Donald J. Lyons

Donald J. Lyons, a lifelong resident of Jersey City, entered into eternal rest on May 25, 2026. Born in Jersey City on October 1, 1937, Donald was the beloved son of the late Charles and Dorothy Lyons. For 88 years, Jersey City was not only his home, but the place where he built a life rooted in faith, family, friendship, and quiet devotion.

Donald proudly served his country in the United States Army at Fort Hood, Texas, during the Cuban Missile Crisis. After his military service, he returned home and dedicated his entire working career to Maxwell House in Hoboken, where he worked faithfully until his retirement in 1992. He was also a lifelong communicant of St. Joseph’s Church in Jersey City, a parish that remained close to his heart throughout his life.

Donald had a warmth about him that people never forgot. He was kind, bubbly, friendly, and deeply caring. He had a way of making others feel welcome, noticed, and loved. His concern for his family was constant, and he was always willing to lend a helping hand wherever it was needed. He lived with a generous heart and found happiness in the simple, meaningful moments of life.

A devoted Yankees fan, Donald loved following his team and enjoyed the excitement of horse racing. He also enjoyed painting houses alongside his brother Charles “Badgie” Lyons, sharing not only the work, but the time, stories, and companionship that came with it. Above all else, Donald loved his family. Some of his happiest moments were spent taking long walks with his great nephew Austin and great niece Molly Rose, watching them grow, and sharing in their lives. Austin and Molly Rose held a very special place in his heart and affectionately called him “Gung Gung,” a name that reflected the unique and loving bond they shared.

Donald is survived by his loving brother, Robert Lyons and his wife Ellen; his sister in law, Bianca Lyons; his nieces and nephews, Linda Ciriello, Michael Lyons, Kevin Lyons, Jennifer Gioia, Doreen Huvane, and Rob Lyons; and his grand nieces and grand nephews, Jillian, Michael, Melissa, Nicholas, Brandon, Breanne, Samantha, Austin, Christopher, Molly Rose, John, and Griffin.

He was predeceased by his parents, Charles and Dorothy Lyons; his brothers, Thomas Lyons and his wife Rose, Charles “Badgie” Lyons, and Harold Lyons.

Donald’s life was a beautiful example of loyalty, kindness, and love. He was steady, sincere, and full of heart. His memory will live on in the family he cherished, the friends he made, the faith he carried, and the many lives he touched simply by being himself.

Visitation will be held on Friday, May 29, 2026, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Riotto Funeral Home, Jersey City. For GPS, please use our parking lot address: 14 Stagg Street, Jersey City, NJ 07306.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at 9:00 AM at the funeral home, followed by a 10:00 AM Funeral Mass at St. Joseph’s Church, Jersey City. Interment will follow at Holy Name Cemetery, Jersey City. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Donald's name to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital at www.StJude.org/donate.