Daniel J. Alden

Daniel J. Alden, known to most as Dan, or affectionately as “Dan the Man,” passed away peacefully at his home in Waltham, Massachusetts, on Sunday, October 26, 2025, in the company and care of his children. He was 71.

Dan was the devoted husband to the late Elaine (MacDonald) Alden, son of the late Ralph L. Alden and Lillian M. (Pedersen) Alden, and brother of the late Wayne L. Alden. He leaves behind his two children, Michael Alden of Waltham and Samantha Alden of Saugus, and his beloved granddaughter, Aaliyah Camacho of Saugus. He is also deeply missed by many cousins, friends, nieces, nephews, and neighbors.

Dan spent many of his days with his loyal companion and daytime watchdog, ‘Mr. Ralph.’

A lifelong resident of Waltham, he graduated from Waltham High School, Class of 1973. Dan dedicated forty-nine years of his life to Raytheon, spending thirty-five of those years as a group leader and mentor. He specialized in sheet metal, precision TIG, and aluminum welding, earning the respect and admiration of many colleagues and friends.

Throughout his career, Dan not only mastered his craft but also built lifelong friendships. His guidance and mentorship left a lasting impact on everyone he worked with. After many years of dedicated service, when asked about his plans, Dan would smile and say, “Nothing—I’m retired!” followed by his signature laugh, recognizable to all who truly knew him.

Always in his Carhartt shirt and jeans, Dan found joy in hard work and the simple pleasures of home life. His dry sense of humor made him unforgettable. His passions extended far beyond his work, with a primary emphasis on family and friendships.

With Elaine, one of their proudest accomplishments was building their dream home, right beside Dan’s childhood home. He would proudly refer to it as his “Seven Gables” on “Alden Mountain.”

In addition to being a provider, he took pride in passing on his knowledge to his children, sharing life lessons of independence, commitment, and dedication. He taught them how to fix anything—from carpentry and household repairs to welding and mechanics. He shared his passion for cooking and was the ultimate organizer, always insisting, “do things right or not at all.”

Beyond his family, Dan was a loyal friend, always willing to help—even for strangers he barely knew.

On any day, you could find him soaking up the sun on his porch with Ralph, enjoying classic rock, country, or talk radio. At other times, he would be in his recliner, watching the Pats, following all forms of racing, or getting lost in Yellowstone marathons. He especially cherished his monthly breakfasts with his buddies from Raytheon.

Dan lived his life with passion and pride, caring for his home and everyone around him. He was a man of many talents, always finding ways to fuel his creative side.

Dan will be remembered for his kind eyes, contagious smile, and straightforward yet caring nature. His strength, resilience, generosity, loyalty, and love were truly unmatched. His legacy lives on in the lessons he taught, the laughter he inspired, and the love he left in the hearts of many — and, most importantly, for always reminding everyone that “Life is good.”

Family and friends will honor and remember Dan’s life by gathering for an Evening Wake at The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham, on Monday, November 3rd, from 4 to 7 p.m. Burial will be private.