Daniel J. Rongo

Daniel J. Rongo, 62 of Manalapan, New Jersey passed away on Friday, May 3, 2024, at his home surrounded by the love of family and friends. Born on May 24, 1961 in Jersey City, New Jersey, Daniel was the son of Frank Rongo and the late Dolores Rongo. He was raised in Bricktown New Jersey and was a graduate of Brick High School, class of 1979. After high school he also attended and studied at Berklee College of Music. Danny's love for music and becoming a talented bass guitarist began at 11 years old when he would perform with his parents who were both musicians and then in his adult years, he played with various professional original and cover bands throughout NY/NJ for three decades. He also had a 30 year career on Wall Street as a director of retail taxable fixed income sales and marketing for Citigroup. Later in his life he got the most joy working as a paraprofessional at both the Bayberry Elementary and Valley View Middle Schools in the Watchung school district. He was a beloved member of the staff and role model to the students he spent his days with. He was honored two years in a row with the Paraprofessional of the Year award : ) #MRDAN Spiritual Author, Danny Rongo is a singer, songwriter, activist, playwright, and podcaster who has dedicated his life through music and words to the spread of the spirituality that he calls 'ONENESS'. He is the author of two amazing books and has been nurturing his spirituality for more than forty years. He has written many original songs that has helped and advocated for; cancer patients, bereavement, global warming (commendation from Al Gore), survivors of 9-11, the Pay It Forward movement, troubled teenage girls, people trying to recapture their youth and existentialism. Danny also was a tremendous supporter of our United States Military Veterans. He wrote songs that helped struggling veterans who were returning back to civilian life. His help was not only emotional but also to raise thousands of dollars to help fund Veterans Organizations. The majority of his support for our Veterans has been through local NJ Veterans support groups like "VETWORK", "Rolling Thunder", Wounded Warriors", "Veterans Haven North", and more. He was the Co-Founder of "Rock The Vets" an organization that holds annual fundraisers to support local Veterans. Danny had even received commendations from U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric Shinseki, U.S. Secretary-General George W. Casey Jr., and others. Danny was the greatest entertainer and loved making people laugh through his 'immness' (immaturity, lol). He loved life but most of all, spending every day with the love of his life, Andrea. Their happy place was spending time together in Cape May, NJ. His beautiful soul, spirit and light will live on in all of us that loved and cherished him so dearly. Daniel was predeceased by his loving mother, Dolores Rongo. He is survived by his beloved wife of 27 years Andrea, step-daughter Alexandra Koken, his loving father Frank Rongo, his siblings Frank Rongo Jr. and his wife Claudia, Angela Bost and her husband Bill, and Micaela Scott and her husband Billy, also by his sisters-in-law, Joan McGuire, Carol DeMarco, and Arlene DeFalco, and by countless nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends. Danny and his wife Andrea would like to Thank everyone for their generousity, love and support during this difficult journey. They have No Words, JUST LOVE! Memorial service for Danny Rongo will be held this Monday, May 6, 2024, from 3 -7 pm at Michael Hegarty & John Vincent Scalia Funeral Home, 3377 US Highway 9, Old Bridge, New Jersey. All are welcome. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Veterans Haven North, the same group of Veterans that Danny and Darren DeMarco have been supporting through their annual charity music event ROCK THE VETS. This cause meant the world to him and it will continue on in his honor. https://www.nj.gov/military/veterans/services/vetshavennorth/ To read Danny's books and to continue to follow his message of ONENESS go to his website: www.thatonenessguy.com Online condolences may be made to the family at www.HegartyScaliaFuneralHome.com

Daniel J. Rongo

May 24, 1961 - May 3, 2024