Obituary of Donald John Andrejewski

With gratitude for a life well-lived, we announce the passing of Donald John Andrejewski (Don) of Freehold, NJ, a loving and caring husband, father, grandfather, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, cousin, friend, and Cronie who passed away peacefully on May 6, 2026 surrounded by his loving family after a valiant battle with pancreatic cancer.

Born December 9, 1946 and raised in South Amboy, NJ Don was the son of John E. and Lillian ZuJuhrden Andrejewski and brother to Diana. He was a member of the 1964 graduating class of Sayreville War Memorial High School where he was the Bombers’ fullback on the football team and a pole-vaulter for the track team. He continued his education at the University of Dayton with a degree in Mechanical Engineering (1969) and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration (1971).  Don was co-founder of the engineering fraternity Epsilon Delta Tau; he formed long lasting friendships and memories as a UD Flyer. It was at UD Don met DeeDee O’Neil from Eastchester, NY and began their partnership of love, laughter, shared goals, and mutual respect. They were married on September 11, 1971 and soon after relocated to Freehold, NJ where they created their family of four children, Dennis, Robert, Beth and Little Lou, met friends like family, became active members of their community, and very happily made Freehold their forever hometown.

Don began a long and dedicated 55 year career in Operations Management with the production of coffee and confection manufacturing. Nestle Company, Heide Candy Company, Banner Chocolates and PIM Brands valued Don’s employment through the years. He managed the operations with quiet excellence, integrity, and skill; Don was held in high esteem by his co-workers who admired Don’s industriousness and appreciated the respect Don showed them no matter what their role. Honesty, hard work, organization, and responsibility are qualities that shaped his career and family life. He gave due-diligence to every project he undertook, from the home repairs he perfectly completed, to the endless cars which needed fixing, in the skill and creativity of his woodworking creations and in the designs of an abundance of T-shirts. And Don would always lend a hand to a friend or neighbor who was in need.

Don lived a life shaped by dedication to family and friends. At the core of Don’s life was unwavering devotion to his wife, children and grandchildren, leaving a legacy of a strong work ethic and generosity of spirit second to none. His life was rooted in kindness, fairness, integrity (and his legendary dry wit).

True to his nature, Don faced his diagnosis with positivity, composure, perseverance, and hope. And deep appreciation for the unending support of family and friends.

Remaining to mourn his loss is his loving wife, Dolores (Dee), and their children who Don always described as their greatest achievement and have been a source of pride and joy to Don: Dennis and his wife Amy Cropp; Rob and his wife Jennie Daley; Beth; Lou and her husband Sean Carrigan, all of whom deeply loved and revered their Dad and will continue to honor him by how they live their lives, sharing in his gifts of benevolence and goodness. Don relished his role as Poppy to his 10 Grandchildren who brought pure delight to his life: Emmy Mae and Manny Andrejewski; Leo and Jack Andrejewski; Trinity, Ella, and Justin Andrejewski; Janie, Josie, and Cami Carrigan; they will miss their Poppy immensely.

Don’s sister, Diana Haywood survives him as well as his caring sisters-in-law Nancy Vierno, Patty Culleton and Kristen O’Neil; brothers-in-law Joe Vierno and Jerry O’Neil, special cousins and fond nieces and nephews. Don leaves behind many treasured, long-time friends and cherished Cronies who will remember Don with smiles and love in their hearts.

Live in Hope.

A gathering of friends will be held at the Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home, 100 Elton-Adelphia Road (Route 524), Freehold Township on Tuesday, May 12, 2026 from 3:00 to 7:00 PM. Relatives and friends are invited to attend his 10:30 AM Memorial Mass on Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at the Co-Cathedral of St. Robert Bellarmine, 61 Georgia Road, Freehold Township where Don and Dee have been long-time parishioners. For those who desire, memorial contributions in Don’s name may be made to Freehold Area Open Door, 80 Throckmorton Street, Freehold, New Jersey 07728 or Visiting Nurse Association Health Group, 3600 Route 66, 4th Floor, Tinton Falls, NJ 07753. For information, directions, or to leave condolence messages to the family, please visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com .