Danilo "Danny" M. Molina

Danilo “Danny” Molina

October 18, 1943 — June 11, 2025

Danilo M. Molina of Orange, Connecticut, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on June 11, 2025. He was 81.

Born in Cebu, Philippines, Danny was the fourth of eight children of Eduardo and Aurora Molina. He grew up in Cebu, Manila, and Calauag, where he attended Calauag Central College.

In 1967, Danny moved to New York City, where he completed his studies at the New York Institute of Technology. He later met the love of his life, Olette, in Queens, NY. They were married on April 19, 1970, at St. Bartholomew’s Church and welcomed twin daughters, Ilene and Irene, in 1971. The family settled in Staten Island before moving to Freehold, New Jersey, in 1980, where they became deeply involved in both the religious and Filipino communities.

A devout Catholic and dedicated community member, Danny was active in various ministries at St. Rose of Lima Church in Freehold, including the Liturgy Committee, Baptismal Ministry, and Bereavement Ministry. His love for music found expression in the Music Ministry, where he was a choir member who offered to sing at Sunday Masses across several parishes, including St. Gabriel in Marlboro, St. Veronica in Howell, and Jesus the Lord in Keyport. Together with his wife, they volunteered weekly to do a prayer service and give communion at Monmouth Crossing Assisted Living in Freehold, Chelsea House in Manalapan and The Solana in Marlboro.  Danny was also a proud Fourth-Degree member of the Knights of Columbus.

Danny was a man of many passions. He loved dancing, swimming, and golfing, and was a skilled poker player who enjoyed frequent trips to Atlantic City with Olette. He was renowned for his generous hospitality, hosting legendary weekend barbecues and pool parties that brought family and friends together.

To know Danny—lovingly known as "Amor"—was to experience his boundless hope, positivity, and unwavering support. He was the rock for his family, always finding light in even the darkest of times. His love was unconditional, and his legacy is one of kindness, strength, and enduring joy.

Danny is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Olette; their daughters, Ilene McGrade and Irene Gallagher; his cherished granddaughter, Isabella McGrade; and sons-in-law, Daniel McGrade and Ian Gallagher. He also leaves behind his siblings, Lita, Johnny, Nicky, Pinky, and Cynthia. He is predeceased by his parents, Eduardo and Aurora, and two siblings.

A celebration of Danny’s life will be held on Thursday, June 19, 2025, from 8:30–10:30 a.m. at West Haven Funeral Home, 662 Savin Ave., West Haven, CT. A Funeral Mass will follow at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Infant Church, 450 Racebrook Road, Orange, CT.

Though we grieve, we take solace in knowing Danny's spirit will always be with us—lifting us up, reminding us to persevere, and to love one another fully.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Danny’s name to his beloved home church: St. Rose of Lima Church, Freehold, NJ (https://www.stroseoflima.com).

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