IN LOVING MEMORY OF

Daniel J.

Daniel J. Begley Profile Photo

Begley

February 6, 1929 – January 12, 2023

Obituary

Surrounded by his adoring children and devoted sister, Daniel J. Begley, "DJ", of Bryn
Mawr peacefully entered Eternal Life on January 12, 2023. Dan was born on February 6, 1929
in Philadelphia, PA, and was the son of proud Irish immigrants James J. and Sarah Begley
(nee McNulty) brother to James (dec.)(Ruth dec.) Andrew (dec.)(Catherine) and Sarah McGee (John
dec.). He was the loving husband of Maria Teresa Farina (dec.), and the devoted son-in-law to
the late Mary and George Farina and brother-in-law to Carma Cain (Dennis dec.). He met his
lovely Maria at a wedding reception they both crashed. After an evening of dancing and
laughter, ending with a ride home for him in her car, their love blossomed. But it was a job offer
from Allstate that sealed the deal. The job required Dan to be 27 and married; he was neither.
With an on-the-spot phone call, a borrowed engagement ring from her mother, and an instant
home interview by the boss, the couple became joyfully engaged. Dan and Maria had an
unbreakable love. They shared a passion for golf, the ocean, nightly walks, laughter, and their
six children, Michael (Leisa), Mary Bucaro (Richard), Sara (Peter Adubato) Daniel
(Maureen(dec.), Susan), Katharine Orange (Eric) and Clare (Glenn Garber). Dan and Maria
moved every three years as he was promoted, living in 10 different places around the country.
But no matter where they lived, so long as the family was together, it was home. His 17
grandchildren were his pride and joy, and he spent countless days with them down the shore or
at his home celebrating holidays or life in general: Ellen, Sean & Kathleen Begley, Katie & Rob
Harriston, Clare & Daniel Bucaro, Peter, Lindsay, Drew Adubato, Violet Urbany & Janice
Vargas, Danny & Devin Begley, Eric & Christina Orange, Alex, George, Maria & Lucy Garber
and one great grandchild, Lexi, along with numerous dogs whom he loved. He and Maria golfed
every chance they could along with his treasured brother Andy, another hacker who, like Dan,
could not keep up with the golf skills of Maria. They enjoyed the first tee time of the day with
their sons and sons-in-law where their skills were quickly eclipsed.
Dan was blessed with another long, successful marriage to Rosalie Gibboni Ricci (dec.)
after Maria's untimely passing. They enjoyed 30 years together of travel, wintering in Marco
Island and summering in Avalon. They loved watching sunsets on the deck of both their homes
and enjoying cocktails among their numerous grandchildren who were always visiting. He
shared a strong, loving bond with her three sons, Peter (Julie), Thomas(Val) and William Ricci,
Esq.(Eileen), over their enthusiasm for Irish songs, with Rosalie singing along, and the Eagles.
He adored his 9 step grandchildren.
Dan was a proud graduate of St. Joseph's Preparatory School, Class of 1946. He
enlisted in the Army and was sent to Korea, where at the age of 17 he was in charge of
procurement. He returned home, and with the benefit of the GI Bill enrolled at the University of
Maryland. After only 3 weeks, he transferred to St. Joseph's College, PA (1953) because he
had "no time for keg parties and bonfires" much to his grandchildren's bewilderment. He was a
true blue St. Joe's Hawk.
He was a man of deep faith in God and believed that his success in all aspects of his life
was owed to the Jesuits. He ended each night by telling you, " Sleep tight and say your
prayers," both of which he did dutifully with much gusto. His strong faith foundation and
education led him to great success in life. After retiring from Allstate after 30 years, he became
the President of ALAS, Inc. DJ inspired and enthusiastically guided generations of family and
friends through their career and life challenges with words of wisdom and encouragement. With
his enduring positive outlook and sharp Irish wit, he made our world a better place with
unending love and faithful support for all he knew. In addition to his children, he is survived by
his devoted and beloved sister Sarah B. McGee, his sisters-in-law Carma F. Cain and Catherine
Begley, his devoted and caring companion Elizabeth Juma and her daughter's, DJ's honorary
granddaughters, Rose and Leah, and his loving caretaker Jaleesa Almond. "The Hawk Will Never Die!"
Relatives and friends are invited to St. John Vianney Church, 350 Conshohocken State Rd., Gladwyne PA.
to his Viewing on Friday January 20, from 6 to 7:30 PM or Saturday January 21, from 9 to 10 AM with
Funeral Mass to commence at 10:00 AM. Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery, West Conshohocken, PA.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dan's name to Jesuit Relief Services, USA or to St.
Joseph's University need-based financial aid.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Daniel J. Begley, please visit our flower store.

Funeral Services

Viewing

January
20

6:00 - 7:30 pm

Viewing

January
21

9:00 - 10:00 am

Funeral Mass

January
21

Starts at 10:00 am

Burial

January
21

Starts at 11:30 am

Guestbook

Visits: 0

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors