Danny Cannavina

Danny was an unforgettable man who has left a wonderful legacy! He is survived by his beloved wife Ada, his two daughters, Annmarie & Denise, his son Joseph, and his four grandchildren Amanda, James, Daniel & Nicholas.

Danny was a very soft spoken quiet gentleman who lived through incredible adversity. He was an orphan by the age of 4 with no siblings. He was born in NY but was shipped off to live with his grandmother in Italy and grew up there during WW11. He had so many adventures and near brushes with death that it became a running joke to his family that he was like a cat with nine lives. When he was very young, he became very sick and his grandmother thought he was dying so she had a casket made for 5 year old Danny. Well, he eventually got better, the casket was placed in the basement and little Danny would play there every day and keep measuring himself in it until he could no longer fit in there!

He came back to NY as a young man and was drafted into the Korean War. He had many close calls there – Danny’s good friend stepped on a mine to save him and was killed instead. Danny was in a terrible helicopter crash that was shot down by enemy gunfire and many were killed. But Danny was spared. There are so many more war stories that we can go on for hours. He received many medals for his bravery.

The most important part of Danny’s life began when he met Ada. She was right off the boat from Italy with no family living in NY. They were kindred spirits – from that time on they were inseparable. They had each other and did everything together right until the end. In his last days he never wanted to go to the hospital and Ada was determined to keep him in his home and take care of him, which she did tirelessly.

If you knew Danny, you know that he was a quiet, very proud man. He loved Ada , Annmarie, Denise, & Joseph so much and worked two jobs to provide for them. He adored all his grandchildren – Amanda, James, Daniel, & Nicholas – and was sure to go to every sports & school events that came up in their lives. He was supportive in every way!

When Danny moved to Florida 13 years ago, he really got to enjoy his retirement in the Sunshine State. He was able to spend more time gardening – he loved his peppers and tomatoes ; he joined the Sons of Italy and became their treasurer and even taught Italian classes for them. Danny loved having friends over and eating and drinking wine with them. He was able to watch lots of soccer games, which he loved! He & Ada traveled back to Italy several times with Denise & Bob. He took several cruises with the whole family.

It is never easy saying goodby, we wish Danny could have had more time with us…He lived a lot in his 83 ½ years and he left a mark on all who knew him. He loved life and lived for his family. Danny used to say, in his Italian accent “ You gotta keep going, no matter what happens - there is plenty of time to stop and sleep when you’re gone.” Well, it’s time for Danny’s body to stop and be at peace, but he will be forever remembered and loved by us all.

So, pretend you have a glass in your hand, lift it up and say “Cheers Danny!”

Arrangements under the direction of Moss Feaster Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Palm Harbor, FL.