Daniel J. Passafiume, 96, of Parlin, passed away on June 11, 2019, at Raritan Bay Medical Center in Old Bridge.
Passafiume was born in Newark where he worked for the Newark Board of Education for more than 30 years as a carpenter foreman and volunteered as an officer in the Heavy Rescue Squad.
Passafiume enlisted in the U.S. Army as a combat infantryman, was wounded and received the Bronze Star Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, two Purple Hearts, the Combat Infantry Badge for ground combat and the French Liberation Medal. He was a true American hero who saw combat in North Africa, Sicily, Italy, France, Germany and Austria.
He is predeceased by his beloved wife Olga Passafiume and his son James D. Passafiume. Surviving are his children Diane Passafiume and Debbie Palmer; daughter-in-law Deborah Passafiume; sister Rose Serrani; grandchildren Daniel, Jimmy, Teresa and Diana; great grandchildren William, Danni, James and Michael; as well as many loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Arrangements were made by The Carmen F. Spezzi Funeral Home in Parlin. A Funeral Mass was offered at St. Bernadette’s R.C. Church, Parlin. Burial followed at St. Teresa’s Cemetery in Summit.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Passafiume’s name to the Wounded Warrior Project, 4899 Belfort Road, Suite 300, Jacksonville, FL 32256.
Letters of condolence may be found on spezzifuneralhome.com