- Welcome to Daley Life Celebration Studio, where we Celebrate the Color of Life.
Donald Fanslau
Donald Phillip Fanslau of Swedesboro, NJ entered eternal life on February 20, 2017. Known as “Slick” driving the #125 car at Bridgeport Speedway he was a four decade race enthusiast. Don was a proud race car driver, pit crew chief, and dedicated race fan always eager to help, especially new drivers. A graduate of Kingsway Regional High School, Don worked with Gahrs Construction, Kingsway, and recently retired from GCIA. He was a dedicated member of the Woolwich Fire Company, worked on race cars with Chuck and Matt, and has a permanent chair at Joe’s, The Pizza Villa.
Family was important to Don, and they recently enjoyed time together. Joshua and Matthew had fun talking to Uncle Don on their cell phones laughing and talking about sports. Don is preceded in death by his loving parents, Ted and Betty Fanslau. He is survived by his sister and husband, Nancy and Bruce Bartie, nephew, Adam Bartie, niece, Megan and husband, Jack Soukup. Brother and wife, David and Fran Fanslau, nephews, Matthew and Joshua.
Come celebrate 55 great years 5:00 – 7:00 pm Saturday, February 25th, at Daley Life Celebration Studio, Swedesboro, where there will be a 7 p.m. service. Sunday we’ll gather at the Daley Life Celebration Studio at 8 a.m. for a procession to Bridgeport Speedway and back to Lake Park Cemetery for Interment. We ask that you remember Don in your prayers, think of Don at every Bridgeport Speedway Race, and every time you watch NASCAR. In lieu of flowers we ask that you make a donation to the Woolwich Fire Company, Bridgeport Speedway, or buy a pizza from The Pizza Villa in Swedesboro in honor of Don.
18 Comments
I will truly miss Don . Always a friend to everyone. A dedicated fireman from way back when and a race car enthusiast.
Don you will alway remain in the class of 80s hearts and minds.
I first met Don in 1988. We became racing friends along with Buddy Messick. We hung out, raced, and worked on each other’s cars during a short time in the early 90’s. We would go our separate ways but I would run into Don once in awhile and he would always smile and say hi. RIP Slick. You finished the big race.
I am glad that I had a chance to see you at my dad’s funeral in December and am sorry that due to work restrictions that I will not be able to make it down to see you off. I will always be in debt to you. Donald… I can say that you were Donald and only those who know him would understand what that means. RIP my brother…. you will be missed…..
1,724 slices and sandwiches at Pizza Villa together. Another 283 late night diner runs. Listening to your 476 rants about taxes, politicians, and social issues. 44 selfless errands in your truck (including the ledgenary Santa Sleigh at Perfect Day Photography). The 41 times I stopped by your house when walking Reese. The 6 NASCAR collectibles I found for you – especially the Jeff Gordon stuff. The ONE heart of gold you had to give and volunteer unconditionally. I will always save you a seat at the table down here while you are driving around that NASCAR racetrack in the sky.
I remember the #125 with Don behind the wheel. Then letting younger drivers like Kyle Strickler handle the driving.. He was always around the track and the last few years helping with Matt and Chuck. I didn’t speak to him as much lately as I did in the 90’s when his cars were running. He was always willing to talk racing and give his take on the track promoters and all they were doing wrong. His heart was bigger than he wanted you to know. He was quite a man. Rest in Peace Slick.
Not so long ago you called me asking to have our first legal beer together and sadly it didn’t happen. You were a true man of your word to me. You always told me how things were and when I was right or wrong.. You would ask me questions you knew I couldn’t tell anybody else, but you somehow effortlessly always got it out of me. You always swore you’d never tell what I told you, and you took that to the grave. I’ll never forget the times we had, putting my championship belt on you at Pizza Villa. The hours of endless conversations that I’ll never forget. This loss deeply saddens me because he had a heart of gold. Thank you for everything you’ve done for me and all the advice you’ve given me.. Love you Uncle Don
Still can’t believe it, driving past your house in town on Sunday morning admiring the curb/sidewalk you had me fix up for you. Stopping in Joes to talk to you because I knew you would be there. Discussing race cars, what we had recently been up to, and anything else in God’s creation. You were a man of your word and stayed true to yourself. Love and miss you buddy, I’ll be by to see you by the lake.
Still can’t believe Don is gone I haven’t seen him in awhile going thru a lot but was thinking of him and going to call him this weekend so sorry I was late Don was a true friend I remember eating with him at pizza villa and him being at every birthday party I had for my kids there I know you went straight up to Heaven I will see you when its my time. Love You Don and Miss you Brother you will always be in my thoughts heart and prayers.
I knew David Fanslau we went 2 school together that’s how I knew the Fanslau Family . Donald was a very nice guy always smiling and helping anyone he could, Donald will be sadly missed to the Boro of swedesboro. Donald your in Gods Care Now R.I.P
Donald You were you and we all accepted you for you. We had a lot of memories. If it weren’t for you I wouldn’t be where I am today. Its ironic your favorite song was “wish you were here” by pink floyd Im sure thats a thought everyone is thinking about you right now. You told me once that if something ever happened to you that you wanted to be put on top of 2511 rescue truck and taken for a victory lap around bridgeport speedway Im glad you’re getting your last wish. Wherever you are I hope you are at peace. You have crossed the finish line of life my friend now take your victory lap. R.I.P
I’ve been hesitant to write something on here because I don’t even know where to begin or how to begin. I’m shocked and at a loss for words. My Uncle Don was the sweetest and had a heart of gold. When I needed something and no one was around he was there.. whether it be advise, being there for a break up or telling me to never give up. When I first found out I was pregnant he was the first one to support me 100% with my son. He took the meaning of family to a whole new level. I am so thankful God placed him in my life. I’ll forever cherish the talks, laughs and great times we have had together. When I was down and didn’t feel like I had anyone you jumped to make sure I was okay and helped me in whichever way you possibly could. Please continue to guide me in the right direction and watch over Chase, Dominick, dad and myself. We loved you so much and always will!! I’m sure heaven is treating you well! Xoxo.
You were such a kind and loving guy always willing to help someone out. You’ll be missed by my family and many, many others. Rest In Peace Slick! ❤
Dear Nancy, Bruce, David, Fran, Joshua and Matthew:
While words are never adequate in moments like this, we pray for your peace and comfort as you continue your life journey without your brothers earthly presence. Your brother leaves behind a wonderful family and we know you will be a great source of comfort and support to one another. We hope that the love of family and friends will comfort and strengthen you in the days ahead.
Donald’s heart was full of gold. He was kind, compassionate and caring to all he came into contact with. I will forever remember, with much fondness, our get-togethers at my parents home in Paulsboro and years later, at my home in Pa.
Thinking of you at this difficult time. We were blessed to have known such a special man!!!
Don you were a great guy growing up with you and your mom and dad my mom would say uncle teddy and sister nancy and david.you were to young to go.you will be missed. Ray and lisa leonard bonita springs,fla
I have known Don for a long time. He was a great guy that would have done anything for anyone in need. His family and friends meant everything to him. I hope your in a better place now and finally at peace. You will be missed .
Sad to hear of your passing we had a blast growing up. I can still remember you getting your first fire suit to go racing….never someone so happy. Rest well my friend…god speed.
Nancy and David, you and your families are in my thoughts and prayers. Still picture you all as kids. So sorry. Pam
Nancy and David, you are in my thoughts and prayers. So sorry Don is gone.
With sympathy, Pam Penrose