Carmen John Danese

Carmen John Danese, of Ashland, formerly of Framingham, died peacefully, following a period of declining health, on Friday, March 7, 2025, at the MetroWest Medical Center-Framingham Union Hospital. He was 94.

Carmen was born in Brighton at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital on December 30, 1930. He was the son of the late Michael C. and Rose E. (Capobianco) Danese. Carmen was raised in Framingham, attended local schools and graduated from Framingham High School with the Class of 1950.

Following high school graduation, Carmen enlisted in the United States Army on January 14, 1954, in Boston. He proudly served his country during the Korean War, specializing in communications and achieving the rank of Specialist Third Class. Carmen was honorably discharged on December 31, 1955, at Ft. Dix, New Jersey. Carmen met the love of his life, Rosie, at a USO dance during the Korean War, a meeting that began a lifelong bond. Together, they shared a beautiful life, raising children and making memories that would last generations.

After his honorable discharge, Carmen joined the United Auto Workers Union Local 422, where he worked for many years in the General Stores Department at General Motors, before retiring in 1987.

In retirement, Carmen and Rose shared a love for travel. With their motorhome, they explored various destinations, including Florida, New Hampshire, Vermont, Tennessee, New York, and Canada. Their travels allowed them to make new memories together and share adventures that brought them closer as a couple. As Carmen and Rose aged, they sold their motorhome, and became annual snowbirds, driving their sedan to Florida for the winter months. There in Florida, Carmen hosted his family and friends, enjoying the community amenities, and bringing his grandchildren to Disney World and Epcot.

Carmen’s passion for music was undeniable. An avid drummer, he could always be found tapping out a rhythm on any surface he could reach—whether it was the table, the couch, or his beloved drums. Carmen’s love for music was infectious, and his children and grandchildren fondly remember him playing his drums in the basement while they danced and played around him. Each grandchild cherished their turn sitting on Carmen’s lap as he guided them in playing the drums, an experience that brought joy and connection to him and his grandchildren. As a young man, Carmen played in a band and spent many nights playing in clubs, always keeping the beat that would never stop. Music, for Carmen, wasn’t just a hobby—it was a way of life. He would hum tunes throughout the day and keep the rhythm alive wherever he went, always playing a beat with his hands or drumsticks.

Another passion Carmen and Rose enjoyed together was spending time at the track, placing bets, and savoring dinners afterward. Carmen also had a deep love for food, and he started a cherished tradition of taking all the men in his family to The Nordic, formerly known as The Nordic Lodge, in Charlestown, Rhode Island. This tradition, which he kept alive for 45 years, became a cherished part of his legacy—a place where he spent quality time with his sons-in-law and grandsons, always looking forward to those special moments. The Nordic staff was a second family to Carmen, especially their General Manager, Mike Conley, and the entire Persson Family. The Nordic was a place that Carmen felt special and revered.

Carmen’s life was rich with love, music, and devotion to his family and community. He leaves behind a legacy of music, love, and family traditions that will continue to be passed down for generations. His rhythm lives on in all the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Carmen was the beloved husband of the late Rose M. (DiMarco) Danese, who died in 2023. The two married on September 8, 1956, in Utica, New York. Together they shared 67 years of loving marriage. He was the devoted father of Roseann Rinaldo and her partner Matthew Tomasz of Ashland, Michele Haley and her husband Christopher of Framingham, Angela Danese-Harding of Westborough, and Susan Congdon and her husband William of Franklin. Carmen was the loving grandfather of Michael Rinaldo and his wife Kathryn of Hopkinton, Jenna O’Reilly and her husband Thomas of Ashland, John Congdon and his partner Ashley Rivera of Quincy, Faith Keefe and her husband Jamie of Milford, Jessica Bancewicz and her husband Derek of Grafton, Erinn Harding and her partner Scott Richard of Westboro, Sarah Haley and her partner Derrick Hollis of Framingham, and the late R.J. Sutherland, who died in 2011. He was the loving great grandfather of Mason and Jordyn O’Reilly, Evan and Ethan Rinaldo, Jaxson Keefe, and Charlotte Hollis. Carmen was the cherished cousin of Charles “Chickie” Danese and his wife Betty of Ashland. He was the dear brother-in-law of Kathy DiMarco of New York, and is also survived by many loving cousins, extended family, and friends.

Visiting hours will be held at the Norton, McKinney & Lawler Funeral Home, 53 Beech Street, (Corner of Union Ave.) Framingham, on Friday, March 14, 2025, from 4-7 PM.

Funeral from the Norton, McKinney & Lawler Funeral Home, 53 Beech Street, (Corner of Union Ave.) Framingham, Saturday, March 15, 2025, at 9 AM, followed by a Funeral Mass celebrated in St. George Catholic Church, 74 School St., Framingham, at 10 AM. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend.

Services will conclude with interment and military honors in Saint Tarcisius Cemetery, Winthrop St., Framingham.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent in Carmen’s name to The Jimmy Fund c/o Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, PO Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284-9168.

Please visit www.NortonFuneralHome.com for directions and online condolences.