Donald Charles Herrmann

Donald C. Herrmann, 64, of Kearny, passed away on October 28, 2026, surrounded by family and friends, leaving behind a lifetime of stories as well as the thousands who shared them. 

Donald’s loss was preceded by his parents, Frank J. Herrmann Sr. and June Herrmann(nee Colbath). He is survived by his son, Matthew Herrmann; his brothers, Frank Jr. and his wife Mary Ann, and Robert; his sisters, Catherine and her husband Simone Graffeo, and Karen and her husband James McCarty; his many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews; and the countless friends he considered family. 

Ever since Donald was a child, he had always wanted to be a truck driver. That is exactly what he became. This may have been the most straightforward journey in a life otherwise filled with unexpected turns, unforgettable characters, and stories that became legend before memory. Growing up in Lyndhurst, Donald made countless lifelong friendships, met his wife, started a family, and came to drive that truck. 

As a young man, Donald worked long hours plowing snow, bounced at New York nightclubs, and, according to family legend, could hit a baseball harder than any of his brothers. His competitive spirit carried into a lifelong devotion to the New York Giants and Yankees. To some, Donald was an intimidating figure, and to others: he was a man called ‘Giggles’. His true vocation, however, was on the road. 

Despite his hard shell, Donald was quite the nut. Quick with a joke, faster with a comeback, and armed with a laugh so big you had to join in. He was the man who would show up in the middle of the night to help change your tire, and while he was at it, tell you which state capital your pimple looked like. Donald liked hard rock and roll as much as he liked the Grateful Dead. He liked beer as much as he liked whiskey. And he loved his friends as much as he loved his family. 

The stories will be told for years to come. The only thing missing will be the sound of Giggles laughing along.

A Memorial Service will be offered for Donald on Saturday, November 14th, from 3PM-6PM at Ippolito Stellato Funeral Home, Lyndhurst