Daniel “Dan” Cedrone

Daniel (Dan) Cedrone, age 101, a resident of Cambridge, Massachusetts for 80 years, passed away peacefully on April 18, 2026, leaving a legacy of a long, honorable, and deeply rooted life.  

Dan was the devoted husband of 68 years to the late Catherine Colannino and loving father to Kathleen Cedrone Vaccaro and the late Marie Cedrone. He is survived by his sister Mary and her husband, Ronald Collins, and sister-in-law Mary J. Cedrone. He is predeceased by his son-in-law John L. Vaccaro, sister Antonetta and Al Ciampa, brother Frank, and brother-in-law to Anthony and Sara Colannino, and Frank and Phyllis Colannino. He was also the proud uncle to many nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, and godchildren.

Born on October 10, 1924, in San Donato, Italy, he was the son of Constanzo and Maria (Simone) Cedrone. At the age of six, he immigrated to the United States with his family, settling in Massachusetts, where he would go on to build a life defined by service, dedication, and devotion to family.  Educated in the Brighton Public School system, he was a member of the Greatest Generation defined by resilience, sacrifice, and patriotism.  He survived the Great Depression and went on to fight for our country in World War II, where he was active duty in France and Germany. As a decorated veteran of the United States Army Reserves for more than 30 years, his bravery and commitment were recognized with numerous military medals and honors, including the Good Conduct, American Campaign, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign, World War II Victory, Army of Occupation & Germany Clasp, Armed Forces Reserve, Hourglass Device Gold, Army Commendation, and Army Reserves Components Achievement medals.  He also received the Honorable Service Lapel Button for WWII, Expert Badge & Auto Rifle Bar & Rifle Bar, and Sharpshooter Badge and Carbine Bar.

Following his military service, Dan dedicated many years of his career as a transportation foreman at Mount Auburn Cemetery, where he was respected for his strong work ethic and leadership.  He will be remembered as a man who treasured time with his family and friends and who found happiness in life’s simple pleasures—taking walks, fixing cars, tending to his garden, and volunteering at a local nursing facility.

His quiet strength, generosity, and enduring love for his country and those around him leave a lasting impression on all who knew him.  His long and enriched life further stands as a testament to his Catholic faith, spirit, service, and the importance of family, where he will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Visitation will be held at Brown & Hickey Funeral Home on 36 Trapelo Road in Belmont on Friday, April 24 from 10-11 a.m., followed by burial at 11:30 a.m. at Mount Auburn Cemetery, 580 Mount Auburn Street in Cambridge. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Dan’s memory can be made to Good Shepherd Community Care by mail to 160 Wells Avenue, Newton, MA 02459, and online at www.GSCommunityCare.org 

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