Obituary
Donald Richard Ricigliano Jr., age 83, of Englewood, Florida, formerly of Hamilton Township, Mercer County, New Jersey, peacefully passed away on Thursday, December 25, 2025.
Don was born on November 9, 1942, in Trenton, New Jersey, the son of the late Donald Richard Ricigliano Sr. and Pearl Edith Clark Ricigliano.
Don is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Marie Elaine Miller Ricigliano; his daughter Kristi Marie Ricigliano Lesko(Christopher) of Hamilton, New Jersey; his stepdaughter Toni Marie Vandenberg of Galveston, Texas; his sister Diana Pearl Ricigliano Crannage (Sandy); and his brother Jay Robert Ricigliano of Hamilton, New Jersey. He is also survived by grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister-in-law Maryann Ricigliano.
After graduating from Hamilton High School West and attending Mercer County Community College, Don began his career as a sheet metal worker with Local 111 in Trenton, New Jersey. He later chose a life of public service, joining the Hightstown Borough Police Department as a patrolman from 1967 to 1969. On February 7, 1969, he enlisted in the New Jersey State Police as a Trooper with the 77th Class, serving until 1979.
Don completed his distinguished law enforcement career with the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, where he served for 33 years and retired on February 1, 2004, as Chief of County Detectives. During his tenure, he supervised the Special Investigations Unit, served as Commander of the Mercer County Task Force, and worked most of his career as an Arson Investigator. He was qualified as an expert in arson investigations in the Superior Court of the State of New Jersey.
Don was a graduate of the FBI National Academy, United States Department of Justice, 180th Session, on March 24, 1995.
Throughout his career, Don received numerous honors, including the Valor Awardfrom the Mercer County 200 Club; recognition for service above and beyond the call of duty from the Mercer County American Legion; the Law Enforcement Award for outstanding accomplishments in drug enforcement from the New Jersey Narcotic Enforcement Officers Association; and multiple Marksmanship Awards from the New Jersey State Police Academy and the New Jersey Municipal Police Academy.
He held many leadership roles, including President of the MCPO Detective and Investigator Association, President of MCPO PBA Local 339, President of the MCPO Superior Officers Association, and Treasurer of the New Jersey County Narcotic Commanders Association. Don also served as an instructor in arson investigations. He was a life member of the Mercer County Police Chiefs Association and the New Jersey State PBA, and a member of the New Jersey State Police Former Troopers Association.
In addition to his professional life, Don was deeply involved in his community. He coached Hamilton Girls Softball Association junior, senior, and travel teams for many years. He was a member of Hamilton Elks Lodge #2262, where he served as Chairman of the Special Needs Children Golf Committee for six years; Englewood Eagles #3885, where he served as Trustee for five years and Secretary for two years; Englewood Moose Lodge #1933; and the Venice VFW Auxiliary.
Don enjoyed fishing, boating, golfing, dancing, shooting, archery, and later in life, gardening. He will be remembered for his dedication, leadership, and devotion to family, community, and public service.
Cremation arrangements are being handled by Baldwin Brothers Funeral & Cremation Society, Port Charlotte, Florida.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held on February 15, 2026 1PM, at the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Englewood, Florida.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Don’s name to Englewood Fire and Rescue (EFD or EFBF) 579 S. Indiana Avenue Unit B-1. Englewood, FL 34223
Donnie & Marie
Grandson Will
I want to express my deepest sympathy on the loss of your husband and father. I will always have fond memories of all of you, especially when Toni went to Steinert. I was a teacher in the Business Deptartment there. However, I remember Don and his close friendship with my cousin, Al Heyesey. They were brothers by another mother. Don had a wonderful force of friendship and anyone who was around him felt not only his presence but enjoyed is company. I am many wonderful memories. He will be missed by many and had touched so many lives.
My thoughts and prayers are with you as you mourn his loss. God Bless and keep you all. Kathy DeFina
Don, you were there through some of my hardest days and so many of my happiest ones. “Friend” doesn’t begin to describe what you meant to me. I miss you deeply and always will.
Thank you for being you. I’ll expect a dance when we meet again! Till then, rest in peace.
Marie and girls, my heart aches with yours. I’m hoping the memories get you through.
Our deepest condolences on Don’s passing. He was truly one of a kind and will be greatly missed. As a kid growing up in Hightstown, I always looked up to him over the years as his law enforcement career took off . He was one of the best story tellers with an amazing sense of humor. It is so ironic that he and Al left so close to each other after their many years as friends. All our love, Frank & Cathy Hewins
Chief you were a good Friend, May you Rest In Peace.
Sincerely,
Joe Bocchini
Trooper 2909
We are so so sorry for your loss. Brad and I loved Don’s humor and we had such fun times together. Brad loved having Don as his fishing buddy. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Brad and Jacque Preston
I am so sorry for your loss. I have so many great memories of Don. He always made me smile and his memory will continue to do so.