NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Daniel Francis DeMarco, 64, of North Adams died peacefully, surrounded by his children and family, on Monday, September 12, 2016, at Berkshire Medical Center.

He was born in North Adams on July 6, 1952, son of Carmen A. and Dorothy (Knapp) DeMarco. He graduated from St. Joseph's High School, where he was known as "Diesel Dan" as he excelled on the court and captained the basketball team, coached by Frank Zoltek. Bernard "Bucky" Bullet was once quoted, "Dan can dribble the ball up the court and serve popcorn in the stands at the same time."

Dan's passion for sports kept him involved in the community as a founding member of Marty’s Tee Ball League in 1989 and the North Adams Youth Basketball League in 1990. He also enjoyed playing on the "K-K HomeMart" team in the North Adams Men's Softball League in the 1970s and early '80s.  He was also an active member of the North Adams Sons of Italy.

Dan last owned and operated Dan's Service Center on West Main Street. Prior to that, he managed North Adams Tire for many years and worked at the former Sprague Electric for 12 years. He was a communicant of St. Francis of Assisi Church.

Dan is survived by one daughter, Bethany Joy DeMarco and her significant other Roger Gaylord of Cheshire; one son, Joel Daniel DeMarco and his wife Kara (Senecal) of Vernon, Conn.; three grandchildren, Zachary Gaylord, Jackson Gaylord and Malia DeMarco;  three brothers, including Joseph DeMarco and his wife Rita, C. Anthony DeMarco both of North Adams, and David DeMarco and his significant other Cathy Corbett of Readsboro, Vt.; as well as his longtime companion Beverly Delisle and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his sister, Shirley DeMarco Lyman, on August 23, 1995.

Funeral notice: A Liturgy of Christian Burial for Daniel F. DeMarco will be celebrated Friday, September 16, 2016, at 11 a.m. at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church.  Burial will follow in Southview Cemetery.  

Calling hours are Thursday, September 15, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Flynn & Dagnoli-Montagna Home for Funerals, West Chapel, 521 West Main St., North Adams. Donations may be made in his memory to the funeral home.