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BORN
1963
DIED
2020
FUNERAL HOME
Daniel McGee Obituary
Upton - Daniel "Ruggy" McGee, 56, of Upton, died in his home surrounded by his loving family on April 21, 2020. Born in Marlborough, on August 22, 1963, Danny was raised in Westboro, and graduated from Assabet Valley Technical HS in 1981. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, and dear friend to many. He is survived by his wife Tammy McGee, and daughters Tanya and Nina McGee of Upton.
Danny owned and operated Side Alley Restoration in Westboro for nearly 35 years. He was a highly respected, and internationally recognized master of classic car restoration and finishing, and a true artist in every sense of the word. His work was featured in countless enthusiast's magazines and blogs, and his customer's proudly displayed their showpiece vehicles at car shows all across the country.
As gifted as Danny was in the shop, he had even greater gifts and talent in his career as a musician. His musical career started at a young age in the late 70's and continued to blossom until his passing. He played in countless bands over the years including The Choosy Mothers, The Rugburns, Hothouse, Popskull and for the past 25+ years in Thinner with his dear friends Neil Lucey and Craig Wilson. Danny was a special artist with an often uncanny approach to his playing that always checked off all of the "unique" boxes that made him an original like no other. He had instincts that were equal parts amazing and unorthodox, but always Ruggy.
Perhaps Danny's greatest gift of all was his ability to be the coolest person in the room, while simultaneously being the sweetest, most loving, kind, and humble person you've ever known. And, he did all of this wearing black clothes and sunglasses everyday, and every night. Danny was cool, he was fun, he was loved by everyone that knew him and he didn't take any of that, or any of us, for granted. He was a one of a kind that lived life on his terms, a life that the rest of us should aspire to live.
Danny always sang "leave the light on til I get home", may his light shine in our hearts and minds forever, until we meet again, rest in peace Ruggy!
A Celebration of Danny's Life will be announced at a later date.
The Williams-Pedersen Funeral Home, Inc. of Upton, Andrew D. Pickering – Director, is honored to be assisting the McGee family with arrangements.
www.uptonfunerals.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Daniel McGee
Sponsored by Pickering & Son Upton Funeral Home.
Genifa Kelley
June 9, 2022
I was lucky to rent from Danny many years ago. It was my first time on my own and I was new to the area. I was afraid of bats and had to call Danny to help me. Danny was a genuine, kind and patient man who was taken much to soon. I only just heard of Danny's passing, when I called his cell to talk to him about restoration work on an old truck. My heart is broken to hear the news from his friend. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife, daughters family and friends. I no longer live in the beautiful Upton area but I will never forget my time there and my first landlord. He was an angel then and so I know he is a guardian angel now. R.I.P. Danny.
Jenny Murray
May 15, 2020
We are so saddened to hear that Danny passed. He was always so kind, funny and down to Earth, and really was the best landlord we could have asked for. We will miss him.
Annie Bassett
May 10, 2020
Danny was a great landlord and an even better dude, even after moving on from the apartment we would run into him around town and catch up. He will really be missed! We give our love and condolences to his family during this difficult time.
Annie Bassett
May 10, 2020
Danny was a great landlord and an even better dude, even after moving on from the apartment we would run into him around town and catch up. He will really be missed! We give our love and condolences to his family during this difficult time.
Mike Bosowski
May 4, 2020
I've only know Danny for 8yrs but he was a great honest man , that Always wore black and worked hard everyday at the job he does best, he was a professional at his job. He would do anything for anyone. I'm so sorry to hear you have passed my friend,my prayers go out to you..Rest in peace!
John Feng
April 30, 2020
Dear Tammy, Tanya and Nina,
I am deeply sorry for your loss. Some years ago your father helped me fix an old Italian race car that I crashed. Through that project I learned that Danny was a decent, honest, no nonsense guy, and a talented craftsman. He was an authentic' man, the kind you know you can count on and who naturally commands your respect. Many of my friends were also his clients, and all of us held Danny in the highest regard as both a professional and as a person.
Please accept my sincere sympathies.
Thank you Danny...
Ed Harrow
April 29, 2020
Bruce White
April 28, 2020
Dear Tammy, Tanya and Nina,
Danny and I have been friends for many years. In my book Danny was a man among men. Always willing to do something for you if needed. We would always joke and banter back and forth. It was something we always did and always walked away laughing. He deserved to be among us for many more years. He never complained about being sick. He would always say "I'm feeling ok". Myself and a slew of other people will miss him greatly. He will always be in my heart. Love to you, Tammy, Tanya and Nina. He always talked about the 3 of you. He loved you very much.
Bruce and June White
Carleen Shaldone
April 26, 2020
I became Danny's tennant in April of 2012. I would meet up with him on a regular basis be it when I was going out to get in my car or taking the trash out at the moment he was going to his office. If I was taking the trash out, Danny would always extend a hand to take it from me. He was an angel of a man and an angel of a landlord. He was known around Westborough as a good and loving man. Words cannot convey how broken hearted I am to have lost him so unexpectedly. I will never forget you, Danny, and I will always love you for the incredibly amazing person you were.
Patricia Turner
April 24, 2020
Dear Tammy, Tanya and Nina,
I'm so sorry for your loss. It doesn't seem fair that this vibrant, kind man was taken from you at this young age.
I wish you all the strength to get through the days ahead and I hope the good memories will make your sad journey a little easier.
Love,
Aunt Pat Turner
April 24, 2020
Tammy,Tanya.and Nina, II I am heartbroken to hear the news of Danny`s passing He was always there for me when i needed a favor.I WILL ALWAYS TREASURE MY SIDEALLEY RESTORATION BLACK SHIRT.FOREVER IN MY THOUGHTS.... RIP DANNY DICK SMITH UHLMANS ICE CREAM
Carol Kalil-Hamilton
April 24, 2020
Tammy and family:
I am so sad to read this.
Danny was a great guy always brought delicious muffins to my office.
May he Rest In Peace
His memory be eternal
John Nordquist
April 23, 2020
So sorry for your family's loss. Danny was a great guy.
April 23, 2020
So sorry to hear the news. He was a really friendly nice person. Ironically I was walking by his shop earlier today and saw that it was closed which I found unusual. Then I heard the news....
He was a real artist who worked on my 57 chevy only a few months ago.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.
The Mardens
Westboro
Stephanie Motta
April 23, 2020
Heartbroken to hear this terrible news....sending love, strength and prayers to Tammy, Tanya & Nina.. RIP Danny....
April 23, 2020
Tammy, Tanya, and Nina, we are so sorry for your loss.
Dino, Kathy, and Melissa.
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