Dante L. Boria

Dante L. Boria, age 98, of Grand Rapids, formerly of Minnetonka, MN, passed away at his home surrounded by his loving family on Tuesday, July 22, 2025. Born in Hibbing, MN, on November 10, 1926, Dante was the son of Nazzareno and Italia (Bernucci) Boria. In 1945, at age 19, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy during the final chapter of World War II. After his service, he earned an engineering degree from the University of Minnesota. On September 10, 1949, Dante married the love of his life, Dorothy Kniffin, and their marriage spanned 65 wonderful years. He went on to own and operate a successful manufacturing representative firm, and after retiring, he and Dorothy moved to their lake home in Grand Rapids—a place they both treasured. Dante was a man of many passions—he took great joy in golfing, cheering on his favorite sports teams, tending to yard work, and savoring his signature 5 p.m. cocktail and social hour. But above all, he deeply cherished the time he spent with his family and friends. Dante is survived by his children: Daniel (Nancy) Boria, Peter (Lori) Boria, Carla (Karen) Boria, and Patrick (Tiffany) Boria; sister, Barbara Manney; as well as grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Dante was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy; infant daughter, Kelley Ann; parents, Nazzareno and Italia; sister, Ermine (Bert) Ackerson; brother, Aldo (Marcia) Boria; and sisters, Mary (Tony) Perrella and Eleanor (Joe) Sheldon. While he will be deeply missed, there is comfort in knowing he is reunited with his beloved Dorothy and the many family and friends who passed before him. A celebration of Dante’s life will be held on Saturday, September 13th at 11:30 AM at Peterson Funeral Chapel – 422 Roosevelt Street Coleraine, MN 55722. Visitation will be held from 10:30 AM until the beginning of the service at 11:30 AM.