Obituary of Francis Donofrio

Francis N. Donofrio (Frank) 92, years old, lived at 37 Stillhouse Road, Millstone Township NJ 08535. He died March 25, 2021 at Centrestate Hospital. His two sons were by his side when he passed.

Born October 4, 1928 in Maspeth, Queens NY.  Francis enlisted in the United States Navy in 1945 and served during World War 2 and the Korean War. Married Iris Cottone in 1953 and was happily married for 48 years.

Earned a Graduate degree at The Stonier School of Finance rising to Executive VP at National Bank of North America. He then went on to a successful entrepreneurial career starting many thriving businesses. He was well known in harness racing circuit, he ran a prominent horse racing stable based at Freehold Raceway that had many winning racehorses during a 20 year period. He was also a beloved coach in Rutherford NJ youth sports.

He is survived by his two sons John A Donofrio of Short Hills NJ and Stephen Donofrio of Millstone Township, and his granddaughter Angelina Donofrio of Millstone Township, and step-granddaughters Valerie Koch of Zug Switzerland, and Rachel Valcour of Chittenden VT and 4 great grandchildren Sophia and Savannah Koch and Jonah and Luke Valcour.

He is predeceased by his wife of 48 years Iris Cottone Donofrio and siblings John Teodora, Nicholas Teodora, Nellie Mellacio, Julia Fuoto, Connie Furrer, and daughter-in-law Martine Redman Donofrio.

There will be a viewing on Sunday March 28 from 2-4 at Freeman’s Funeral Home, Manalapan and burial will be at 11am Monday March 29 at St Gabriel’s Church , Marlboro NJ. To leave a condolence or find directions, visit www.freemanfuneralhomes.com