Obituary of Reverend Donald Eugene Blumenfeld

LIVESTREAM LINK FOR VIGIL SERVICE 

(starting at 7:30 PM on Wednesday, April 22nd)

LIVESTREAM LINK FOR MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL 

(starting at 10:00 AM on Thursday, April 23rd )

Reverend Donald E. Blumenfeld

September 5, 1953-April 16, 2026

Reverend Donald Eugene Blumenfeld, age 72, lifelong resident of New Jersey, passed away peacefully on April 16^th, 2026.

Father Blumenfeld will be waked at The Chapel of the Immaculate Conception at Seton Hall University, 400 South Orange Ave, South Orange, NJ on Wednesday, April 22, 2026 from 5:45 PM to 7:30 PM followed by a Vigil Service at 7:30 PM. On Thursday, April 23^rd there will be a viewing from 9:30 – 10:00 AM. The Funeral Mass will follow at 10:00 AM. Interment to follow at St. Gertrude Cemetery in Colonia, NJ.

Born on September 5^th, 1953, in East Rutherford, New Jersey, Father Don was the son of Joan and Donald Blumenfeld, deceased, brother to Doug Blumenfeld and sister-in-law, Jeanne Marie, of Westfield. Father Don will be dearly missed by his surviving cousins, extended family, friends, and fellow clergy.

Father Don began his education at Assumption School in Emerson, proudly continued and graduated from St. Peter’s Prep in Jersey City, and then earned his B.A. in Classical Languages from Seton Hall University. As an avid learner, he then went on to earn an M.A. in Judaeo-Christian Studies from Seton Hall University, an S.T.B. from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, Italy, and a Ph. D. in Theological Studies from the Graduate Theological Foundation.

Service was a common thread throughout Father Don’s life. He was active in the Boy Scouts of America and his father was one of his first scout leaders. At thirteen, he attained the rank of Eagle Scout.

After graduating from Seton Hall University, he entered the seminary at the Gregorian University in Rome. He cherished his time and considered himself exceptionally fortunate that he spent over a year at the Vatican while in Seminary. In 1978, he was ordained a deacon and in 1979, was among the first class of priests to be ordained in Rome by Saint Pope John Paul II.

As a priest his first position was at St. Mary’s in Dumont as Associate Pastor from 1979 to 1983. From here he began his teaching career at Union Catholic Regional High School where he served as teacher, counselor, and director of the school musical, moderator of the school newspaper and the yearbook, and school chaplain. As in every place blessed with his talents, he made lifelong friends who would become adopted members of his family. Father Don remained a member of the U.C. community until 1993. Father Don also was on the faculty of Morris Catholic from 1993-94, Paramus Catholic from 1998-99, and was the Catholic Chaplain and Director of Campus Ministry at Ramapo College of New Jersey from 1999-2001.

In addition to his many years working at the high school level, Father Don also taught at Trinity College, Caldwell College, Felician College, and Seton Hall University. In 1997 when Father began working at Seton Hall, he was an adjunct professor. In 2001 he was officially assigned full time as the Director of Field Education at Immaculate Conception Seminary and continued as an adjunct professor of Religious Studies and in the CORE. He cherished the time spent working with students and seminarians, guiding their faith and educational journey. Father Don remained at Seton Hall where he served until his retirement in 2016.

Father Don had a love of Jesus and religious studies. He was a gifted teacher and writer. He was exceptionally proud of his dissertation, “Easter Encounters: An Examination of the Resurrection Appearances in Luke and John.” He could never turn down a vintage Star Trek movie, good Italian meal, or a long late night conversation. The only team he loved more than his NY Yankees or NY Giants was the Seton Hall Pirates Basketball team…go Hall! His friends and family were so very important to him and he loved them deeply. He was grateful to be a part of so many lives.

Lieutenant Colonel (Lt. Col.) Blumenfeld was a lifelong (fifty plus years), devoted, and proud member of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP), the United States Air Force Auxiliary. He joined as a cadet on June 28, 1970, and earned the Amelia Earhart Award and the rank of Cadet Captain before transitioning to senior member status.

Over the course of his distinguished service, Father Don held leadership roles at every level of the organization, including Personnel Officer, Emergency Services Officer, Group Commander, Northeast Region Chief of Staff, and, from 2013 until the present, Northeast Region Inspector General. He was promoted to the rank of Lt. Col. in 1993 and graduated from the National Inspector General’s College in June 2016.

Lt. Col. Blumenfeld’s CAP career was marked by exceptional dedication and achievement. He received numerous honors, including the Meritorious Service Award, Crisis Service Award, Gil Robb Wilson Award, and the Air Force Organizational Excellence Award. A passionate mentor and educator, he taught many CAP courses, served as a Volunteer University Department Chair, and was a Seminar Advisor at both the Region Staff and Region Chaplain Colleges. He also earned Master Ratings in multiple CAP specialty tracks: Inspector General, Chaplain, Cadet Programs, Professional Development, Safety, and Command. He maintained his position in the Civil Air Patrol until his death.

His last years were spent at Exton Senior Living. Everyone knew his name and could count on him for a smile, prayer, or a good laugh. In retirement, he still found ways to serve his new community by celebrating mass, praying with people, and counseling. He also administered sacraments, including Anointing of the Sick, while at Exton Senior Living.

Father Don was loved and will be remembered fondly by his family, friends, students, Civil Air Patrol Airmen, fellow faculty, and clergy. Father Don lived as a man of deep faith, dedicated to service of country and community, who lovingly shared his life and love of God with so many.

For more information or to send condolences please visit prestonfuneralhome.net