Donald Felber

Donald Michael Felber passed away peacefully in his sleep on June 16, 2026, at the age of 91.
Born in Brooklyn, New York, on March 13, 1935, Don spent his early childhood on Manhattan’s Lower East Side with his parents, Frank and Helen Felber, and his brother, Frank Jr. In 1940, the family moved to Brooklyn, and in 1949 relocated to New Haven, Connecticut.

While in Connecticut, Don attended Notre Dame High School in West Haven and later Rutgers University, where he earned three varsity letters in football. After graduating from Rutgers, he married Judith DeCoster of Highland Park, New Jersey, and attended the University of Pennsylvania School of Dentistry in Philadelphia.

Following dental school, Don and Judy settled in Upper Montclair, New Jersey, where they raised their five children. Their home was filled with love and joy and they hosted countless memorable gatherings with friends and family there. His love of family and bringing people together inspired him to create a second home in Normandy Beach, New Jersey, a place he cherished and where generations of family and friends shared happy memories for more than forty years. Don and Judy’s children were their greatest joy, and until his final days Don continued to inspire, support and engage them.

Don enjoyed golf, tennis, and squash, and treasured the many friendships he built through those pursuits. He was a longtime member of Montclair Golf Club and Montclair Racquet Club. He was a lifelong learner and until his last days was engaged in his paintings, books, puzzles, sports. Don especially loved oil painting, and studied at the Yard School of Art at the Montclair Art Museum and the School of Visual Arts in New York City. Don leaves behind a prolific gallery of his beautiful paintings which will be enjoyed for generations to come.

After forty-nine years of marriage, Don was deeply saddened by the loss of his beloved wife, Judy. Several years later he met Kathryn Godby, and together they built a loving life filled with family. They were married surrounded by their children and grandchildren, and later made their home in Morristown, New Jersey.

Don retired from dentistry in 2013 after a remarkable fifty-two-year career. He was a member of the Essex County Dental Society, served on the Attending Staff of Mountainside Hospital, and was president of the Western Essex Dental Association.
Don is survived by his wife, Kathryn Godby; his children, Susan Durkin and her husband Tom; Tricia Felber; Donald Felber Jr and his wife Holly; Amy Trapp and her husband Andy; and Brian Felber and his wife Megan. He is also survived by his stepchildren, Kathryn and Jeff Oram and Kristin and Will Vogt.

He was a devoted grandfather to nine grandchildren, three great grandchildren, eight step grandchildren and six step great grandchildren. Don leaves behind many nieces and nephews, dear friends and colleagues, and wonderful neighbors whose lives were enriched by knowing him. He will be remembered for his warmth, generosity, and genuine joy in being with the people he loved. His presence brightened every gathering, and his memory will continue to bring comfort and happiness to all who knew him.

Visiting hours will be held at Moriarty Funeral Home at 76 Park St, Montclair, NJ from 4:00pm to 7:00pm on Thursday, June 18. A funeral mass will be held at St. Cassians Church at 187 Bellevue Avenue in Upper Montclair, NJ at 10:30am on Friday, June 19.