Susan Lynn Di Donato

Susan Lynn Di Donato, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on June 7, 2026, at the age of 62.

Born on November 29, 1963, in Orange, New Jersey, Susan spent her early childhood there before her family moved to West Belmar, where she grew up and developed the strong values that would guide her throughout her life.

Above all else, Susan was devoted to her family. She shared nearly four decades of love, partnership, and friendship with her husband, John Di Donato. The two met in 1987 while Susan was living in Hackensack after graduating from Seton Hall University. What began as a chance meeting grew into a lifelong partnership built on love, trust, laughter, and unwavering support. Together they built a beautiful life centered on family and created countless memories that will be treasured forever.

Susan's greatest accomplishment and source of pride were her two sons, Michael and Nicholas. She found immense joy in watching them grow into the men they became and treasured every milestone in their lives. She warmly welcomed their wives into the family, embracing them as daughters. Michael and Gionna (Marotta) Di Donato recently welcomed Michael John Di Donato, the first grandchild of John and Susan, who brought Susan tremendous joy. Nicholas recently married Tori (Felt) Di Donato, a day Susan looked forward to and celebrated with great joy.

Family was the center of Susan's world. Nothing made her happier than having her loved ones together, sharing meals, celebrating milestones, and creating memories that would last a lifetime.

Susan built a successful career in real estate spanning more than three decades. She spent 23 years with Coldwell Banker in Wyckoff, where she became known for her professionalism, integrity, and genuine care for her clients. Later, she joined Keller Williams in Oakland, partnering with her husband, John, and continuing to help families navigate some of life's most important decisions. To Susan, real estate was never simply about buying and selling homes-it was about helping people find a place where they could build memories and create a future. Her dedication earned the trust, respect, and friendship of countless clients, colleagues, and friends throughout her career.

Susan had a remarkable ability to make people feel special. She was fiercely devoted to her family and friends, always putting the needs of those she loved ahead of her own. Protective, generous, and endlessly supportive, she had a way of making everyone around her feel welcomed, valued, and cared for. Whether offering advice, lending a helping hand, or simply being there when someone needed her, Susan's presence brought comfort and confidence to those fortunate enough to know her.

Known for her energy and enthusiasm for life, Susan loved traveling and creating new memories with family and friends, always looking forward to the next adventure. Yet no matter where life took her, she felt most at home by the beach. Having grown up in West Belmar, the Jersey Shore remained close to her heart throughout her life. Whether riding bikes through Belmar or vacationing with her family in the Outer Banks and Emerald Isle, North Carolina, Susan found joy, peace, and a sense of belonging whenever she was near the ocean.

Susan is survived by her loving husband, John Di Donato; her sons, Michael Di Donato and Nicholas Di Donato; her daughters-in-law, Gionna (Marotta) Di Donato and Tori (Felt) Di Donato; her cherished grandson, Michael John Di Donato; her father, Robert Karabin; her sister, Joan Pokropinski; her brothers, Michael Karabin and Robert Karabin; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, dear friends, clients, and colleagues whose lives she touched.

Susan's legacy is one of love, kindness, generosity, and devotion to family. Though her presence will be deeply missed, the love she shared, the example she set, and the countless lives she touched will continue to live on.

Family and friends are invited to gather in remembrance of Susan during a memorial visitation on Friday, June 12, 2026, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Oakland Memorial Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, organizations Susan proudly supported and admired for their commitment to helping others.