Donald R. Rasmusson, Sr., 97, went on to his eternal reward peacefully on Saturday, April 13 th
from his home in Upper Montclair, NJ. A much-loved father, grandfather and great grandfather,
Dad will be missed terribly but the legacy of his deep Catholic faith will not be forgotten.
Dad was born in Jersey City to Emil and Margaret Rasmusson (Reilly) and attended St. John's
Grammar School. He then continued his education at St. Peter's Prep where he was involved
with many extracurricular activities including football and Sodality. He enlisted in the US Navy
in 1944 and served in the Pacific until 1946 when he received his honorable discharge. A deep
interest in engineering found him attending Stevens Institute of Technology where he graduated
from in 1951 with a degree in mechanical engineering. He married the love of his life, Patricia
Kinkead in 1952 and they started raising a family when they moved to Upper Montclair in 1954.
His professional career spanned 43 years between stints with Otis Elevator, Walter Kidde
Corporation and ultimately with the Becton-Dickinson Corporation in Rutherford where he
became the director of plant facilities.
A seventy year member of St. Cassian's parish, Dad was involved with the Holy Name Society
while also serving as a CCD teacher. A daily communicant, Dad frequently assisted the priest
with Mass as the self-proclaimed world's oldest altar boy!
Dad was predeceased by Mom and his son Joe (Dominque) and is survived by his daughter
Mary Pat Kelly (Brendan, deceased), Donald Rasmusson Jr. (Darlene), Peter Rasmusson
(Bernadette), Therese Baird (Brian) and 17 loving grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.
A wake will be held on Wednesday, April 17 th at Caggiano's Funeral Home at 62 Grove Street in
Montclair from 2:00-4:00PM and 7:00-9:00PM with a funeral Mass to be celebrated on
Thursday, April18th at 10:00AM at St. Cassian's Church, 187 Bellevue Avenue, Upper Montclair.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Carmelites, The Carmelite Monastery, 26
Harmony School Road, Flemington, NJ 08822.