Daniel Fermo

Obituary Daniel William Fermo Daniel William Fermo an admired and cherished man, passed away to join his Heavenly Father, parents and family, on June 8, 2009, at the age of 90. He entered our world on May 22, 1919 to Antonio and Donata Fermo, in Tacoma, WA, at his family home. Daniel was the sixth born of eight children and nurtured in the Italian community near St. Leo's and St. Rita's Catholic Churches. Daniel graduated from Bellarmine Preparatory School, in 1939. After graduation, he worked in the Tacoma Shipyards unitls he was drafted into the U.S. Army, during WWII, on June 12, 1942. Dan served his country traveling through Australia, New Zealand and New Guinea. He participated in the New Guinea campaingn and was awarded the Asiatic-Pacific service Ribbon with one bronze service star. He was honorably discharged on May 31, 1945. After the war, Dan was partial owner, with his two brothers, Geno and George, in a family owned shoe repair shoppe. He then furthered his education at St. Martin's College and a local business school. Dan began working got the U.S. Postal Service in 1951, he had a long career until his retirement in May 1984. While working for the Postal Service, a fellow co-worker, Bill Blanchfield, introduced Dan to his future wife, Mary Dorothy Blanchfield, on Washington's Birthday in 1953. Dan married the love of his life Dorothy on 2/13/1954. They celebrated their life together in Tacoma, WA until his recent passing. Dan filled his life with family, reading, listening to his collection of 78s, traveling- his favorite place being Lake Tahoe, and his love of playing card games. Dan belonged to the local Elks lodge for many years. In his later years, Dan loved teaching his grandchildren the art of playing cards and reading. Dan was a devout member of Holy Rosary Parish. He was preceded in death by his parents and five siblings. He is survived by his beloved wife, Dorothy; two sisters: Rose Baker and Sister Antoinette Marie, OSF; five children: Kathy (John) Gallwas, Rainier, WA, Tony Fermo, Everett, WA, James (Shelly) Fermo, Tacoma, WA, Dona Fermo, Tacoma, WA, and David Fermo, Tacoma, WA; five grandchildren: Wende (David) Wilkerson, Kilgore, TX, Billy (Vanessa) Gallwas, Tenino, WA, Andrew Gallwas, Olympia, WA, Bryan Olson, Tacoma, WA, and Mitchell Fermo, Tacoma, WA; and four great grandchildren: Nevaeh, Wyatt, Gunner, and Mary Jane, with one expected great grandchild. Special appreciation and gratitude to the wonderful and compassionate staff of Tacoma General Hospital. In lieu of flowers, memorial may be made in his memory to the Sisters of St. Francis at the St. Anne's Home or Holy Rosary Church. Viewing will be Friday Noon until the Rosary at Gaffney Funeral Home Chapel. Rosary to be held, Fri., June 12, 2009, 7:00 pm at Gaffney Funeral Home Chapel. Mass of Catholic Burial will be held Saturday, June 13, 2009 at 11:00 am, at Holy Rosary Church with burial following at Calvary Cemetery. Please leave online condolences at www.GaffneyCares.com. Arrangements by Gaffney Funeral Home, 253-572-6003. Pallbearers Billy Gallwas Andrew Gallwas Bryan Olson Richard Fermo Gene Fermo John Baker Mike Blanchfield Mark Shingledecker Mitchell Fermo Honorary Pallbearers Steve Mondau Steve Fermo Mike Fermo RB Fermo Brian R. Woolery Brian M. Woolery Matthew Wooler Roy Marchesini Mike Grant Darren Horner Jason Baker Tony Grant