Obituary of Donald Hayden

Hayden, Donald of Totowa passed away in Glen Ridge on September 19, 2014. Don is survived by his beloved wife, Joanna De Marco of Wayne, his loving brother, Kenneth Hayden and his wife Dianne of Lavallette, his daughter, Jennifer Lambert, his grandchildren, Marissa, Gabrielle, Ava and Frankie and his step son, Paul Kearney. Don is pre deceased by his parents, William J. and Anna (nee Spence) Hayden, his brother, William Hayden and his first wife, Marcella (nee Molnar) Hayden (1998). Don was born and lived in Paterson for most of his life before moving to Rutherford and then Totowa in 2003. Don served his country in the United States Army. Later, Don served as a Paterson Police Officer for fourteen years before serving as a Lieutenant for the Passaic County Prosecutors Office for twenty five years. He also was the Chief Security Director for Passaic County Community College for four years before retiring in 1992. Don was an active member of his community, succeeding his brother Kenneth by serving as a Paterson City Councilman from 1992 to 2000 and serving as the Paterson Council President in 1997. He also served as State Assemblyman for the 35th district in 1994. He was a member and Vice President of PBA Local #1, Paterson, the President of Local #265 Passaic County Prosecutors Office and the PBA State Delegate for the Passaic County Prosecutors Office. Don was a member of the Passaic County Emerald Society #7 and was also a Third Degree member of the Knights of Columbus Paterson Council #240. In 1994, Don also received the Man of the Year Award from St. Gerard Majella R.C. Church, Paterson. He was an active parishioner of St. Bonaventure R.C. Church, Paterson. Friends may visit with the family at the Festa Memorial Funeral Home, 111 Union Blvd., Totowa on Wednesday, September 24 from 4 to 8 PM. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the funeral from the Festa Memorial Funeral Home on Thursday, September 25 at 9:30 AM. Funeral mass to follow at St. Bonaventure R.C. Church, 174 Ramsey Street, Paterson at 10:15 AM. Interment at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Totowa. In lieu of flowers, donations for masses in his memory at St. Bonaventure R.C. Church or donations to a charity of choice would be greatly appreciated.