Dann Anthony Maurno of Salem, MA, -- a man out of time but always in his element, a reincarnated Rat Packer, a 21st century Cyrano, a matinee idol swiped from the silver screen and plopped onto a community theater stage, has died at the age of 54 after battling Acute Myeloid Leukemia with grit and grace.
Dann passed away on Valentine's Day 2018 in the presence of his beloved wife, Sara (Shea) Maurno. He was the son of Anthony and Noreen (Scott) Maurno originally of Mount Vernon, NY who both survive him.
Dann spent his early years in Franklin, MA and Shedfield, England, then graduated from Andover High School in MA in 1981, Merrimack College in North Andover, MA in 1985 with a Bachelor's degree in chemistry. Dann worked in the software and publishing industries before establishing a successful career as a freelance author and editor for several prominent leading edge technical and industrial publications. A modern Renaissance man; he was a leather crafter and had a long theater resume playing leading roles in Boston, New York and Portsmouth NH. His most memorable roles were in A Doll's House, The Philadelphia Story, To Kill a Mocking Bird, and he played Dracula in 6 productions! Always focused on the process of capturing his creative ideas, Dann's greatest joy was writing fiction, and his completed work will be published posthumously. Dann leaves his inspirational blog, God, Grit & Chemo, for those battling a life threatening illness to not only survive, but thrive!
Family members include his brothers John Maurno of Portsmouth, NH and Steven & Martha Maurno of Suffolk, VA and his nieces Abigail and Charlotte. His life left an indelible mark on his extended family, Jeff, Bart, Jere, Elaine, Jody, Keri, Julie, and his nephew and nieces Jesse, Emily & Caitlin Shea. He is also survived by many loved aunts, uncles and cousins. An avid supporter of animal rescue he also leaves behind his beloved pal Teo.
SERVCES: There will be a mass in Dann's honor at Grace Church, 385 Essex St, Salem, MA 01970 at 10AM on Saturday, March 10, 2018, followed by a celebration of his life in the church hall where friends and family are invited to share thoughts and memories.
IN LIEU OF FLOWERS: A donation in the name of Dann Paul Anthony Maurno may be made to The House of Peace 1 High St, Ipswich, MA 01938 or by visiting www.houseofpeaceinc.org