Donald DeRenzo

Donald F. DeRenzo, 76, of Fairfield, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 13, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family.

Born in Passaic, NJ, and raised in Clifton, Donald was a proud graduate of Clifton High School, Class of 1966. From an early age, he had an adventurous spirit—selling Civil War relics, working on bridges, and spending summers at the Boys Club camp. His zest for life was matched by his determination, which led him to serve his country overseas in the U.S. Army from 1970 to 1972, followed by four additional years in the U.S. Army Reserve before graduating from St. Peter’s College in Jersey City.

After his military service, Donald embarked on a successful career with Associated Insurance Brokers (AIB) in Clifton, NJ, working his way up to partner. It was there that he met the love of his life, Diane Wojtowicz. Their story began when he invited her to join him and some friends after work at Joey Harrison’s Night Club on Van Houten Avenue. Their first official date was at Francesca’s Restaurant, a night so special that Diane still remembers the outfit she bought for the occasion. That night they sealed a connection that would last the rest of their lives. Donald had a love for the Jersey Shore, spending weekends at the Surf Club with friends, hosting countless parties, and creating memories that would last a lifetime. It was there that he proposed to Diane, sealing their love with an engagement ring the following Christmas. The two were married on Friday, June 24, 1977, at Mt. Carmel Church in Passaic, arriving in style in a Rolls Royce. They honeymooned in Bermuda before settling into their first apartment together on Paulison Ave in Clifton and a second apartment on Grove Street in Clifton. Eventually, they put down roots in Fairfield, where they built a life and a home together for 47 wonderful years.

A devoted New York Yankees and Giants fan, Donald also loved good food, great company, and treating Diane like a princess. While they never had children of their own, he wholeheartedly supported Diane in helping her sisters in caring for their children. Together, they traveled extensively, enjoying cruises to tropical islands, city getaways to Toronto, Boston, Charleston, and Fort Lauderdale, and countless summers at Diamond Beach and Cape May with Diane’s entire family. Donald even rented a yacht on the Hudson River once, and he and Diane enjoyed numerous trips to West Point. He had a deep appreciation for music, especially the music of Frank Sinatra.

Donald was a man of many passions—golfing with his buddies, tending to his yard, and cherishing the time spending time with their beloved golden retrievers, Laddie, and Barney. He was intelligent, well-rounded, and though he carried himself with a quiet, conservative demeanor, he had a warm heart and an incredible ability to connect with people from all walks of life.

Donald leaves behind his beloved wife, Diane (Wojtowicz) DeRenzo, with whom he shared 47 years of love and partnership. He was the loving older brother of Delia Gutkin and her husband, Alan, of Fairfield; dear brother-in-law of Monica Demmers and her husband, Barry, of Wayne, and Susan Ramirez and her husband, Nacio, of Riverdale. He was the adoring uncle of Thomas Demmers and his wife, Shannon, Eric Demmers and his wife, Monica, Brett Demmers and his wife, Toni, Michael Ramirez and his wife, Amanda, Danny Ramirez and his fiancée, Tina, David Gutkin, and Amy Gutkin. He was also a cherished great uncle to Thomas, Brooke, Liam, Brody, Brett, and Makaela, and a dear cousin to twelve cousins. He was predeceased by his parents, Albert and Grace (Cerame) DeRenzo, his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Janina and Konstantin Wojtowicz, and his brother-in-law, Edward Wojtowicz.

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In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Donald’s name are asked to consider

American Red Cross

PO Box 37839

Boone, IA 50037-0839