Dave's brother, Dan, passed away unexpectedly on June 10, 2022. I got the news when I landed in Salt Lake City on my way to Butte. Dave and Patrick had driven up earlier with the pugs.
Dave was Dan's legal guardian as Dan had some special needs. He could live on his own, had held a job for many years and could function well, but there were a few things that he wasn't able to do on his own that required a guardian.
When Dave's parents died, Dave and his sister, Donna, put their part of the inheritance into a Trust to make sure that Dan had what was needed. I so admire that they both did this for their brother. This kind of devotion to a sibling isn't seen that often.
Dave handled issues with Dan and his usual calm and kind way. Dan was living in a low income senior apartment that met his needs. He had to pay for his rent, food, etc., but the trust took care of a cleaning lady, cable television and any other emergency needs that came up.
The Saturday before he died, Dave and Patrick took him out to dinner. Dave was very worried about him as he was not doing well and had a hard time walking, Dave tried to talk him into going to the doctor, but Dan refused. Five days later he died. Although it was sudden, it wasn't totally unexpected. The cause of death was ruled a heart attack.
Their cousin, John, is a deacon at St Ann's Church did the ceremony and he did a wonderful job. Their cousin, Peggy, delivered the beautiful eulogy.
After the services, a reception was held at the McQueen Club. Dave's dad (Pete) and uncle (Chuck) spent many nights at the McQueen Club. It had been located in their neighborhood (McQueen) until about 1978 when the Anaconda Company needed the land for mining, That is when the house we live in was moved from McQueen to where we are now. The reception was attended by the large extended family and many friends of Dan's and the Uggettis. It was very nice meal and get together. I always meet so many people that have known Dave since he was a little kid.
Here is the obituary that was in the Montana Standard as well as a copy of the funeral card:
DANIEL PETE "PUMP' UGGETTI
May 20, 1956--June 10, 2022
Daniel Pete "Dan" Uggetti, known as Pumo or Pumi to many of his friends, passed away at home of natural causes on Thursday, June 10, 2022. The son of Pete And Dorothy Uggetti, he was prematurely born in Butte on May 20, 1956. The whole extended family was thrilled when he was able to come home about three months later. Dan grew up in McQueen with his brother, David, and his sister, Donna. With thier cousins in an adjoining duplex, the Uggettis were part of a tight knit community surrounded by their parents and grandparents. Many relatives gathered at the Uggetti house for the annual July 4th picnic and no one left hungry. The friends and neighbors of McQueen knew everyone so it was difficult to get away with many shenanigans. Attending mass every Sunday was a big part of Dan's upbringing. He attended St. Helena's in Meaderville then Holy Savior in McQueen.
When Dan was young, most weekends were spent helping his father, uncle, brother, and cousins work on whatever project the two Uggetti fathers decided was important. He also spent many summer at the Patacini ranch helping work never-ending chores with occasional trips to swim at Barkell Hot Springs after long days putting up hay.
Dan attended Butte Public Schools. He was employed by the Anaconda Company, other construction companies and was a member of the Laborers Union. He worked for Butte-Silver Bow County for many years, mostly at the Civic Center.
In 1978, as McQueen was slated to be mined by the ADM, the two Uggetti families had the duplex, built by Pete and Chuck, moved to the original Perelli homestead on Western Blvd. Dan continued to live the next 40 years in the same house where he grew up. Continental Gardens in Butte was his home for the last three years.
Dan was the proud owner of a ski boat. He loved taking friends and family to Lakeside or Canyon Ferry on a hot summer day to ride in his boat or ski. After selling his boat, he still went to Canyon Ferry with his best friend, Randy Rodoni, whom Dan called "The Barber". When he was younger, he had a great time camping riding his ATV, and motorcycle. Over the years, Dan attended many rock concerts with his cousin, Jim Patacini. The Doobie Brothers were among his favorite bands to follow. Dan also enjoyed the swimming pools at the YMCA. After retirement he enjoyed socializing at the casinos in Butte and occasionally won. Dan rarely missed going to lunch at the Belmont Senior Center. He always said how much he appreciated the services and great food that the staff of the Belmont provided and that you couldn't beat the price.
Dan loved almost all of his cars and trucks. By far his favorites were his 55 Chevy truck that he bought from his father and his 79 Mercury Cougar that was brand new. Most of his vehicles were always spotless.
Christmas was one of his favorite holidays. He loved making povitica with his sister or Randy, which he enjoyed giving as gifts. He also enjoyed making pasties with his mother many times throughout the year. Dan learned how to make Italian sausage with the "secret recipe" from his father and was delighted to show his brother-in-law how to do it. Dan loved the NY Yankees and was delighted one year with a birthday present to watch the Yankees play the Mariners in Seattle. Another favorite trip of his was to the Rose Bowl and Parade with his mom and brother.
Dan is survived by his immediate family David (Sheila), Donna (Bill Jackson), and Donna's children, Steven Jackson and Janine Jackson (John Ryan). Dan enjoyed watching his niece and nephew grow as they spent many summers in Butte. Also surviving are Aunts Darlene Patacini Hepola and Retha Sigman, numerous cousins, and many close friends.
Dan was preceded in death by his parents, Pete and Dorothy, grandparents, Minnie and Dominic Uggetti and Emsley, Jesse and Elsie Sigman, many aunts and uncles, Claude and Mildred Sigman, Loren Sigman, Pete Patacini, Margaret and Len Dobbins and Gene Beindreiff, Albina and Carmen Campanella, Lawrencina and Willi Barker, Chuck and Betty Uggetti, and Vicky and Don Renz. He was also preceded in death by several cousins.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Belmont Senior Center at 615 E. Mercury, Butte, MT, or a charity of your choice.
Friends may call on Friday, June 17, 2022, after 10:00 am in the Duggan Dolan Mortuary Chapel. Funeral Services will be celebrated at 11:00 am. A further celebration of Dan's life will be take place immediately following services at the Mortuary. His ashes will be privately placed with his parents at Mountain View Cemetery. Rest in peace, Dan. You were a very special person and one of a kind. Many thanks to Peggy Patacini Eggen and Steven Jackson for help with this obituary.
Dan's ashes were placed with his parents in the same vault. They were able to fit them in and there will be a plaque put up next to the one for his parents. We did this privately.
As I said, I have so much respect for Dave and Donna and what they did to ensure that Dan had a comfortable life! They were both devoted to him and made sure that he was well taken care of!!
