Nicholas D’Onofrio, 84, of Eatontown, NJ, passed away on November 10, 2025. Known as “Nicky” by family and friends, he was born in Albany, NY to Italian immigrants. The family moved to Long Branch, NJ when he was a young boy.

Nicky attended Long Branch High School, learned the plumbing trade, earned a Master Plumber license, and operated his own plumbing and heating business. He later worked at Naval Weapons Station Earle as a Boiler Plant Operator until his retirement in 1996. He served in the NJ Army National Guard from 1963 to 1969, and was a true patriot who loved the USA as well as the City of Long Branch.

He had a passion for restoring classic cars and displaying his finished products at car shows. Coming home with trophies was his reward for a job well done. He liked to travel, loved road trips, taking his family around the country to explore America’s beautiful national parks, and anything else interesting along the way. He appreciated and found solitude in nature. Every fall for over 60 years, including this year, you would find Nicky at the LBHS football games. In his retirement, he’d be seen walking the boardwalk, resting on a bench, or enjoying a sunrise, every day the weather permitted. Watching old movies was another favorite pastime.

Nicky is predeceased by his parents Luigi and Maria, his wife Barbara (Byram), and brothers Alessio and Erminio Aurilio. He is survived by his daughter Dawn and her husband Ted Barbes, his brother Louis D’Onofrio, his sister Antoinette Gallucci, two grandchildren Kara and William Barbes and longtime partner Angie Frontera.

Rest in Peace our dearest Nicky. You will be greatly missed and remembered as a kind and generous soul.