Donald J. Kafafian

LEOMINSTER - Donald Jon Kafafian, 78, passed away peacefully on March 29, 2025. He was a devoted husband and a loving father and grandfather. He enjoyed spending time with his family, playing golf, reading, and relaxing in the sun with a scotch and a cigar.

Born on January 30, 1947, in Paterson, New Jersey, he was the son of John and Grace Kafafian. Don was raised in Glen Rock, New Jersey, and graduated from Glen Rock High School in 1965. He attended Parsons College in Fairfield, Iowa where he played football and baseball.

Don served in the United States Army in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War from 1968-1970. He received numerous awards including, the National Defense Medal of Service, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. He was honorably discharged from the Army in 1970.

Don earned his bachelor’s degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University in Teaneck, New Jersey. He later became the owner and operator of Spotless Cleaners in Ridgewood, New Jersey, taking over the family business from his father. He successfully ran the business for over 25 years. Following his retirement, he moved to Leominster, Massachusetts, to be closer to his daughter and grandchildren.

Don is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Diane; his daughter, Talene and her husband Charles Bare; his grandchildren, Adrianna and Jackson Bare; his sisters, Patricia (Kafafian) Zengel and her husband William Zengel and Robin (Kafafian) DiBlasio and her husband John DiBlasio; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, April 26th, at Sterling National Country Club in Sterling, Massachusetts. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Wounded Warrior Project.

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