Obituary of Donald J. Rasweiler

Donald John Rasweiler of Elkins, New Hampshire (formerly of Chatham, NJ) passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 7, 2024, surrounded by his loving and devoted family. 

Born in 1936 to his beloved parents John and Eleanor, Don grew up on Myrtle Avenue in Brooklyn, New York with his three siblings. He loved to share stories that painted a portrait of the joys and hardships of a depression era childhood. 

At just twelve years old, he started his own newspaper delivery service – an early indicator of his entrepreneurial spirit and future success on Wall Street. With a diploma from Grover Cleveland High School, a profound work ethic, and exceptional gift for finance, Don had a successful career that spanned many decades. He started as a runner for the New York Stock Exchange and ultimately became the President and CEO of Auerbach Pollack and Richardson. He went on to run Equity Trading at The Deutsche Bank and retired in his early seventies as a Financial Consultant at Merrill Lynch. 

In 1961, Don met and married his wife of sixty-two years, Margaret Ann Larsen. Their love story was one for the ages. Just six weeks after meeting in New York City, Donald and Margaret eloped in Las Vegas, marking the beginning of a beautiful love story. Together, they raised their family in a home filled with a strong Catholic faith, respect, and unconditional love. A lifelong New York Giants fan, Don was a season ticket holder for over sixty years and was pleased to pass that ownership opportunity on to his son, Donald, who has taken the reigns and continued the family legacy at Giants’ Stadium. Don, Margaret and their family spent many years summering on Lake Winnisquam in New Hampshire. There, they opened their home to friends and loved ones and fostered lifelong friendships. He was a voracious reader and loved to discuss books, sports, economics, religion, and politics with his friends and family. Don was a very proud Marine and lived his life true to his “Semper Fi” training. His children, grandchildren, and great grandchild were undoubtedly his greatest pride and joy. 

Don is survived by his beloved wife, Margaret Rasweiler (Larson); son, Donald (Kate), three daughters, Suzanne, Aimee Frankel (Steven), and Melissa Szpala (Richard); nine grandchildren Jack (Jill), Henry (Frances), Abigail, Molly, Thomas, Sarah, Jane, Andrew, and Eleanor; one great-grandchild Max; one brother, John Rasweiler; and many dear friends. He was predeceased by his parents John and Eleanor Rasweiler, and his two sisters, Lorriane Batalitsky and Eileen Heusner. 

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to the Memorial Mass of Christian Burial that will be celebrated for Don on Saturday, January 20, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. by his long-time family friend Fr. Owen Moran at St. Vincent Martyr Church, 26 Green Village Road, Madison NJ. Those unable to attend the mass in-person may attend virtually by visiting www.svmnj.org

Interment will be held privately for the family at a later date. 

In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions may be made in Don’s memory to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation; a cause he supported for many years in hopes of a cure for his grandson, Andrew.