A well-loved family man who went out of his way to help
STONEHAM — Daniels G. LeSaffre, 78, a longtime resident of Stoneham, passed away peacefully at Melrose-Wakefield Hospital on Sunday, December 26, 2021.
Daniels was born in Melrose on December 12, 1943, one of six children of the late Robert C. LeSaffre and Anna M. (Carothers) LeSaffre. Raised in Melrose, he graduated from Newman Preparatory School in Boston and from Merrimack College. Born into a car family, Dan’s father founded the automobile dealership and local landmark, Daniels LeSaffre Motors, Inc. in Melrose in 1939. Dan grew up working at the family dealership, learning every aspect of the business alongside his father and siblings. Dedicated to their success, Dan wore many hats at the dealership but worked mostly as a salesman. After “retiring” he worked for several years at MCR Technologies in Wakefield.
When not working, Dan had a variety of interests including woodworking, music, reading, and gardening. He was a sports fan, and always enjoyed catching the game with friends and family. He was a member of the Melrose Rotary Club for several years, and was a longtime member of the Marconi Club in Stoneham where he maintained longtime friends. Dan was a passionate animal lover, and especially cherished his dog, Buttercup.
During the summer, Dan enjoyed weekends away on Wilson Lake in Acton, Maine where he could relax and begrudgingly welcome friends and family. He enjoyed relaxing in his chair with a cup of coffee in the morning, and a cold Budweiser at the end of the day. Dan enjoyed a good laugh, had a great sense of humor, and maintained strong friendships throughout his life.
Above all, Dan was a well-loved family man who did his best to take care of everyone. He was generous, thoughtful and went out of his way to help. He always had an open, and welcoming door, and cherished spending time with his grandchildren. He will be deeply missed, but always lovingly remembered.
Dan was the beloved husband of Ruth E. (Christie) LeSaffre with whom he shared 56 years of marriage. Devoted father of Scott LeSaffre and his husband, Michael Fitta, of Lowell and Sara LeSaffre and her husband, Tim Morris, of Wakefield. Cherished grandfather of Meredith, Sean and Matthew Morris. Caring brother of John D. LeSaffre and his wife, Nancy, of Melrose; the late Robert D. LeSaffre and his surviving wife, Patricia, of Wakefield, the late Dolores Driscoll and her late husband, Jack, the late Donald W. LeSaffre and his late wife, Marilyn, and the late Anne Bruhmuller and her surviving husband, Jim. Also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are invited to gather in honor of Dan’s life during visiting hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Wednesday, Dec. 29 from 4-8 p.m., and again on Thursday at 10:30 a.m. before leaving in procession to Most Blessed Sacrament Church, 1155 Main St., Wakefield for his funeral Mass celebrated at 11:30 a.m. Interment at St. Patrick Cemetery, Stoneham. If you wish, donations can be made to National Kidney Foundation, 30 E. 33rd St., New York, NY 10016 or www.kidney.org For online tribute visit RobinsonFuneralHome.com.
