Dante Rienzi DeGruttola

Dante Rienzi DeGruttola, 91, of Wellesley, MA, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Saturday, September 16, 2023 at the Timothy Daniels House in Holliston, MA.  He was the beloved husband of Suzanne Leek DeGruttola who passed in 2016.  Dante was born in Cambridge, MA on June 22, 1932, the son of Rafael DeGruttola and Bice Mosca DeGruttola. He spent the majority of his childhood in Somerville, MA, before eventually settling in Wellesley, MA, where he resided for 53 years.

A Veteran of the Korean War, Dante played saxophone, clarinet, and flute as well as acted in the 13th Navy District Band based in Seattle, WA. He appeared on the weekly television show March On broadcast from the Studios of King Television which featured entertainment and news spotlighting the men and women of the armed forces.

He attended Boston University, completing his degree in Economics with an Art History minor, and then continued on to Northeastern University where he earned a Master of Education.  Dante was a passionate teacher of Art History and taught at Mass Bay Community College for 47 years where he received numerous awards for his dedication to the school and developed friendships with colleagues that he treasured for the remainder of his life.

Dante was known for his community service throughout Wellesley, and was actively involved with the preservation of historical homes in the Cottage Street area.  He was a board member of the Wellesley Symphony Orchestra and a member of the Kepes Committee to preserve the unique Gyorgy Kepes Art Panels of the Wellesley Free Library during the library renovations.

He is survived by son Marcus DeGruttola with his wife Holly Kennedy-DeGruttola of Berlin MA, daughter Danielle DeGruttola with her husband Edmund Campion of Oakland CA, grandchildren Jacqueline and Maya Quinn Campion, brother Raffael with his wife Lina DeGruttola, and many nieces, nephews and friends who were like family.  In addition to his beloved wife Suzanne, Dante joins his predeceased in-laws Bruce and Virginia Wilson.

The family will receive relatives and friends at the Eaton Funeral Home, 1351 Highland Ave Needham, on Saturday, September 23 from 10am to 11am, concluding with a Memorial Service at 11am.

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