Remembering Trustee Emeritus Daniel J. Altobello ’59

The Canterbury community mourns the passing of Daniel J. Altobello ’59, who died peacefully on September 2, 2022, after a long illness.

Dan Altobello was born on February 28, 1941, in Westfield, Massachusetts. A proud graduate of the Class of 1959, he was a most loyal and generous supporter of his alma mater, whose stalwart commitment to the Annual Fund remains unsurpassed. Equally as generous with his time and talent, Dan served on the Board of Trustees from 1974 to 1986 and was honored with the distinction of Trustee Emeritus in 2013. Upon receiving this title, Dan wrote to then-Headmaster Thomas J. Sheehy III, “I am deeply appreciative of all that Canterbury has given me in my brief stay there.” To be sure, Canterbury is profoundly grateful for all that Dan had given throughout his lifetime to his beloved school. 

“Dan was a true Cantuarian who cared for and served Canterbury School for many years. His friendship and devotion will be greatly missed,” said Head of School Rachel Stone P ’23, ’24. “From his exceptional support on behalf of our students to his guidance and expertise as a Trustee, Dan was a valued member of the Saints family.”

Fellow alumnus and Canterbury Trustee Lawrence Fisher II ’77 has fond memories of his good friend. “Dan was one of the most special people I have ever known,” Larry said. “He was such a pleasure to be with, whether it was at his office discussing family or at some event. Every time you dealt with Dan, it was a high point of your day.”

Prior to his retirement from the travel and tourism industry, Dan was the Director and Chairman of Onex Food Services, Inc., the parent corporation of Caterair International, Inc. and LSG/SKY Chefs. From 1989 to 1995, he served as Chairman, President, and CEO of Caterair International Corporation following a decade of holding various managerial positions with the food service management and in-flight catering divisions of Marriott Corporation. He began his management career at Georgetown University as Vice President of Administration Services.

He received an M.B.A. from Loyola College Graduate School and a B.A. in English from Georgetown University. He attended Harvard University’s Graduate Institute for Educational Management as well.

The Canterbury community extends condolences to Dan’s wife of 59 years, Maureen; their two sons Mark and David; and the entire Altobello family and joins them in remembering the legacy of an extraordinary man. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Our Lady of Mercy Church, 9200 Kentsdale Drive, Potomac, Maryland, on Friday, September 16, at 11:00 AM. The full obituary can be viewed here.