Dante Paul Ierardi

Dante Paul Ierardi, 64, died Sunday, November 23, 2025, at his home after a long battle with cancer.
He was born on June 29, 1961, in Manchester, CT, a son of Beverly (Greco) Ierardi and the late Mario Ierardi.

He leaves his wife, Emily Granata, his step-daughter, Melanie Egan, and her husband Brian,
his granddaughter, Veronica, two brothers and a sister, Mario Ieradi and his partner Carol Rauch, Gemma Smalley and her husband David, and Dana Ierardi, an aunt, Diane Ierardi, four nieces, and several cousins.

Dante was a true road warrior, happiest with the open views, fresh air, and the thrill of discovering a good find to buy, sell, or trade. Though he carried a tough and quiet exterior, he was a teddy bear at heart—always ready to help, always asking, “What do you need? What are you looking for? I’ll find it.”

Outside of traveling with Emilie, he held a lifelong fascination with American-made locomotives and the many ways they helped move goods across the country. That love of movement and industry stayed with him his entire life.

Some of his most cherished memories, from childhood through adulthood, were spent “down the Cape,” where he enjoyed beach days and family gatherings with his extended family.

Dante’s kindness, generosity, and steady presence will be deeply missed by those he loved most—Emilie and his family.

Funeral services will be private.

If you wish, please make a memorial contribution to the Oncology Department at UMass Medical Center, 55 Lake Avenue North, Worcester, MA 01655.

Stone Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central Street, Winchendon, MA 01475, has been entrusted with Dante's care.