Birth date: Jan 17, 1964 Death date: May 15, 2024
Donald Andrew Clasen passed away amongst family at home in New Jersey on May 15, 2024, at the age of 60. Don is survived by his wife, Julie; his children Sydney and Maxim; his granddaughter, Sophia; and his parents, Marc and Marci Read Obituary
I only know Don from high school but I wish I would have kept I touch with him. We had fun playing our boom boxes on the school bus. You’d play Van Halen and I’d play 60s rock or Springsteen. I still think of those times a lot and even got a retro boom box to keep those times alive.
I have know Donald since he was a young child, born just a year after me. We all used to have fun playing in the street in front of our houses. Donald was always so kind, caring, intelligent, fun, and serious when he needed to be. He was a great big brother to Marc. It's no wonder coming from such an awesome, loving, and compassionate family. Donald will be dearly missed. My deepest condolences to his wife, children, and his wonderful parents.
I know that Donald truly is in a better place, and that he will be watching over all those that he loves until he sees them again.
I met Don at School of Rock in Clark, NJ. He was the lead guitarist of their Adult band which I joined as lead vocalist. I have so many memories but my most fascinating memory of Don as the lead guitarist was when we had to do a gig for School of Rock in North Jersey. We had been practicing Little Wing by Jimi Hendrix. As we started performing and Don was doing his Jimi Hendrix part, he started to wane because it was getting complicated. There were musicians in the audience who were cheering him on yelling, "Don't stop! Don't stop! Keep going!" Don geared back up again and dove deep into that song. He slayed it and we tore the house down! I knew at that moment that having Don in the band was something special. Don always encouraged me to work hard as an artist. He was truly a dear friend to me and he will always have a special place in my heart.
I'm so sorry for the loss of such a tremendous person. Don was a great friend and college roommate. Don's passion for music, his family, laughter, intelligence and kindness are what I remember most. Rest in peace my friend!
Hi Julie my apologies I won’t be able to make it to the service today, I will however be in the US later this year and will pay my respects more fully then.
Don was a great friend and colleague to me, who went out of his way to welcome me in both respects when I first moved to a foreign country knowing very few people. As we know he was so generous with his time, and always stood up for what is right, never backing down from a challenge, but rarely needing to as he was so good at resolving conflict and driving agreement.
There are so many stories I could tell but this might be best on show in San Francisco one evening where after a tough day at work Don suggested we head for some music to a great Blues bar. After tussling with a colleague for most of the day I saw Don break down the problem over a beer and some fried chicken, and before long, he’d gotten agreement from this stubborn colleague and resolved the issue, and all the while I’m sure the other person never knew what was happening!
I will miss Don dearly and cherish his memory, and my thoughts and love are with yourself, Syd, Max, Soph, and Marc and Marcia…
A limb has fallen from the family tree
I keep hearing a voice that says “grieve not for me”
Remember the best times, the laughter, and the song
The good life I lived while I was strong
Always remember me, I’m counting on you
Keep smiling and surely the sun will shine through
My pain is gone, my body is at rest
Remember all how I was blessed
Continue traditions no matter how small
Go on with your life don’t worry about falls
I miss you all dearly so keep up your chin
Until the day comes and we’re together again.
May you find eternal rest.
Always in our heart
Lynne and David Leshine
“Mimi & PopPop”
Got the opportunity to know Don during the last 6 months and was touched by his humanity, knowledge and humility. Praying for him🙏🙏🙏
Please accept my deepest sympathies at the passing of Don. I was fortunate enough to have worked remotely with Don on a few items at AltaGas, and always enjoyed those interactions with him. Don will certainly be missed by his colleagues at AltaGas. Although I will not be able to attend the funeral services Don and his family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Donald was a part of our lives since he was about 5 years of age. .Every happy memory of my children's childhood included Donald. As time passed and the children became adults, we saw Donald less frequently, but we were always aware of the wonderful man he had become. He had an incredible sense of responsibility to those he loved and willingness to do everything he could possibly do to help them. He was a man to admire and a great loss to this world. We are deeply saddned by his death.
