Michael D'Annunzio

Michael Anthony D’Annunzio, 52, of Keansburg, NJ, passed away on Tuesday, August 17, 2021 after a valiant fight with cancer.  Born in Somerville, NJ on November 5, 1968 to Anthony and Antoinette D’Annunzio, Michael grew up in Monmouth Beach, NJ, lived in various states throughout the years, and settled in Keansburg, NJ in 2019.

Michael graduated from Shore Regional High School in 1988 and earned an associate’s degree from Franciscan University of Steubenville in 2000.  He was a volunteer firefighter in Monmouth Beach over 30 years and worked as an over-the-road truck driver. 

Michael had a huge heart and would do anything for anyone. He discerned a religious vocation for a short time before realizing his vocation was marriage. He had a strong faith and love for his savior, Jesus Christ. This faith carried him through a liver transplant at the age of 19 and the many varied illnesses he faced throughout his life, especially in the three years prior to his passing.

Michael is survived by his wife Carol and son Andrew of Keansburg, NJ.; parents Anthony and Antoinette of Eatontown, NJ.; brother James and sister-in-law Terry of Monmouth Beach, NJ.; sister Beth and brother-in-law Gerry of Eatontown, NJ.; brother Mark and sister-in-law Marie of Naples, FL.; mother-in-law Betty of Hazlet, NJ; father-in-law Eddie of Hazlet, NJ.; sister-in-law Stacey of Hazlet, NJ.; brother-in-law Denny of Staten Island, NY; Aunt Vi of Scotch Plains, NJ; and Uncle Joey and Aunt Darlene of Clearwater, FL.

Michael was the loving uncle of many nieces and nephews: Kristina and Kimberly (James & Terry); Joseph and Thomas (Beth and Gerry); Stephen, John, Nicholas, Alfonse, Nicolette, Salvatore, Danielle, Julia, Anthony, Michael, Lorenzo, and Penelope (Mark and Marie); Emma and Sadie (Stacey); Denny, Isabella, Makayla and Makenzie, and Noah (Denny).

Michael was very devoted to his family, and regularly spending time with them was the most important thing to him. Also surviving are many cousins of the D’Annunzio and Di’Terlizzi families and many wonderful friends. 

Anyone who knows Michael knows that he loved animals, especially dogs. His most beloved survivor is his dog Nugget, a Dashaud-Chihuahua who would spend hours cuddling on Michael’s lap.  His other pet survivors are Buddy (Tony & Antoinette); Bear (James & Terry); Milo and Brody (Beth & Gerry); Harley (Mark & Marie); and Hannah (Stacey).

Visitation will be held on Monday, August 23 from 4 – 7 pm at the Damiano Funeral Home, 191 Franklin Avenue in Long Branch. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday at St. Catherine’s Church in North Middletown beginning at 11 am. Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery in Middletown.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Andrew's college fund with checks payable to Pershing LLC fbo Andrew D’Annunzio, P.O Box 567, Long Branch, NJ 07740. The family invites you to leave a letter of condolence through the Tribute/Guestbook link above.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Michael D'Annunzio, please visit our floral store.