David DeMilia

David DeMilia, died on September 29, 2025. He was 86 years old.

Born on Halloween of 1938 in Glen Ridge, NJ, the youngest of six children to the late Canio (Steven) and Angela DeMilia (nee Gala). His arrival into the world was nothing short of dramatic, his mother, hearing the infamous "War of the Worlds" radio broadcast, went into labor in a panic. Despite her fears, David was born just hours later. For much of his life, his mother fondly told him he had been born in a Halloween pumpkin patch, a story he loved, even if it wasn’t quite true. He was a lifelong lover of pumpkin pie, a treat he cherished above all others.

David grew up in Montclair, and went on to marry his partner for life, Judith Ann Lanfrank on September 9, 1962, at St. Peter's Roman Catholic Church in Belleville. The two went on to have three sons, David, Michael, and Craig whom hecherished deeply. He was a dedicated father, always ready to lend a hand or offer guidance, and his love for his family was immeasurable.

After high school, Mr. DeMilia trained as an optician and worked at several small eyeglass chains before opening his own store, Hillsborough Optical Shoppe, in 1984, located in the newly built Town Center complex in Hillsborough, NJ. He poured his heart and soul into his business, operating it for over 30 years, providing exceptional service to the local community.

In 1976, the DeMilia’s moved “out to the country” to a new house that they had built in Hillsborough, NJ, and it became the home he would live in for the remainder of his life. Over the years, it became a gathering place for family, friends, and neighbors, a testament to the love and care David put into his life and his home.

A man of many talents, he was known for his “do-it-yourself” spirit. He was never without a project, constantly improving his home, whether it was building something from scratch or adding new features to make it a place of warmth and comfort for his family. His care for his family and endless passion for home improvement were traits that defined him.

Surviving are his beloved wife, Judy DeMilia, his loving sons, David (Susan), Michael, and Craig, his cherished grandchildren, Lauren, Adam, Rachel, Ryan, and Michelle.

Memorial visitation will be held from 10:00AM to 12:00PM, on Friday, October 10, 2025 at Cusick Funeral Home, 80 Mountain Avenue, Somerville.