OBITUARY: Daniel W. “Danny” Mendalka, 85

Below is an obituary from Magoun Biggins Funeral Home:

WILMINGTON, MA — Daniel W. Mendalka, “Danny” 85, of Wilmington, passed away on May 30, 2024.

Danny was born in Boston, on July 24, 1938. He was the son of the late William Mendalka and Adela (Jaros) Micciche. Stepson of the late Michael Micciche. He was raised and educated in Everett and graduated from Everett Vocational High School in 1956.

Daniel was the loving and devoted husband of Diane (Bushey) Mendalka. Danny and Diane met in 1972 at the wedding of a mutual friend. They fell in love and married in 1974. They enjoyed 49 wonderful years of marriage together, raising a beautiful family that continues to add to Danny’s legacy each and every day.

Danny and Diane always enjoyed the time they spent together. They created a lifetime of amazing memories filled with loving family, and an amazing group of cherished and loyal friends.

Danny was at his best when hosting cookouts at his family home. Especially his legendary annual 4th of July celebration. He was very proud of his Polish heritage and enjoyed Polish cuisine. Dan was always quick with a good joke and had a unique way of making every person he encountered feel special.

Danny was the proud father of Darren Mendalka and his wife Janene (McKay)Mendalka of Wakefield, and Danielle (Mendalka) Biggins and her husband Daniel Biggins of Rockland. Also, father of the late Deborah (Mendalka) Gallella, and Daniel M. Mendalka.

Danny had several nicknames, “Dan”, “Danny Kielbasa”, and “Zippa.” The name he liked being called the most however, was “Grampy.” He was a loving and devoted Grandfather whose happiest moments were spent with his grandchildren. “Grampy’ was always so filled with joy at the opportunity to be with them. Whether watching them from the sidelines of a sporting event, by the Christmas Tree, or during spirited squirt-gun fights in the pool. He loved watching them grow in their lives and in their families.

Dan was the grandfather of Michael Gallella, Ashley Smerdon, Brittany Ross, Devon Mendalka, Gavan Biggins, Ronan Biggins, and Shea Biggins. Great-Grandfather of Wyatt Osburn, Elliot Dunn and Reagan Smerdon.

Brother-in-Law of Sharleyn Bushey and Barbara Roberts.

Dan also leaves behind many dear friends, especially Elaine and Brian Kelley and Camille and Kenneth Bonanno.

Danny’s family invites friends and loved ones to celebrate his life in the Solimine Funeral Home, 426 Broadway, Lynn MA 01904 on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, from 3:00-6:00 PM. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated in the St. Thomas-Villanova Church, 126 Middlesex Avenue, Wilmington MA 01887 on Thursday June 6, 2024, at 11:00 AM.