Daniel Richard Tortorelli, Sr.
December 19th, 1950 - January 3rd, 2026
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Daniel's Obituary
Daniel Richard Tortorelli, Sr., 75, of Galien-Buchanan, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at home.
A celebration of life service will be held at 10AM, Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at Swem Chapel, 301 W. Front St., Buchanan, Military Honors will be rendered by Buchanan American Legion Post 51. Burial will take place following the service at 2PM at Ft. Custer National Cemetery, Augusta, MI. Visitation will take place from 5-7PM on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, also at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions in Dan’s name may be made to Redbud Area Ministries, 708 Red Bud Trail N., Buchanan.
Those wishing to send a condolence online may do so at www.swemchapel.com.
Dan was born on December 19, 1950, in Jamaica Queens, NY. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, honorably serving for 5 years with the VMFA – 333 Squadron. His squadron formed a lifelong bond continuing to reunite every two years to this day.
Following his military service, Dan entered the police academy and went on to serve with the New York Transit Police Department for many years in Harlem’s District 3.
Known for his adventurous spirit, Dan later relocated several times, living in North Carolina, Florida, and returning to New York before ultimately settling in Galien, MI. He loved Michigan and truly felt it was his home.
Extroverted by nature, Dan never knew a stranger, nor would he allow anyone around him to remain one. Known for his kindness, he was passionate about supporting food banks, especially RAM and truly possessed a servant’s heart. Dan also enjoyed collecting old electronics, trips to Culver’s or Tim Hortons. He was a Third Degree Knight with the Knights of Columbus. Above all else, he cherished his family and the time spent with them, especially his grandchildren.
Dan is survived by his children, Daniel (Joy) Tortorelli, Jr. of New York; Tracy Mast of Buchanan, MI, Nicholas Tortorelli of Austin, TX and Jenny (Jake) Norris; mothers of his children, Elizabeth Tortorelli and Myra (Weaver-Tortorelli) Feather; grandchildren, Cloe Forray-Molica, Ethan Forray-Molica, Katherine Tortorelli, Lily Mast, Chadwick Depew, Christine Depew, Payton Norris, Alexis Norris and siblings, Irene Tortorelli, Jerry (Reyna) Rebele and Robert Rebele. He was preceded in death by his mother, Wanda (Tabor) Rebele; father, Adieco Tortorelli; daughter, Alice Depew; brother, Roy Rebele; sister, Barbara Pollack and sister-in-law, Grace Rebele.
A celebration of life service will be held at 10AM, Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at Swem Chapel, 301 W. Front St., Buchanan, Military Honors will be rendered by Buchanan American Legion Post 51. Burial will take place following the service at 2PM at Ft. Custer National Cemetery, Augusta, MI. Visitation will take place from 5-7PM on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, also at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions in Dan’s name may be made to Redbud Area Ministries, 708 Red Bud Trail N., Buchanan.
Those wishing to send a condolence online may do so at www.swemchapel.com.
Dan was born on December 19, 1950, in Jamaica Queens, NY. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, honorably serving for 5 years with the VMFA – 333 Squadron. His squadron formed a lifelong bond continuing to reunite every two years to this day.
Following his military service, Dan entered the police academy and went on to serve with the New York Transit Police Department for many years in Harlem’s District 3.
Known for his adventurous spirit, Dan later relocated several times, living in North Carolina, Florida, and returning to New York before ultimately settling in Galien, MI. He loved Michigan and truly felt it was his home.
Extroverted by nature, Dan never knew a stranger, nor would he allow anyone around him to remain one. Known for his kindness, he was passionate about supporting food banks, especially RAM and truly possessed a servant’s heart. Dan also enjoyed collecting old electronics, trips to Culver’s or Tim Hortons. He was a Third Degree Knight with the Knights of Columbus. Above all else, he cherished his family and the time spent with them, especially his grandchildren.
Dan is survived by his children, Daniel (Joy) Tortorelli, Jr. of New York; Tracy Mast of Buchanan, MI, Nicholas Tortorelli of Austin, TX and Jenny (Jake) Norris; mothers of his children, Elizabeth Tortorelli and Myra (Weaver-Tortorelli) Feather; grandchildren, Cloe Forray-Molica, Ethan Forray-Molica, Katherine Tortorelli, Lily Mast, Chadwick Depew, Christine Depew, Payton Norris, Alexis Norris and siblings, Irene Tortorelli, Jerry (Reyna) Rebele and Robert Rebele. He was preceded in death by his mother, Wanda (Tabor) Rebele; father, Adieco Tortorelli; daughter, Alice Depew; brother, Roy Rebele; sister, Barbara Pollack and sister-in-law, Grace Rebele.
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