Obituary of Donna Jean Kotelsky

Family and friends mourn the loss of Donna Kotelsky, age 76, who passed away on Thursday, September 1, 2022, at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in Somerville NJ. Born in Hazleton, PA to Anthony and Jenny Irovando, Donna was raised in Plainfield and has resided in North Plainfield for most of her adult life.

Donna, a graduate of Plainfield High School in 1964 went straight to work at United National Bank managing their credit card department for 25 years. Prior to her retirement, Donna was a bookkeeper for Shoprite Foods in Edison for 21 years and was a tireless, dedicated worker her entire career until she retired in 2016.

She was raised catholic and was a member of St. Joseph’s RC Church in North Plainfield. Donna was an active member and past president of the North Plainfield Italian American Club Women’s Auxiliary. She was proud of her Italian heritage and was instrumental in organizing many fundraising and charitable events for the club.

Donna had a zest for life and loved to manage different events. She organized yearly activities to sporting events, ski lodges, concerts, Atlantic City, and more. She was active with the yearly Italian Festival held at PNC Bank Art Center where she was responsible for every aspect of the festival. She enjoyed music, dancing, going to concerts, laughing, and having a good time. Most of all, Donna loved spending time with her family and most especially her six grandchildren.

She is survived by her loving husband of 41 years, James Kotelsky; her children: Dawn Kasper, and Michael Capone, and his wife, Maria; six grandchildren: Isabella, Gavin, Carey, Lucia Capone, Madison, and Tyler Kasper. She is also survived by her brother, Joseph Irovando.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, September 8, 2022, from 4 to 8 pm at Higgins Home for Funerals 752 Mountain Blvd. Watchung NJ. A funeral mass will be on Friday at 9:30 am at St. Joseph’s RC Church in North Plainfield followed by the burial at Hillside Cemetery in Scotch Plains.