Dominic "Donny" DeFrank's Obituary
Dominic ‘Donny’ DeFrank III of New Brunswick, NJ, passed away on July 16, 2024 at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick, NJ after a period of declining health. He was 69 years old.
Born in St. Peter’s Hospital in New Brunswick, he was a lifelong resident of Middlesex County. He was the son of the late Dominic DeFrank, Jr. and Jean (Dunn) DeFrank. In 1994, Dominic married his beloved wife, Rosalie, at his family’s New Brunswick restaurant, Dominic’s Ristorante, and from this union they were blessed with one daughter, Catherine Jean DeFrank.
Dominic was deeply involved in the restaurant business, working alongside his parents. Later, he ventured into self-employment as the owner and operator of a taxi transportation business until his retirement due to declining health. He was also the recipient of a successful heart transplant in January 2011 and took no day thereafter for granted.
In his youth he was an avid sportsman and lover of the outdoors, and particularly enjoyed fishing and deer hunting. Throughout his life he had a keen appetite for history and politics, and stayed informed on current political events.
Dominic is survived by his daughter, Catherine Jean, of Maple Shade, NJ; his step-son, Warren, and granddaughter, Graelyn, of Manahawkin, NJ; his sister, Jean, and brother-in-law, John, of South Bound Brook, NJ; his nieces, Jeanine and Carissa, and their families; and his feisty and loving dog, Ricki. Dominic was predeceased by his parents, wife Rosalie, aunt Dorothy, and niece Darlene.
Dominic will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure to know him. May he rest peacefully in Heaven under God’s protection.
What’s your fondest memory of Dominic?
What’s a lesson you learned from Dominic?
Share a story where Dominic's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Dominic you’ll never forget.
How did Dominic make you smile?