Obituary of Donald E Sisto

Donald Edward Sisto was born on March 2nd, 1959 in Rahway, New Jersey to Elizabeth and John Sisto. He attended Wardlaw Hartridge School for high school and completed his bachelor’s degree at Allegheny College. He resided in Basking Ridge, New Jersey for the past 26 years in a house that he and his wife Ann built and loved. Donald loved music, most notably Mark Knopfler and Dire Straits. He was an avid mountain biker, road biker, skier, hockey player and golfer. He had a passion for cars, especially BMWs and most specifically 2002s. He loved hosting friends for dinner and entertaining, grilling, making pizza or barbecuing. Every Christmas Donald looked forward to annual ski trips out west with his family. Most recently, Donald sprouted a “green thumb” and started a garden in his backyard where he grew everything from tomatoes to chili peppers. Those who knew Donald knew that he could fix literally anything; something functioning less than perfect was unacceptable. Donald’s relationship with his brother John was one of the most important things in his life. Together they built Dallas Contracting, a building demolition company that has been providing customers with cost-effective, industry-leading solutions for more than 42 years. The business they cultivated is evidence of the strong bond of love, commitment and family that they shared. In addition to the success of his business, Donald was most proud of his two children, Sam and Emily. Sam and Emily embody everything about Donald that was so special. Their love, compassion, work-ethic, sensitivity, loyalty and perseverance are testament to that. His spirit lives on within them forever. Donald was the most generous, supportive and kind father to his two children. Donald and his wife Ann were married for 32 years. They met on a blind date in New York City. There are so many memories that they share. A wonderful trip to Italy with friends was the most recent. Donald was a devoted husband and provided Ann with more than she ever dreamed. Donald can most easily be remembered as a kind, gentle and genuine human. He had an insatiable curiosity, always knew how things worked and prided himself on being extremely well read and informed. He took time to listen and talk to people and was always eager to help. He was incredibly generous and loved giving back. There is no better way to describe him as someone who would always be willing to help, put others before himself and literally give them the shirt off his back. May Donald’s memory live on forever in long bike rides, skiing the “steeps and deeps”, perfect golf drives, long guitar riffs, Steely Dan lyrics and delicious pizza. Visitation will be held on Friday, September 11, 2020 from 11:00 – 2:00pm at Gallaway and Crane Funeral Home, 101 S. Finley Ave, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920. For further information, or to leave an online condolence message please visit www.gcfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers please remember Donald by listening to “So Far Away” - the live version by Mark Knopfler and Emmylou Harris. Additionally, donations can be made to two organizations that meant a lot to Donald: Jersey Off-Road Biking Association (JORBA: https://jorba.org/donate/) or Opal Recovery Home (Checks made payable to Opal Recovery Home and mailed to 11410 Georgetown Circle, Tampa, FL 33635).