Danny McNesby, DelDOT retiree, cherished friend
Danny McNesby, 69, passed away unexpectedly Monday, June 16, 2025, following open heart surgery.
Dan was born in Wilmington Jan. 29, 1956, to Margaret and Joseph McNesby, and grew up in Cleland Heights. He was raised in a close-knit family of six siblings who grew to become cherished friends. He attended Richardson Park Elementary and graduated from Conrad High School, class of 1975, where he was a member of the band and manager on the football team. After high school, Danny worked for the Department of Transportation - Turnpike Administration, retiring in 2018. He was affectionately known as "DelDOT Dan" by his many friends at the Defiance Athletic Association, which he frequented for many years.
Danny enjoyed family vacations but nothing better than traveling to Lewes and to his favorite pub at Irish Eyes (thank you Charlene and Tom), where he became cherished friends with a number of special Sussex Countians. A nonconformist, Danny was a diehard Washington Redskins fan, recruiting his brother Michael and nephew Shawn to also become lifelong fans. In spite of this minor flaw, Danny was a loving and loyal brother, along with being a gentle presence in the lives of his nieces and nephews. Many knew Danny as being a quiet, humble soul – often seen but not heard, slipping into the background of photos and never one to seek attention. He shared an especially close bond with his sister Trish and brother-in-law Jay Milewski, as well as nephews Brian and Jay. Danny's family will miss his knowledge of sports and music, his witty jokes and laugh, and his ability make everyone feel welcome while in his company. He taught us all that love doesn't need to be loud to be felt deeply.
Danny was preceded in death by his parents; brother Michael; sister-in-law Sharon; and brother-in-law John Bonk. His is survived by his sisters Trish Milewski (Jay) and Teesie Bonk; brothers Joe and Jerry; and longtime sister-in-law Debbie. Danny also had a special bond with his cousins Paul McCullin and Mike Brady, and lifelong friend Al Grandel. He's also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, and a host of great-nieces and -nephews.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 6 to 8 p.m., Thursday, June 26, at St. Elizabeth RC Church, Wilmington. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m., Friday, June 27, at St. Elizabeth. Burial will be held privately at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Margaret McNesby/Anna McCullin Endowed Nursing Scholarship (fund 169) at Delaware Tech. Donations may be made to the DTCC Educational Foundation, Office of the President, P.O. Box 897, Dover, DE 19903 or online at go.dtcc.edu/McNesby.
