Obituary of Daniel Marcantonio

Daniel J. Marcantonio former owner of D & A Transportation passed away after an extended illness on Saturday night, January 25, 2014. He was 88 years old. Dan was born in Watertown, the son of Italian immigrants, the late Rocco and Frances Marcantonio. He grew up and was educated in Watertown. He enlisted in the Marines when he was 18 years old to fight in World War II. He was a sharp shooter and served at Pearl Harbor, Kwajalein, Marshall Islands: Manus, Admiralty Islands, Guam, and North China. He fought at Peleliu Island. Peleliu was the site of one of the bloodiest battles of the Pacific War. 6,000 Japanese defended the island when the 1st Marine Division landed on September 15, 1944 on the southwest corner of the island. In two months there were over 20,000 casualties. The American drive was halted for a month on Umurbrogol Ridge (known as the Battle of Bloody Nose Ridge). Organized Japanese resistance ended on October 13, 1944. He held the rank of Corporal and was discharged in 1947. He was proud to be a Marine and to have served his country. Dan spent most of his career as a truck driver. He started as a member of the Teamsters Local 25 working for a number of trucking companies. He then started his own company, D & A Transportation, which had several trucks and drivers, including himself. He ran the company for 30 years doing mostly short hall trucking for the Pappas Company. He took great pride in owning and running his company working long hours as a driver and proprietor. He was a strapping man with incredible strength and work ethic. Dan had a number of interests outside of work. He was an avid golfer and loved walking the course, catching up with friends and family, and the gamesmanship. At home, he spent much of his time in his backyard. He was a talented gardener and spent hours tending to his many plants and fruit trees. He was known for his tomatoes and peaches and would share his harvest with family friends and neighbors. He was fortunate to have enjoyed his retirement years wintering in Hollywood Florida. He was a proud, hardworking man who was an excellent provider, role model to his sons, and respected business person. Dan was the beloved husband of Carmella (Russo) Marcantonio. He was the loving father of Daniel & his wife Joyce of Billerica and Richard & his wife Linda of Merrimac. Brother of Arthur of Cape Cod, the late Mary Tuccelli, Angie Bontempo, Anna, Amando, and Anthony Marcantonio. Dan was the proud grandfather of Alysha, Anthony, and Jodianne Marcantonio. Funeral from the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., BURLINGTON (exit 34 off Rt. 128/95, Woburn side) on Wednesday, Jan. 29 at 9 a.m. Followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Malachy Church, 99 Bedford St., Burlington at 10 a.m. Visiting hours will be held at the Funeral Home on Tuesday from 4-8 p.m. Interment in Chestnut Hill Cemetery, Burlington. Memorials in Daniel’s name may be made to Susan G. Komen-MA, Attention Donations, Memorials, & Tributes, 89 South Street, Suite 406, Boston, MA 02111.