Loved his family and helping others
Dan Gritti, North Andover resident, native of Everett, MA, and formerly of Naples, FL was born on July 5, 1949 and passed away April 16, 2020. Dan graduated from Everett High School, North Shore Community College, and Boston College.
He was the proud father of Dan Gritti, Jr. of Illinois and Stephen Gritti of Connecticut.
As a teenager, Dan volunteered at the Everett ‘Rec’ and was a ‘big brother’ for special needs children. To serve our country, Dan joined the Air Force immediately after graduating EHS (class of ’67). Early on Dan discovered his true passion … helping others.
Dan managed to fit a lot into a 24-hour day. To spend more time with his sons, Dan coached and volunteered for their football and hockey teams. He earned his Bachelor’s degree with honors in Business Administration at Boston College. Dan worked and retired from the U.S. Post Office. During his tenure he served as a union shop steward, tirelessly helping his co-workers resolve issues and obtain their earned benefits. For a while, Dan owned an ice skate shop at the Burlington Ice Palace. Dan picked up a love of golf and moved to Naples, FL. He joined the Italian-American Club-Naples. He offered to help and was asked to serve on their Board as well as organized fundraisers and events. Dan excelled in these roles and served on multiple Boards over the next 15 years. He brought his event skills to North Andover and organized social activities. No matter where Dan lived, he was a die-hard fan of the Patriots, Red Sox, Celtics, Bruins and Boston College Eagles.
Dan loved his life in Naples, he loved his granddaughters even more and returned to Massachusetts to be closer to his family. Dan enthusiastically attended dance recitals and school events.
He LOVED being a grand- pa. Both of Dan’s sons coach football. If he could not attend a game in person, Dan would listen online to every play, never missing a game, and boast for the rest of the week. To anyone who ever met Dan, there was no doubt that he en- joyed sharing his pride in his family.
Dan joined the Disabled American Veterans (DAV). As Commander of North An- dover’s DAV Chapter #37 he helped other veterans obtain benefits. Dan lived the DAV motto of helping to build better lives for American dis- abled veterans and their families.
Dan is survived by his sons, Dan Gritti, Jr. and Stephen Gritti, daughter-in-law Kara Fox Gritti, granddaughters Harper and Neely, Moth- er Mary, sisters Theresa and Lisa, nephew Adam Lattanzi, and brother-in-law Tom Divilio. Dan will be interred at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial checks may be mailed to Disabled American Veterans (DAV – Chapter 37, 45 Heywood Road, Acton, MA 01720 – please add “in memory of Dan Gritti” in the memo of your check.
A memorial service will be held later this year. The family is monitoring Dan’s Facebook page and invite posts of photos and great stories.
Dan’s spirit will always be present. He is loved and missed.