Michael P. Dantini

LEOMINSTER -- Michael P. Dantini, 78, of Leominster, passed away peacefully on Saturday morning, February 24, 2024, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born in Leominster on October 15, 1945 the son of the late Dominic A. and Mary A. (DiGregorio) Dantini. He grew up in Fitchburg and graduated from Fitchburg High School in 1963.
Mike retired in 2011 from the City of Fitchburg, where he had worked as a custodian for several years at the South St. Elementary School, "Mr. Mike" was well known and loved by both staff and students. After his retirement Mike returned to the school and worked as a substitute teacher.
Mike was an avid sports fan who enjoyed watching and cheering on the Celtics, Red Sox, and Bruins. He played basketball as a boy and later, as a young man, he was a softball pitcher for the Fitchburg Men's Fast Pitch Softball league where he made many friends and memories.
Mike and his beloved wife vacationed every fall for many years in his favorite place, Las Vegas. When she passed in 2012, he began spending winters in Englewood, Florida. Here he spent his days by the pool with friends at Indigo Isles or out on the deck overlooking Lemon Bay. In Florida, he was lovingly referred to as "Mahogany Mike" for his incredible tan.
Summers were spent back home on his pontoon boat on Lake Shirley. He spent his days fishing, reading his paper, and listening to his oldies. He loved when his grandchildren and family would join him on his boat or traveled to visit him in Florida. Before her passing, Mike also spent much of his time with his little dog Rosie, both driving around in his truck and taking her for long walks.
His loving wife of 48 years, Rhea M. (Cormier) Dantini passed away in 2012. He leaves two daughters, Stephanie M. Gallant and her husband, Ricky of Leominster, and Sherry A. Goss and her husband, Jeffrey of Fitchburg; his sister, Carol A. Brand and her husband Wayne of Leominster; three grandchildren, Sydnee Tynes and her husband Cole of Morgantown, KY, Dylan Gallant of Leominster and Emilee Goss of Fitchburg and a great-granddaughter, Reya Tynes.
His funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, March 2, 2024, at 10AM in St. Anthony di Padua Church, 87 Salem St., Fitchburg. Calling hours will be held on Friday, March 1, from 4 to 7PM in the Isabelle & Anderson Funeral Home, 316 Clarendon St., Fitchburg. For further information or to leave an online condolence please visit www.andersonfuneral.com.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.