, passed away on Monday, March 17, 2025, at his home. Donny was born and raised in East Granby, CT. He was a graduate of East Granby High School. He then went on to graduate from the University of New Haven in West Haven, CT, where he received his B.S in Fire/Arson Investigation, and a minor in Criminal Justice. Donny moved to NJ in 2017, to be with the love of his life Michelle, they were married on September 19, 2020 at the Spring Lake Bath & Tennis Club, in Spring Lake, NJ. He worked as an Claims Adjustor for 13 years in the insurance industry, working for various companies throughout those years. Donny served in the East Granby Fire Company for 14 years starting as a Cadet Firefighter and worked his way up to Captain, where his passion for firefighting started, alongside his dad. When he moved to NJ, he became a Volunteer Firefighter for Spring Lake Heights Fire Dept, in August of 2017, where he rose to the rank of Assistant Chief. He also joined Belmar Hook and Ladder in 2019 as a Volunteer serving on committees, as well as a Driver/Operator of both the Ladder and Rescue trucks. He went on to Co-Found a business called, Backstep Threads selling professional fire and EMS apparel and merchandise with some of his closest friends from NJ.
Donny is survived by his loving wife Michelle (nee Kemp) Zessin and their precious son Donald W. Zessin, Jr., both of Spring Lake Heights, NJ. He is survived by his beloved parents Donald and Catherine Zessin of East Granby, CT. Donny is also survived by his brother Todd Zessin and his wife Megan, and their son Declan all of East Granby, CT, as well as many aunts, uncles and cousins. Alongside his father and mother-in-law Paul and Eileen Kemp, a brother-in-law, Gregory Kemp and his girlfriend, Jen Rhon, as well as his nephew Damien. He also leaves behind family in South Korea and California, where his mother-in-law, sister and brother-in-laws reside along with many nieces, and nephews which he was so glad to have met this past June when he visited. Donny loved and valued all of his friends that were part of his life.
Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, from 2-4 PM a Fireman's Service, although all are welcomed and 7-9 PM at Orender Family Home for Funerals at 2643 Old Bridge Road, Manasquan, NJ. A repast will be held starting at 4:00 PM after the visitation services at Belmar Hook and Ladder 613 11th Avenue Belmar, NJ 07719. A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 AM, Thursday March 27, 2025, at St. Denis Church, 90 Union Avenue, Manasquan, NJ. A repast to follow after mass at 11:30 AM at The Shore Club 700 NJ-71, Spring Lake NJ 07762. At a later time a Celebration of Life will be held at Brignole Vineyards at 103 Hartford Avenue, East Granby, CT 06026, arrangements will be announced. Memorial donations may be made to either Spring Lake Heights Fire Company 700 6th Ave, Spring Lake Heights, NJ 07762 or Belmar Hook and Ladder 613 11th Ave Belmar, NJ 07719 for an education fund for Donald W. Zessin, Jr. To send condolences to the family please visit www.orenderfamilyhome.net.