Dan A. Tecco

Dan A. Tecco, 92, of New Philadelphia passed away peacefully in his sleep Thursday, September 26, 2013 at Hennis Care Centre in Dover. He was born April 7, 1921 in Winfield to the late Joseph and Anna Tecco, both immigrants from Italy. He was one of 14 children in the family.

Dan was a proud U.S. Navy Veteran, serving the majority of his time on the USS Marcus Island aircraft escort carrier in the South Pacific doing operations in Okinawa, Luzon, and Leyte to name a few. Fighting in the largest Naval battle of WWII, "The Battle of Leyte Gulf", his ship survived multiple aircraft attacks and two direct hits from Japanese kamikaze pilots. Four of his brothers were also fighting for our country in WWII during that same period.

After his return from duty, he married Lois Browning of New Philadelphia whom he celebrated 68 years with in August. Great memories were made when they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on a Caribbean cruise in 1995. He was a machinist at Weber Dental Mfg. before owning and operating Tecco Sunoco until 1988. He loved working on cars and did so his entire life. He was an avid bowler from the 50's thru the 70's and was inducted into the Tuscarawas County Bowlers Hall of Fame in 1983. He was also a great Little League baseball coach in the 60's when his son's played. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in New Philadelphia. Dan was a member of the Dover Eagles, Dover VFW #3463 and life member of the Dover BPOE. He had served as Governor and Administrator for the Dover Moose #704.

Dan looked forward to gathering with friends at Bob Evans for morning coffee, and enjoyed getting together with his buddies at the VFW and Eagles for the weekly poker game. A memorable time for Dan was when he and Lois took a trip to California where they met and had dinner with Patrick Swayze and his wife Lisa. Dan and Lois also enjoyed the dances at the Moose, especially the Halloween party. He was a generous man and always raised money for good causes and was always willing to lend anyone a hand. He loved all animals, but especially cats Sheba, Emmett and three legged Sammy whom would always be by his side. He liked sports, especially the Browns and Indians, and was always ready to watch a good old TV western. He greatly enjoyed his last New Year's celebrations at home with special friends and neighbors Allen, Cathy and Leah Corbett.

He is survived by his wife Lois Browning Tecco, children April and husband Michael Testa, Terry and wife Michelle, Kristine and Tom, grandchildren Rob Tecco and wife Regan, Alex, Jacqueline and Christopher, great grandchildren R.J. and Mackenzie, sister Gloria, brothers Robert, Edison and Joseph.

He was preceded in death by sisters, Jessie, Viola, and Rosalie and brothers, Charlie, Whitie, Patrick, John, Ted and Willis.

Graveside services will be held Monday, September 30, 2013 beginning at 11:00am at Evergreen Burial Park in New Philadelphia with Dr. Steve Bailey officiating. The Dover VFW will conduct military honors. A reception and celebration of Dan's life will follow at the Toland-Herzig Monarch Center at 831 Boulevard, Dover. Friends are welcome to attend both.

Dan's family would like to thank the Hennis Care Centre in Dover for the wonderful care given to Dan during his stay.

Donations may be made to Hospice of Tuscarawas County, Tuscarawas County Humane Society or Operation Warm and Cozy.