Dante L. Molta

WESTFIELD, MA – Dante L. Molta, 82, ascended Into the Journey of Everlasting Life at home on August 2, 2013 in the care of his loving family who now honor his remarkable life.

Dante was the beloved husband of 55 years to Madeline A. (Cremonti) Molta. In addition he leaves to forever cherish his memory, 5 children; Donna M. Ellis (William) of Nantucket Island, Attorney Linda A. Molta-Tetrault (Lawrence) of Southwick, Robert P. Molta (Cathy) of Southwick, Michael A. Molta (Karen) of Nantucket Island, Anita F. Molta-Forgey (Samuel) of Southwick; 10 grandchildren, Bradley W. Ellis, Carly M. Ellis, Spencer M. Tetrault, Blake M. Tetrault, Michael A. Molta, Mikayla N. Molta, Christopher L. Molta, Ryan P. Molta, Dante Molta Forgey, Sylvana Madeline Forgey; 2 sisters, Dorothy R. Molta of Southwick, Jennie Molta (Cesare) of Italy; 2 sisters in law, Santa Molta and Dolores Molta both of Southwick; nephews Joseph F. Molta, Jr. (Kathleen), Donald A. Molta, niece Deborah L. Elias (Aziz), several great nieces and nephews, the extended Molta, Cremonti, Pernigotti and Sterpi families in the U.S. and Italy;  Alison Delphia, Emily Snell and many dear friends and colleagues.

Dante was born in South Windsor, CT on May 29, 1931 to Salvatore and Maria Molta, and lived in Southwick and Westfield for most of his life. He graduated from Springfield Trade High School where he played Football for the legendary Coach Ted Plumb, later becoming his Assistant Football Coach. Dante often fondly recalled his younger years with Al Meyer, Tommy Leonard, Danny Keenan and the entire crew from Southwick, Westfield and Trade. He is a 1955 graduate of the University of Massachusetts/Stockbridge School of Agriculture where he was Captain of the Football team along with his best man, Jack Tierney, and President of Alpha Tau Gamma Fraternity (1954-1955) maintaining close bonds with his fraternity brothers.

Dante proudly served his country during the Korean Conflict, joining the U.S. Army on the same day with his life-long friend, Sheriff Joseph Arpaio of Arizona. Dante played football for the 39th Infantry Division of the Army with the renowned football legend Carl DePasqua. He attained the rank of Sergeant and was the Personal Driver and Body Guard for General John K. Waters (the son-in-law of Gen. George Patton) in Korea. As a General’s driver, Dante had the honor of meeting and chauffeuring numerous dignitaries, celebrities, religious eminence and foreign leaders on their visits to the front. During President-elect Dwight D. Eisenhower’s visit to the Korean front, Dante was selected to drive South Korean President Syngman Rhee in Jeep #2 directly behind Pres. Eisenhower’s Jeep.  He was the recipient of many commendation medals for his service to our nation.

Dante retired after a wonderful career as an Investigator with the Law Offices of Arvanitis, Phelan & Molta, P.C. He was also a well- respected Real Estate Broker, former Insurance Claims Adjuster and Insurance Salesman.

Dante was honored to serve as Statewide Campaign Manager to former Attorney General Francis X. Bellotti, Honorable Deputy Sheriff with Sheriff Michael Ashe and an advisory committee member to former District Attorney Wm. Bennett. A man devoted to community and civic affairs, Dante was Past Chairman Springfield Insurance Arbitration Committee, Past President of Motocross 338, Past Commander American Legion Post 338, a member of the Southwick VFW and many charitable and school organizations. A parishioner of the former St. Ann’s Church, he was active in state, local and national politics and together with his wife he had the privilege of attending the Formal Ball and Inauguration of President Jimmy Carter and the Inauguration of Connecticut Governor Ella T. Grasso, his wife’s cousin.

Over the years, Dante greatly enjoyed his grandchildren’s events, spending time with family and friends at homes in WMass and on Nantucket Island, 18 wonderful trips to Italy and Europe, holidays with the Arvanitis family, the Caspano Club banquet and winning at Mohegan Sun, as well as cheering for UMASS, Westfield State Baseball, the Southwick Rams, Rec Center Basketball, the Nantucket Whalers, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, and UCONN Women’s Basketball.

Dante cherished the friendships he made throughout his lifetime. He had a natural ability to make people smile and was loved by many relatives, co-workers, family friends, neighbors and acquaintances too numerous to name. He is now joined in eternal life with his parents, his brothers, Joseph F. Molta and Jack (Rock)  Molta, his sister Rena Molta, nephew James Molta and wife Leslie, his twin great- nieces Sophia and Addison McCabe, his close friend Atty. Constantine (Gus) Arvanitis and the departed members of the Molta, Cremonti, Pernigotti and Sterpi families.

The family would like to thank Fr. Henry Dorsch, Dr. Joseph Keenan, Dr. Glynn and staff, Dr. Yunes, Dr. Balaji, and all of the medical doctors and nurses whose care and kindness were so greatly appreciated by Dante; as well as loving caretakers Jimmy Bruno, Shelley Lightfoot Patterson, Holyoke Health Care Center, Hospice Life Care of Holyoke, Donna O’Hara of Care Tenders and the many friends and relatives whose love and support allowed Dante to meet all of his goals and to remain comfortable at home.

His family will welcome friends from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday evening, August 6th at the Southwick Forastiere Funeral Home, 624 College Highway (Routes 202/10), Southwick, MA.

His funeral will take place at 8:45 a.m. on Wednesday, August 7th beginning at the funeral home. A procession will journey to Our Lady of the Lake Church, Sheep Pasture Road, Southwick for a Liturgy of Christian Burial, celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Burial with Rites of Committal and military honors will be private at the Massachusetts Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery in Agawam.

It was Dante’s wish that any donations be made to the Alexander H. Prew Emerald Shield Scholarship Committee, P.O. Box 26, Southwick, MA 01077 to benefit a college bound graduate, in honor of Southwick’s first Principal Alexander H. Prew whom Dante held in high regard.
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