Daniel P. Altemese 1931-2026

Dan was born March 30, 1931, in Martinsville, W.Va., to Pete and Bessie Gretis Altemese. The son of Greek immigrants, he grew up in New Martinsville and became a standout high school athlete in basketball and football. He graduated from Magnolia High School in 1949, earning three varsity letters and leading the team in scoring with 334 points during his senior year. He then attended Bethany College and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in education. Dan worked his way through college while continuing his passion for sports.

After college Dan served in the U.S. Army. He developed an intramural sports program for his base. It was there in the Army where Dan was introduced to his lifelong passion of golf. Dan credited his colonel for mentoring him in the game.

In 1954, after his honorable discharge from the Army, Dan married the love of his life, Ann Baxter.

Dan devoted his career and life to education and the Ohio teacher’s union. Dan was a beloved history teacher at Jackson-Milton High School into the late 1970s. He later became a union representative and arbitrator for the Ohio Education Association.

A hard worker, Dan was a devout Greek Orthodox Christian and a longtime member of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Youngstown. During the 1970s, he ran the Eastern Orthodox Men’s Society golf and bowling leagues.

Dan pursued his passion for golf upon his retirement, scoring three holes-in-one. He befriended the golf pro at his beloved Mill Creek Golf Course and eventually became a starter. He played a wicked short game; his favorite saying was “You have to sink the 3-foot and in putts.”

Dan leaves behind his younger brother, Bob Altemese of Chicago; his son, Perry; and his grandson, Daniel.

Friends may call 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, July 21, with a Trisagion service at 5:30 p.m., at Vaschak-Kirila Funeral Home, Youngstown.

A funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 22, at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church.

Arrangements handled by Vaschak-Kirila Funeral Home.

(special notice)