Daniel J. Toomey, 91, of Lee, died Tuesday, June 20, at his home with family by his side.
Dan was born in Ballyneety, County Limerick, Ireland on April 12, 1926, the son of William and Margaret Cremmins Toomey. He and his family immigrated to the United States when he was a young boy, eventually residing in Pittsfield where he attended local schools. On March 17, 1944, prior to finishing high school, Mr. Toomey enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he served on the U.S.S. Missouri. While he saw action at both the battles of Iwo Jima and Okinawa, it was the fact that the peace treaty was signed in Tokyo Bay in 1945 aboard the very ship on which he was serving that he was most proud.
Dan returned home to Pittsfield after his honorable discharge in 1946 and eventually married the former Jane McKeon on Jan. 31, 1948. She died Dec. 25, 2010.
Mr. Toomey worked as a civil engineering surveyor for MassDOT for 38 years, retiring in 1988. It was not until long after his retirement that Dan decided to enroll in the “Operation Recognition” program through the Veterans Services to obtain his high school diploma. This dream became a reality in June 2001 when both Dan and his grandson, Colin, graduated from St. Joseph High School together.
Mr. Toomey or “Toom” to his many friends will be remembered as a dedicated family man full of Irish wit and always ready and willing to belch out an Irish tune.
Dan leaves behind his four sons: James M. Toomey and wife Donna of Lee, Brian J. Toomey and wife Lina of Pittsfield, Patrick K. Toomey of Las Vegas, and Thomas F. Toomey and wife Karen of Lee; his daughter, Kathleen A. Leslie and husband George of Laceyville, Pennsylvania; 11 grandchildren: Sean, Colin, Shannon, Kayla, Laura, Ryan, Danielle, Thomas, Michael, Trisha and Amy; and six great-grandchildren. Additionally, he leaves behind his sister, Moira Putnam, of Evanston, Illinois, and his daughter-in-law, Valerie Toomey, of Pittsfield. Besides his wife, he was predeceased by his sons Michael, Kevin and Daniel and his brother, Patrick.
Dan’s family would like to thank the communities of Lee and Lenox for all of the love and support given to him over the years.
Funeral services for Mr. Daniel Toomey will be held Friday, June 23, at 10 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church in Lee with a Liturgy of Christian Burial. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery. Visiting hours will be Thursday, June 22, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Kelly Funeral Home in Lee. In lieu of flowers, those wishing may make a donation to HospiceCare of the Berkshires or Porchlight VNA in care of Kelly Funeral Home, 3 Main St., Lee, MA 01238.
To leave a message of condolence or share pictures, visit www.kellyfuneralhome.net.
