Obituary of Donald J. Diegnan

South Plainfield, NJ – Donald J. Diegnan, 86, passed away peacefully at JFK Medical Center in Edison on Friday, May 3, 2024 surrounded by his loving family.  Born one of seven children to the late Patrick J. Sr. and Sally (Byrne) Diegnan, Donald is predeceased by his sister Maureen Rydarowski and brother, Joseph Diegnan.

Donald was born in Plainfield and has been a lifelong resident of the Boro of South Plainfield where he was a well-known resident and familiar to many as he drove around the town in his red car making his rounds, keeping his eye on things.  He graduated from St. Peters High School in New Brunswick and was later drafted to the United States Army where he served as a Military Police Dog Handler. 

Upon his discharge, Donald began a 44 year career with NJ Bell, AT&T and then Lucent prior to his retirement.  He returned to work for Hall Warehouse in South Plainfield before finally retiring. He was a member of the South Plainfield VFW and Senior Center.   Donald was a loyal parishioner of both Sacred Heart Church in South Plainfield and St. Bartholomew Church in Scotch Plains where he served as an usher.

Surviving are his wife of 51 years, Geraldine Diegnan;   siblings, Richard (Susan,) Norman (Anita,) Evelyn Gorman (John,) and Senator Patrick, Jr. (Anita.)  He will be missed by 19 nieces and nephews as well as 44 great nieces and nephews and many extended family members and friends.

Family and friends may join together for visitation at the McCriskin-Gustafson Home for Funerals, 2425 Plainfield Avenue, South Plainfield, NJ 07080 on Thursday, May 9, 2024 from 3pm-7pm. 

Funeral services will begin at 9:15am in the funeral home on Friday, May, 10, 2024 followed by a 10:00am funeral mass at Sacred Heart Church.  Entombment at Holy Redeemer Cemetery will follow.

In lieu of flowers, Donald’s family has requested donations in his name sent to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (www.stjude.org.)