Daniel A. VECE Jr.

VECE, Daniel A. Daniel A. Vece, Jr. entered into eternal rest on April 16th 2011- with his family by his side on the property he was born on. He was 86. Dan was predeceased by the love of his life and devoted wife of 47 years, Isabel; grandson Daniel Benjamin; and parents Clotilda and Dan Sr, longtime residents of Clinton. Dan leaves behind a brother, Gerald "Bud" Vece and wife Carol; three children: Tom Vece and wife Theresa, Marsha Vece, and Nancy Shuss and husband Chuck; two grandchildren Ashlee Fox, Garrett Fox and wife Abbie; and great-grandson, Ryker Fox. Dan also leaves behind several nieces and nephews as well as his longtime companion Dibirma Burnham. In 1943, Dan proudly joined the Marine Corps as a senior in high school. Two years later, he was sent to fight at Iwo Jima --an event he spent the rest of his life honoring, most noticeably originating Clinton's Memorial Day Parade and acting as its parade marshal for 40 years. After the war, Dan returned home to work for his father at Shoreline Plumbing. When his brother Bud returned from Korea the two opened a local business--Shore Television and Appliance, still in operation today. Dan served eight years on the Clinton Board of Selectman and three terms as First Selectman from 1972 to 1978, where he lead the construction of Library Lane and revitalization efforts of the downtown. He worked at the State Economic Development Agency for three governors, first for Ella Grasso in 1980, retiring as Sr. Developer in 1992. Dan was a lifetime member of the Clinton Volunteer Fire Department, serving as Assistant Chief for 20 years and Chief for 10 years. Today, the department's Firefighter of the Year Award bears his name. This summer Dan was looking forward to participating in its 100th anniversary celebration as its honorary chairman. Dan also volunteered his time for the Clinton Police Commission, Council of Small Towns, Park and Recreation Commission, Clinton Historical Society, VFW Post #9918, and American Legion Post #66, serving as Commander. He co-chaired Clinton's bicentennial celebration in 1976 and its tercentenary celebration in 1963. As head of the Valley Shore Mutual Aid Association he implemented the Valley Shore 9-1-1 Emergency System in place today. Dan was also a parishioner of the St. Mary's Church of Clinton and President of the Iwo Jima Memorial Association. Dan loved serving his town and did so unselfishly and often anonymously. He was humbled to receive of the Distinguished Citizen Award, Chamber of Commerce Man of the Year and Clinton Spirit awards, and public service awards from the Rotary Club, Lions Club, Republican Town Committee, Democratic Town Committee, Junior Women's' Club, The Morgan School, American Legion and the Connecticut State General Assembly. In 2009, Dan was one of eleven individuals to be inducted to Connecticut Veteran's Hall of Fame, a recognition that held a special place in his heart. "I am honored to be in such distinguished company," he said. Family and friends may visit the Swan Funeral Home, 80E Main St. Clinton, Monday April 25, from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday April 26, at 11 a.m. at St. Mary of the Visitation, Grove St. Clinton. Interment will follow at Beaverbrook Cemetery with full Military Honors. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Clinton Vol. Fire Dept. or Iwo Jima Survivors Association. Services will be held at Swan Funeral Home in Clinton. Please visit www.swanfhclinton.com for tributes and condolences.