Obituary of Donald W. Jackson

Donald W. Jackson, 79, of South Plainfield, died on Tuesday, October 21, 2014 at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick. Born in Plainfield to the late Adele and William Jackson, Don graduated from Holy Trinity High School in Westfield and received a B.S. degree in Marketing from Seton Hall University. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving with the 2nd Armored Division in Germany during the Korean Conflict. Don spent 40 years in sales and management in the janitorial supply field, and upon his retirement, worked as a groundskeeper at the Plainfield Country Club in Edison. As a communicant of Our Lady of Czestochowa RC Church in South Plainfield, Don served the parish in various capacities including; the Finance Committee, President of the St. Vincent de Paul Society and for several years was co-chairman of the Feast of St. Anthony. In addition, Don was active within the community of South Plainfield. He was a co-founder of the Men's Adult Softball League, served as a Cub Scout leader and also served on the Labor Day parade committee. Survived by his loving wife Patricia of 55 years, and 7 children: Kevin Jackson and wife Jenna (Pt. Pleasant), Nancy McKee and husband Mitchell, Cheryl Kloza and husband Kevin, and Laura Szumski ( all of South Plainfield), David Jackson and wife Lisa (Toms River), Karen Barletta and husband Thomas ( Bridgewater) and Kathleen Schunk and husband Todd (Florida). A brother Rev. James Jackson (Japan) and two sisters Mary Kay Bender and Patricia Knybel (California) Also surviving are 15 grandchildren and numerous extended relatives and friends. Don's life was centered around his family and his community. He will be greatly missed by all. Visitation will be held on Sunday, October 26, 2014 from 3-7pm at the McCriskin - Gustafson Home For Funerals, 2425 Plainfield Ave., South Plainfield, NJ 07080. Relatives and friends will be gathering at St. Joseph's RC Church, 40 Jackson Ave., North Plainfield, NJ 07060 on Monday, October 27, 2014 at 10:30AM for the funeral mass. Cremation Services will be held privately. In Lieu of flowers the family has expressed donations be made to the charity of one's choice.