The Connecticut veteran community remembers the life of Daniel DiNatale Sr., who entered eternal rest on 7 July 2026 at the age of 87. A dedicated public servant and local businessman, Dan leaves behind a legacy defined by his commitment to his country, his family, and his community.
Born in Hartford on 5 March 1939 to Salvatore and Mary DiNatale, Dan’s path was marked by a strong work ethic and a sense of duty. After attending Hartford Regional Technical School, he served his country with distinction, completing a total of seven years in uniform—four years with the Army National Guard and three years in the United States Navy.
His professional life was equally dedicated. Dan spent many years in the tire industry, contributing his skills to local businesses like My Tyre Man and Reliable Auto Tire. Beyond his trade career, he pursued a personal passion for entrepreneurship, successfully operating Danny’s Giant Grinder & Pizza in Plainville for several years. This venture allowed him to connect deeply with his neighbors and serve the community he called home.
Dan and his late wife of 55 years, Dorothy, settled in Southington, where they built a life centered around their two children. He found his greatest joy in the simple pleasures of life: fishing, gardening, reading, and hosting summer gatherings. In his later years, he remained a vibrant personality, enjoying trips to Connecticut and Atlantic City casinos and remaining a steadfast fan of the Boston Red Sox and New York Giants.
He is survived by his son, Daniel DiNatale Jr. and his wife Deborah; his daughter, Donna DiNatale; his granddaughter, Jessica; and his sisters, Josephine Low and Diane Buonaducci.
In keeping with his service, Dan will be honored with private funeral services and full military honors in Middletown. Donations in his memory may be made to Wreaths Across America.
View Dan’s obituary
https://www.plainvillefuneralhome.com/obituary/Daniel-DiNataleSr?
I am not a veteran. I am a member of the Civil Air Patrol, the United States Air Force Auxiliary. But in 1991, personal loss brought me to a place I never left.
Over two decades later, that loss led me to the State Veterans Cemetery in Middletown, Connecticut, where I took on the coordination of Wreaths Across America — which grew into the largest and fastest growing veterans program in the state. I didn’t do it for recognition. I did it for them.
In 2016 I founded the Connecticut Veterans Bulletin. Not because I served, but because I believe those who did deserve to be honored, connected, and kept alive.
Twenty-two veterans die by suicide every day. I knew about that number before it became a hashtag. I knew it personally, long before anyone was talking about it.
This publication exists because that number is unacceptable. Because every veteran in Connecticut deserves to know someone gives a damn.
That someone is me.
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