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July 19, 2026
Services
Friends may visit with the family at Vander May Wayne Colonial Funeral Home, 567 Ratzer Road, Wayne, on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Funeral services will begin at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at the funeral home, followed by a 10:00 a.m. Funeral Mass at Immaculate Heart of Mary Roman Catholic Church, 580 Ratzer Road, Wayne. Following the Mass, Don will be laid to rest at Christ the King Cemetery in Franklin Lakes.
Donald J. Rankin, 77, of Wayne, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 19, 2026, after a brief illness, with his devoted family by his side.
Born in Passaic, New Jersey, Donald was the youngest child of John and Wanda (Sudol) Rankin. He grew up in Clifton, where he attended Clifton High School and graduated with the Class of 1967.
Following high school, Don enlisted in the United States Navy. He left home for basic training the morning after Joe Namath and the New York Jets won Super Bowl III in 1969. He proudly served his country during the Vietnam War aboard the USS Saratoga until 1971.
Upon returning to civilian life, Don had one goal—to work alongside his best friend, John Schlachter. He joined John at his father's family business, Schlachter Plumbing and Heating in Clifton, where he spent more than forty years enjoying a successful career as a plumber.
Donnie was the loving and devoted husband of Darleen (Zarella) Rankin, sharing a marriage built on unwavering love, friendship, laughter, and mutual respect for more than 52 years.
Their love story began at Farmer Gray's, a neighborhood eatery on Lakeview Avenue in Clifton, where Darleen, then a young teacher, worked part-time as a waitress. Don and his friend John would often stop in after work, and before long, a friendship blossomed into a lifelong romance. They were married on Saturday, June 29, 1974, at St. Brendan's Roman Catholic Church in Clifton and celebrated with family and friends at North Jersey Country Club in Wayne.
Throughout their marriage, Don was Darleen's greatest supporter and proudest champion. He often joked with a smile that "the plumber married the teacher," a phrase he continued to repeat with even greater pride as Darleen became a principal and later a college professor. He celebrated every milestone of her career, always encouraging her and taking immense pride in all that she accomplished. Their partnership was one of constant love, support, and admiration for one another..
Outside of work, Don enjoyed many simple pleasures. A lifelong New York Jets fan, he truly defined the term "die-hard." Aside from the Jets' lone Super Bowl championship in 1969, when Don was just twenty-one years old, his beloved Gang Green reached the playoffs only once more, in 2010. Yet they were always his team. Don and his son Michael shared many unforgettable memories together as season ticket holders, attending countless games side by side. His love for the Jets was one he proudly passed on to his two grandsons.
When football season gave way to spring and summer, Don looked forward to spending time in his yard tending his beautiful gardens. He truly had a green thumb, planting twenty to twenty-five flats of flowers each year. Impatiens were his favorite, and he also took great pride in the koi pond that he personally designed, built, and plumbed himself. After a long Saturday working outdoors, it was common to see Don sitting on the deck steps, with a cold Bud Light in hand, admiring the fruits of his labor.
Don and Darleen also shared a love of travel, especially cruising together. The Bahamas, the Caribbean Islands, and Canada were among their favorite destinations, and one unforgettable trip took them to the Panama Canal aboard the Queen Mary. Closer to home, they loved spending time in Point Pleasant along the Jersey Shore, and during the colder months they enjoyed testing their luck at Mount Airy Casino Resort in Pennsylvania.
Above everything else in Don's life—his Navy service, his career, and his hobbies—stood his unwavering love, loyalty, and pride in his family. His son, Michael, and daughter, Jill, meant the world to him. He never missed an opportunity to proudly tell others that Michael was a Vice President with Stryker Medical Equipment and that Jill was the principal of Hilldale School in Montville. One of Donnie's greatest joys in life was watching his grandchildren grow and excel in their passions. He was their biggest fan and rarely missed an opportunity to celebrate their accomplishments. He was especially proud of Robbie's musical talents as a trumpet and drum player, Anthony's success as a standout linebacker for the Wayne Valley High School football team, Arianna's achievements as a varsity girls' soccer player at Wayne Valley High School, and Isabella's dedication as a varsity competitive cheerleader at Wayne Valley High School. Nothing brought him greater happiness than cheering them on and sharing in their successes.
Family was the center of Donnie's world. One of the traditions he cherished most was the annual family vacation, where all ten members of the family would come together to celebrate the love and bond they shared. Whether cruising together, spending weeks in Point Pleasant, making memories at Hersheypark, or enjoying time at Aquatopia in the Pocono Mountains, these trips were never just about the destination—they were about being together. Donnie treasured every laugh, every meal, every adventure, and every moment spent with his family, creating traditions and memories that will be cherished for generations to come.
After the passing of his beloved parents, Don made it his personal mission to carry forward the traditions they had established and to keep the Rankin family close. He faithfully opened his home every Christmas Eve and Good Friday, welcoming his siblings, nieces, nephews, and extended family to celebrate together, and each summer he organized a large family reunion that brought everyone back together. One of the family's most cherished traditions was "Pierogi Day," when Don's sister, nieces, and other family members gathered in the kitchen to prepare hundreds of homemade pierogies for the Christmas Eve and Good Friday dinners. This treasured tradition, begun by Don's mother and father, became a symbol of the family's love, unity, and heritage, and Don took great pride in ensuring it continued for future generations. Don was also well known for his legendary homemade chicken soup, prepared from his own closely guarded recipe. It became a family favorite that everyone looked forward to and sharing it with those he loved brought him as much joy as preparing it.
Don was, in many ways, a typical construction guy. He spoke his mind and told it exactly as he saw it—without a filter. But beneath that straightforward exterior was a kind, generous, and deeply loyal man. He was a devoted husband, a wonderful father, a proud and adoring grandfather, and a faithful friend who would do anything for someone in need. While his sudden passing leaves an immeasurable void, the love he shared, the memories he created, and the example he set will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
Donald was the beloved husband of Darleen (Zarella) Rankin, blessed in marriage for 52 love-filled years. He was the loving father of Michael Rankin and his wife, Julie, of Wayne, and Jill Cisneros and her husband, Edward, of Wayne; the proud and cherished grandfather of Roberto Cisneros, Anthony Rankin, Arianna Cisneros, and Isabella Rankin; the dear brother of Jeanette Makus and her husband, Paul, of Wayne, Barbara Saita and her husband, Phil, of North Abington Township, Pennsylvania, and John Rankin and his wife, Marie, of Clifton; the dear uncle of six nieces and nephews: Bryan Makus, Jennifer Makus, Lisa Saita, the late Tony Saita, Shelly Rankin, and Bonnie Rankin; and the dear great-uncle of numerous great-nieces and great-nephews.
Those wishing to express their sympathy in Donald's memory are invited to consider a memorial donation to one of the following organizations:
K9s For Warriors 114 Camp K9 Road, Ponte Vedra, FL 32081
Wounded Warrior Project P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675-8516 For a mailable form, Click Here
Vietnam Veterans of America 8719 Colesville Road, Suite 100, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Please indicate that your gift is made in memory of Donald Rankin.
If you would like to send a private condolence directly to the family use this condolence section.
Friends may visit with the family at Vander May Wayne Colonial Funeral Home, 567 Ratzer Road, Wayne, on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Funeral services will begin at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at the funeral home, followed by a 10:00 a.m. Funeral Mass at Immaculate Heart of Mary Roman Catholic Church, 580 Ratzer Road, Wayne. Following the Mass, Don will be laid to rest at Christ the King Cemetery in Franklin Lakes.
July 19, 2026
Services
Friends may visit with the family at Vander May Wayne Colonial Funeral Home, 567 Ratzer Road, Wayne, on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Funeral services will begin at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at the funeral home, followed by a 10:00 a.m. Funeral Mass at Immaculate Heart of Mary Roman Catholic Church, 580 Ratzer Road, Wayne. Following the Mass, Don will be laid to rest at Christ the King Cemetery in Franklin Lakes.
Donald J. Rankin, 77, of Wayne, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 19, 2026, after a brief illness, with his devoted family by his side.
Born in Passaic, New Jersey, Donald was the youngest child of John and Wanda (Sudol) Rankin. He grew up in Clifton, where he attended Clifton High School and graduated with the Class of 1967.
Following high school, Don enlisted in the United States Navy. He left home for basic training the morning after Joe Namath and the New York Jets won Super Bowl III in 1969. He proudly served his country during the Vietnam War aboard the USS Saratoga until 1971.
Upon returning to civilian life, Don had one goal—to work alongside his best friend, John Schlachter. He joined John at his father's family business, Schlachter Plumbing and Heating in Clifton, where he spent more than forty years enjoying a successful career as a plumber.
Donnie was the loving and devoted husband of Darleen (Zarella) Rankin, sharing a marriage built on unwavering love, friendship, laughter, and mutual respect for more than 52 years.
Their love story began at Farmer Gray's, a neighborhood eatery on Lakeview Avenue in Clifton, where Darleen, then a young teacher, worked part-time as a waitress. Don and his friend John would often stop in after work, and before long, a friendship blossomed into a lifelong romance. They were married on Saturday, June 29, 1974, at St. Brendan's Roman Catholic Church in Clifton and celebrated with family and friends at North Jersey Country Club in Wayne.
Throughout their marriage, Don was Darleen's greatest supporter and proudest champion. He often joked with a smile that "the plumber married the teacher," a phrase he continued to repeat with even greater pride as Darleen became a principal and later a college professor. He celebrated every milestone of her career, always encouraging her and taking immense pride in all that she accomplished. Their partnership was one of constant love, support, and admiration for one another..
Outside of work, Don enjoyed many simple pleasures. A lifelong New York Jets fan, he truly defined the term "die-hard." Aside from the Jets' lone Super Bowl championship in 1969, when Don was just twenty-one years old, his beloved Gang Green reached the playoffs only once more, in 2010. Yet they were always his team. Don and his son Michael shared many unforgettable memories together as season ticket holders, attending countless games side by side. His love for the Jets was one he proudly passed on to his two grandsons.
When football season gave way to spring and summer, Don looked forward to spending time in his yard tending his beautiful gardens. He truly had a green thumb, planting twenty to twenty-five flats of flowers each year. Impatiens were his favorite, and he also took great pride in the koi pond that he personally designed, built, and plumbed himself. After a long Saturday working outdoors, it was common to see Don sitting on the deck steps, with a cold Bud Light in hand, admiring the fruits of his labor.
Don and Darleen also shared a love of travel, especially cruising together. The Bahamas, the Caribbean Islands, and Canada were among their favorite destinations, and one unforgettable trip took them to the Panama Canal aboard the Queen Mary. Closer to home, they loved spending time in Point Pleasant along the Jersey Shore, and during the colder months they enjoyed testing their luck at Mount Airy Casino Resort in Pennsylvania.
Above everything else in Don's life—his Navy service, his career, and his hobbies—stood his unwavering love, loyalty, and pride in his family. His son, Michael, and daughter, Jill, meant the world to him. He never missed an opportunity to proudly tell others that Michael was a Vice President with Stryker Medical Equipment and that Jill was the principal of Hilldale School in Montville. One of Donnie's greatest joys in life was watching his grandchildren grow and excel in their passions. He was their biggest fan and rarely missed an opportunity to celebrate their accomplishments. He was especially proud of Robbie's musical talents as a trumpet and drum player, Anthony's success as a standout linebacker for the Wayne Valley High School football team, Arianna's achievements as a varsity girls' soccer player at Wayne Valley High School, and Isabella's dedication as a varsity competitive cheerleader at Wayne Valley High School. Nothing brought him greater happiness than cheering them on and sharing in their successes.
Family was the center of Donnie's world. One of the traditions he cherished most was the annual family vacation, where all ten members of the family would come together to celebrate the love and bond they shared. Whether cruising together, spending weeks in Point Pleasant, making memories at Hersheypark, or enjoying time at Aquatopia in the Pocono Mountains, these trips were never just about the destination—they were about being together. Donnie treasured every laugh, every meal, every adventure, and every moment spent with his family, creating traditions and memories that will be cherished for generations to come.
After the passing of his beloved parents, Don made it his personal mission to carry forward the traditions they had established and to keep the Rankin family close. He faithfully opened his home every Christmas Eve and Good Friday, welcoming his siblings, nieces, nephews, and extended family to celebrate together, and each summer he organized a large family reunion that brought everyone back together. One of the family's most cherished traditions was "Pierogi Day," when Don's sister, nieces, and other family members gathered in the kitchen to prepare hundreds of homemade pierogies for the Christmas Eve and Good Friday dinners. This treasured tradition, begun by Don's mother and father, became a symbol of the family's love, unity, and heritage, and Don took great pride in ensuring it continued for future generations. Don was also well known for his legendary homemade chicken soup, prepared from his own closely guarded recipe. It became a family favorite that everyone looked forward to and sharing it with those he loved brought him as much joy as preparing it.
Don was, in many ways, a typical construction guy. He spoke his mind and told it exactly as he saw it—without a filter. But beneath that straightforward exterior was a kind, generous, and deeply loyal man. He was a devoted husband, a wonderful father, a proud and adoring grandfather, and a faithful friend who would do anything for someone in need. While his sudden passing leaves an immeasurable void, the love he shared, the memories he created, and the example he set will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
Donald was the beloved husband of Darleen (Zarella) Rankin, blessed in marriage for 52 love-filled years. He was the loving father of Michael Rankin and his wife, Julie, of Wayne, and Jill Cisneros and her husband, Edward, of Wayne; the proud and cherished grandfather of Roberto Cisneros, Anthony Rankin, Arianna Cisneros, and Isabella Rankin; the dear brother of Jeanette Makus and her husband, Paul, of Wayne, Barbara Saita and her husband, Phil, of North Abington Township, Pennsylvania, and John Rankin and his wife, Marie, of Clifton; the dear uncle of six nieces and nephews: Bryan Makus, Jennifer Makus, Lisa Saita, the late Tony Saita, Shelly Rankin, and Bonnie Rankin; and the dear great-uncle of numerous great-nieces and great-nephews.
Those wishing to express their sympathy in Donald's memory are invited to consider a memorial donation to one of the following organizations:
K9s For Warriors 114 Camp K9 Road, Ponte Vedra, FL 32081
Wounded Warrior Project P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675-8516 For a mailable form, Click Here
Vietnam Veterans of America 8719 Colesville Road, Suite 100, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Please indicate that your gift is made in memory of Donald Rankin.
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