Obituary: Donald P. “Turk” Massara, 97

Donald P. “Turk” Massara, 97, of Lawrence Township died Monday, May 21, at Hamilton Continuing Care Center.

Born in Trenton, he was a Trenton area resident for many years before moving to Lawrence. He was a retired foreman with the McGuire Air Force Base water department where he served for 30 years.

Donald was an Army veteran and was proud of his service to his country during World War II. He was an avid New York Yankees fan. He is probably in the "Hall of Fame" for the most games watched on his 19-inch TV and listened to on his bedside radio. His shouting at the TV during Yankees games will live long in the minds of his family members. He had a special devotion to "Yankee Clipper" Joe DiMaggio.

He enjoyed his trips to Atlantic City. He listened to the Big Band era music for endless hours. In his latter years when he could not drive his car, he loved pushing his lawnmower around the yard. His neighbors were amazed that at 95 years old he could be pushing his lawnmower.

Son of the late Parisi and Cristina Brachelli Constantini, foster son of the late Giuseppe and Clara Massara, and father of the late Dennis Massara, he is survived by his wife Helen Zboyovsky Massara; his son Donald Massara and his wife Nancy of Lawrence Township; his daughter-in-law Jill Massara of Gilbert, Ariz.; and his grandchildren, Eric, Anthony, Michael and Nicole Massara.

He had a special affection for his twin sister, Sister Theresa, and his other adoring sisters, Josephine and Mary and his good buddy, brother Arnold Sr. He loved being part of family gatherings with Bobby, Richard, Jackie, Gail, Pat, and Arnold Jr. He especially loved the traditional Italian Sunday afternoon dinners with his adoptive family siblings, Jimmy, Tillie, Eddie, Mildred, Laura, Helen, Russell, Claire and Gus.

He also enjoyed family gatherings with the members of his wife Helen's family, Annie and Bill, Billy, Bobby, Donald, Nick and Mary, Pat and Nick Jr., Betty and Don and Richie, Margie and Arthur, Cindy, Cher and Mickey and Julie. His devotion to his family triumphed over all other aspects of everyday living.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, May 25, at 11:30 a.m. at the , 1253 Lawrence Rd., Lawrence Township. Burial will follow in Brig. Gen. Wm. C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery.

Relatives and friends are invited to call on Friday from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. in the Chapel at the Church of St. Ann.

Due to cemetery restrictions, memorial contributions in lieu of flowers may be made in memory of Donald to the charity of the donor’s choice.