Obituary of Thomas Donald Evangelista

Thomas Donald (Dan) Evangelista, 96, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 31, 2013 at Sunrise Assisted Living. Born in Haskell, he was the son of the late Rose Albanese and Marco Evangelista and brother of eight late siblings. His wife of 59 years, Adelaide passed away in December, 2012. Tom was a loving and generous father to four daughters: Janice and her husband Donald Hobart of Westminster, MD, Dawn and her husband Carmen Russo of North Haledon, Marcia and her husband Oney Smith of Frederick, MD, Pamela and her husband Martin Turman of Edmund, OK. He is survived by seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He was also predeceased by his 1st wife, Ruth Elston Evangelista in 1951. Tom was a graduate of Butler High School Class of 1934 and Trenton State Teachers College in 1938 after which he began his 46 year career in education. Between 1955 and 1984 he served as administrator in the Paterson School System in School numbers 12, 10, 4, 28, 2 and the Norman S. Weir School. He fostered a deep appreciation for education in his family, many of whom followed his footsteps in teaching careers. Tom enlisted in the United States Navy and was honorably discharged in 1946 as a Chief Specialist, rehabilitating injured war veterans stateside. Tom also served as Mayor of the Borough of Wanaque from1951-1959, serving the community he grew up in and loved. The family would like to thank the care providers at Sunrise Assisted living, for their compassionate care and attention to Tom and to his physician, Dr. John Morone. Visiting hours will be Tuesday from 3-5 PM with a service at 4 pm. A graveside service will be Wednesday at 9 am at Mount Calvary Cemetery, Butler. Memorial donations may be made to the SMILE TRAIN, PO Box 96210, Washington, DC 20090-6210. (800) 932-9541