Donato Melchionna (Danny/Tuccio) passed away on Wednesday November 22,2023 at the age of 91. He died peacefully with his wife Josephine at his side.
Danny was born in 1932 in the village of Bisaccia, Italy. He was the oldest of five and worked both as a tailor and barber starting at the age of 13 as a “helper” to his father. As a teenager, he could be seen riding around Bisaccia, giving rides to his friends on his Vespa.
He and Josephine married in January, 1958, and soon after, they emigrated from Italy to the US. Danny began work as an apprentice barber, then eventually owned Regent Barbershop on Morris Ave in Elizabeth.
He enjoyed his time off every Sunday and Wednesday, when he got to spend time with his family at the beach, going on walks, and shopping. He also enjoyed making wine and tomato sauce with his wife. After he retired he became a “snowbird” in Florida, where he loved to play bocce ball, walk on the beach with friends, play bingo, and eat ice cream when his grandchildren visited. Although retired, he would give free haircuts to anyone who needed (even if they didn’t know they needed it).
He captured the hearts of everyone who met him. He is survived by his devoted wife of 65 years, Josephine, three siblings-Pasquale, Theresa, Rose and their families, his four children and their spouses Joseph/Kathy, Anthony/Maureen, Daniel/Peggy and Libby/Steven, eight grandchildren- Joe, Christina, Danielle, Robert, Kelly, Alana, Nicholas and Emily, and two great-grandchildren-Joey and Vinny, who knew him as Poppop.
We love you so much, Dad/Poppop/Danny/Tuccio. Be good.
Flowers can be ordered at donatoflowers.com or by calling 908-245-1330.