Mark E. Donaldson, of Brielle, New Jersey, passed away on May 26, 2026, at the age of 75, surrounded by his family. He was born on August 23, 1950, in Linden, New Jersey.

He came from humble beginnings and built a beautiful life through hard work, resilience, humor, and an unwavering sense of optimism. A father, brother, uncle, grandfather, and friend, he was a man who wore many hats, and he wore every one of them well.

At 18 years old, he enlisted to serve in the Vietnam War, a chapter of his life his family holds with deep admiration. After returning home, he spent time bartending and summers along the Jersey Shore, where his warmth and humor made him a familiar and beloved face wherever he went. Over the years he worked countless jobs, among them realtor, bartender, teacher, and softball coach, doing whatever it took to build the life he envisioned for his family. He later earned his real estate license and went on to open Donaldson Realtors, a business he was immensely proud of. He was also a proud member of the VFW, where he remained connected to his fellow veterans throughout his life.

Everywhere he went, someone seemed to know him, a reflection of the lasting impression he left on nearly everyone he encountered.

He had a lifelong love of history and learning. Music was another great joy of his life. He loved The Beatles, Motown, and Barry White, and never missed an opportunity to sing along loudly and proudly, passing that love on to his daughters along with countless lessons about life.

More than anything, he was a devoted father. He was the person you could always call when you needed help, never hesitating to show up or play chauffeur, no matter the destination. He was always in your corner and would give the shirt off his back to help someone in need. He could make anyone laugh and never missed an opportunity for a good joke, and above all, he had a remarkable way of making everyone around him feel deeply loved.

He was stubborn, generous, and completely himself. Even throughout more than a decade of illness, he never wanted anyone to worry. No matter how he felt, his answer was always the same: “I’m great.” He carried himself with quiet strength and optimism until the very end, never once letting illness define him.

His success was never measured by money, but by the life he created and the people he loved. He found joy in life’s simplest pleasures, whether it was a morning coffee on the beach, a good book, or a song worth singing at the top of his lungs. He taught his family that a rich life is measured by the people you love, the memories you create, and the way you make others feel.

He is survived by his daughters, Lauren and Brittany; his son-in-law, Ryan Sussan; his grandchildren, Sawyer, Brooks, and Hayes Vatrano, and Matthew and Casey Sussan; his brothers, David and Hugh Donaldson; and his sister, Janet Green.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Eugene and Joan Donaldson; his sister, Mary Donaldson; and his son-in-law, Sammy Vatrano.

He will be deeply missed every single day, but his legacy will live on through his family, especially his grandchildren, who will grow up knowing exactly who he was and everything he stood for. His daughters are endlessly proud to be his, grateful for every lesson, every laugh, every song, and every moment they shared with him.

A celebration of life will be announced soon. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to the Veterans of Foreign Wars in his memory.