Donald A. Donofrio

Donald A. Donofrio died peacefully at home, surrounded by family, on Thursday, April 23, 2026 after a 10-year battle with cancer. Don leaves behind a family who loved him, including his wife, Linda; his children, Michael Donofrio (Rachel), Gina Ciaffi (Michael), and Michael Facciolo; his siblings, Roberta Weber (Rich), Robert Donofrio (Ronnie), and Carolyn Donofrio (Kathy); his grandchildren, Nicholas and Anthony Ciaffi and Alexa and Avery Donofrio; as well as nieces and a nephew who adored him. Don was predeceased by his parents, Robert Sr. and Esther Donofrio.

Don began his career at the Port of Wilmington as a longshoreman shortly after graduating from Delcastle High School. He retired from the Port in 2018 after 40 years of service, having served as a warehouse manager. Throughout his career at the Port, Don demonstrated quiet but effective leadership and took action to ensure that employees were fairly compensated for their work.

Don cherished every moment he had with his family and friends. He and Linda frequently hosted sibling breakfasts and holiday gatherings. Don enjoyed spending time at the beach in Ocracoke, NC, and Lewes, DE. Although he was a big Philly sports fan, he most enjoyed cheering on his grandchildren at their baseball games, wrestling matches, and soccer games.

When he was not making memories with his family, Don enjoyed spending time outside with Linda, taking care of their beautiful yard and garden. When winter weather made spending time outside impossible, he cared for his orchids, which flourished, and worked on the model train layout he built.

Services for Don have been scheduled for Monday, May 4, 2026, with visitation beginning at 10:00AM and a service at 11:30AM at the Doherty Funeral Home, 3200 Limestone Road, Wilmington, DE 19808.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution in his memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 (https://www.stjude.org).

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