Dante Antonioni

Dante “Danny” Antonioni passed away peacefully on July 29, 2026, leaving behind a loving family. He is survived by his beloved wife, RoseMarie , with whom he shared 65 years of marriage; his children, Michael (Faith),Sharon (David), and Jennifer; his grandchildren, Natalie, Anthony, Trevor, Nicolas, and Lukas; and his sister, Maria. He is preceded in death by his parents, Carlo and Rosa ; his brothers Ermete, Renato Antonioni, and sister Diva.

Born on April 4, 1934, in Italy, Dante was the one of five children growing up in Pesaro, near Rimini and San Marino. At the age of 22, Dante decided to pursue bigger opportunities in the United States. He left Italy and arrived in New York on August 11, 1956 with his cousin Gino Antonioni. He settled in Massachusetts to be near his aunts, uncles and cousins.

In 1958, Dante joined the U.S. Army. He served six months active duty and six years in the reserves, where he trained as a cook. Following the army, Dante started his career at an independent grocery store. He mastered the skills of a professional meat cutter in nine months. After living in a small town in Massachusetts, Dante decided to move to a more challenging city, Washington DC. He worked part time as a meat cutter for Safeway Grocery Store and later moved to a full time position working in the wholesale meat department.

In May 1960 Dante met the love of his life, RoseMarie Marchegiani. Their love flourished, and on June 4, 1961, the two were married. Together, they became the heart of a family, raising their three children, in their new home in Riverdale, Maryland.

In 1978, he became the manager of the meat department at Edward Boker Foods, and in 1984, he became a sales consultant for AM Briggs Meat and Seafood Company. Known for his attention to quality and a personal touch, Dante served over a hundred restaurants, many with Italian roots, building lasting relationships. He was the top salesman for most of his career and was nominated employee of the month.

In 1986, Dante fulfilled his dream and opened Antonioni’s Italian Market. It was a deli and Italian store. The market became successful and was popular in the local area. After selling the business in 1989, Dante found new ways to give back to his community and spend more time with his family.

In 1999, Dante and RoseMarie moved to Laurel, where they became cherished members of St. Mary’s Parish. Dante served faithfully as head usher at the noon Mass and became a member of the Knights of Columbus. He found joy in preparing dinners for council installations and after-meeting meals. Dante’s contributions extended beyond his parish. He was an active member of the Sons of Italy for over forty years. He cooked their monthly dinners and was president for four years. His generous spirit and love for cooking brought people together.

Dante’s passions went well beyond his career and service. He was often found in the kitchen making his own sauce or cooking on holidays and special occasions for his family. Dante was also known for his green thumb. In his garden, he enjoyed growing vegetables, flowers and fruit trees. Dante enjoyed camping with his family and relaxing in a lawn chair. He also traveled to Italy several times during his life to visit his family overseas. In the summer, he would often go to Massachusetts to spend time on the lake visiting his cousins.

Retirement brought Dante a blessing he cherished most, time with his grandchildren, whom he adored and loved.

Dante was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He will always be remembered for his kindness, patience, love for his family and the many friendships he made. May he rest in peace.

A visitation will be held on August 4, 2026, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Donaldson Funeral Home, P.A., 313 Talbott Ave, Laurel, MD 20707. A Mass in remembrance of Dante will take place on August 6, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary of the Mills Roman Catholic Church, 106 Saint Mary’s Place, Laurel, MD 20707, followed by interment at St. Mary's Cemetery, 114 St Mary's Place, Laurel 20707.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Dante's name to the American Heart Association and St Mary of the Mills Catholic Church.