A life full of adventure, laughter, and deep love came to a peaceful end when Daniel Joseph Tramontozzi, 77, of Medway, Massachusetts, took his final breath on September 18, 2025. Surrounded by family, he reunited with his beloved wife of fifty years, Barbara JoAnn Tramontozzi. Their love story was written in the stars, so profound it transcends this lifetime. They married within three months of meeting and were back together again within three months of being apart.
Born on July 1, 1948, and affectionately called Danny Boy, he was the youngest of four children to Daniel Joseph Tramontozzi, Sr., and Susan DeTroia Tramontozzi. Growing up as a first-generation Italian American in the Nonatum neighborhood of Newton, MA, he worked with his father’s carpentry business and at Sklar’s supermarket, the local grocery store, throughout school to contribute to his family. Danny learned early the importance of family, community, and hard work—values he carried his entire life.
After graduating from Newton North High School in 1967, Danny enlisted in the Navy. He was stationed on the USS Coral Sea, proudly serving during the Vietnam War. Following his military service, Danny enjoyed working as a firefighter and hairdresser before settling into a twenty-five-year career at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Jamaica Plain, where he served as an Addictions Counselor, Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, and Equal Employment Opportunity Investigator. His fortitude and strong moral compass guided him to stand up for fairness and equality, challenge injustices, and remain steadfast under pressure. Those he helped were forever impacted by his compassion, commitment, and courage.
It was at the VA in Jamaica Plain that he fell in love at first sight, knowing Barbara was ‘the one’ even before their first date. Danny and Barbara married in Old Saybrook, CT, on October 25, 1975. They bought their first home in Medway, MA, in 1977. Determined to be the best for his family while juggling full-time work and raising his children, Danny enrolled at Boston State College. Through dedication, tenacity, and passion, he graduated in three years, making the Dean’s List with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Minor in Sociology. He was the first in his family to earn a college degree.
Danny generously donated his time as a soccer coach for over a decade, a Cub Scout leader, and a helper to friends and family with any needs. He volunteered at a homeless shelter in Middlesex County, serving on its board of directors and managing operations for many years. He treated friends like family, pets like people, and any special occasion like a major holiday. Camping in nature was his favorite way to spend leisure time, and traveling, especially to tropical destinations, was his favorite indulgence.
In 2005, Danny suffered a severe intracranial hemorrhage, with doctors saying he wouldn’t survive. Proving everyone wrong—Danny showed persistence, resilience, and that miracles do happen. He rewired his brain, relearning everything from walking to talking. Not only did he survive, he continued to thrive despite multiple health scares, amplifying what it means to be strong and earning the reputation of being ‘the man with nine lives.’
Danny leaves behind his loyal companion Sunlight, children and best friends Christopher and his wife Sherri, Alexander, and Elizabeth Tramontozzi; his pride and joy grandchildren, Gavin and Brady Tramontozzi; his cherished siblings, Peter and Ann Tramontozzi, Anita Tenaglia, Constance and Carl (deceased) Brashears, Susan and Jesse E. G. Johnston Jr.; many adored nieces and nephews; and treasured cousins who were like siblings.
Danny devoted his life to service—initially to his country, then to his fellow veterans, and always to his family, friends, and community. Truly one of a kind and free-spirited, he lived life on his own terms and was always a beacon for a good time and a good laugh. His gusto for life, adventurous spirit, panache for defying the odds, and fierce capacity to love will forever be imprinted within all who knew him. Donations can be made in Danny’s memory to the Aphasia Resource Center at Boston University https://www.bu.edu/aphasiacenter/ or America’s VetDogs https://www.vetdogs.org/ .
Calling hours will be held on Sunday, October 5, from 4:00 to 6:00 pm at Ginley-Crowley Funeral Home, 3 Barber Street, Medway, MA ginleyfuneralhomes.com . A funeral service will take place on Monday, October 6, at 11:00 am at Medway Community Church, 196 Main Street, Medway, MA.