Donald D. Passalacqua

August 23, 1928 - August 25, 2014

Donald D. Passalacqua, of Benicia passed away Monday in a local hospital following a brief illness. He was born in Vallejo but lived his entire life in Benicia. He graduated from Benicia High School in 1946 and was a veteran of the United States Army during the Korean War. Don worked as a Milkman for Red Top Dairy in Vallejo for several years in the late 50's. He graduated from San Francisco College of Mortuary Science and took over the family business, Passalacqua Funeral Chapel, from his father Frank Passalacqua in 1962. In 1974, he purchased Twin Chapels Mortuary on Tennessee Street in Vallejo from the McDonald Family. He was a licensed Funeral Director & Embalmer for almost 30 years before retiring in 1991. He enjoyed duck hunting, golfing, playing bocce ball and hanging with his old cronies. He was a member and former President of Benicia Unified School District, member of California Funeral Directors Association and the Redwood Empire Funeral Directors and many other organizations including the Sons of Italy, Virgilio Lodge #1586; Native Sons of the Golden West #89; Vallejo Elks Lodge #559; Vallejo Moose Lodge #486; SIRS; Knights of Pythias; improved Order of Red Men; American Legion Post 101; V.F.W. #3928; and St. Dominic's Church. He enjoyed his weekly breakfast group, he liked to play golf with his Wednesday morning buddies, was an avid 49ers fan and very proud of his Italian heritage. Don is survived by his sons David (Kristine) Passalacqua and John "Sherman" (Colette) Passalacqua; sisters Beverly Torpey, Betty Ann (Bob) Hake and Joan (Dean) Collins; his grandchildren Jennifer, Nico, Seve & Mia Passalacqua and his dear friend and longtime companion Regina Watson. He was preceded in death by his wife Mildred in 2007. Visitation will be Thursday from 10-1:00 at Twin Chapels Mortuary, 1100 Tennessee Street, Vallejo and Thursday from 2-6 p.m. at Passalacqua funeral Chapel, 901 West Second Street, Benicia. Vigil services will be held 7:00 p.m. Thursday at St. Dominic's Church, 475 East I Street, Benicia. Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday at St. Dominic's Church. Burial will follow at St. Dominic's Cemetery. Family prefers donations to St. Dominic's Church or the Native Sons of the Golden West, c/o John Galvan, 1518 London Circle, Benicia.