Donald L. Minassian

Donald Louis Minassian, 71, passed away suddenly on December 15, 2025, surrounded by loved ones, holding the hands of his family and friends.

Donald was born on June 20, 1954, in Ridgewood, New Jersey, and grew up in Saddle Brook, New Jersey. He graduated from Saddle Brook High School and went on to continue his education at Seton Hall University, where he earned both his undergraduate degree and his law degree.

Following his education, Donald embarked on an extraordinary 45-year legal career at Atkins, Tafuri, Minassian, D’Amato, Beane, and Miller, P.A. His dedication, integrity, and commitment to his profession earned him deep respect from colleagues, clients, and friends alike. The law was not just his career - it was a calling he pursued with passion, intellect, and unwavering ethics.

Donald was predeceased by his beloved parents, George and Pearl Minassian; his brothers, George and William Minassian; and his cherished in-laws, Ernest and Carol Larrat.

He is survived by his wife and best friend of 43 years, Meg, with whom he shared a life full of love, partnership, and devotion. Donald was a proud and devoted father to Kenneth (Grace) of Sparta, NJ, Daniel of Mahwah, NJ, and Kevin (Julie) of Waldwick, NJ. He found immeasurable joy in his roll as “Pops” to his treasured grandson, Owen, who brought light and laughter to his life.

Donald is also survived by his brothers Steven (Diane) of Millington, NJ, and Peter (Deborah) of West Milford, NJ; Sister-In Law Carol Minassian of Sadler, TX and Sister-In-Law Brenda Fournier of Hawthorne, NJ.  Equally cherished, are his brother-in-law Paul (Amey) of Saunderstown, RI; his sister-in-law Aimee (Ron) of Tranquility, NJ, and Edward (Marci) of Tooele, UT, along with countless nieces and nephews.

Don leaves behind endless friends, that he considered family. His love extended to so many that they considered him as a “brother” or “father” figure. Always being just a phone call away, Don was the consistency and unwavering support that anyone needed.

Don and his wife Meg, have been Mahwah residents for 37 years, and Don is well known throughout the community for his volunteerism and service. Don was the founder of the Mahwah Ice Hockey Association, bringing ice hockey to Mahwah High School and remained active as a board member long after his sons graduated. He had two decades worth of mentorship and coaching to the youth of Mahwah’s ice hockey teams, roller hockey teams, and baseball teams. He was an inaugural commissioner for Mahwah’s Access for All Program, which serves as a tremendous community resource and outlet for the special needs community. 

Don has made a tremendous difference locally and internationally for children’s lives by serving as an active and supportive trustee of 35-years for the Hope for Children’s Research Foundation, which supports children’s cancer and neurological research at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center. 

Don has always been an avid sports fan for the New York Giants, New York Yankees, and New York Rangers. With a love for music of all genres, he provided the musical soundtrack to our lives, which will live on through all of the music he has taught us about. His dedication and care to his garden transcends through his home, and also represents the color and beauty he brought to every person’s life he touched. 

His greatest blessing and above all else was the love and pride of his family. His legacy will continue on through all of the lives that he has touched.  

Memorial visitation will be held on Friday from 3 PM - 8 PM at Van Emburgh-Sneider-Pernice Funeral Home, 109 Darlington Avenue, Ramsey, NJ. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 20, 2025 at 11 AM at the funeral home. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hope for Children’s Research Foundation which he held near and dear to his heart. These donations can be made through the foundation website www.hopeforchildrenresearch.org or can be mailed to: 700D Lake Street, Ramsey, NJ 07446.

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