Louis J. Danna

Louis J. Danna, 88, of Lititz, and formerly of Fort Lee, New Jersey and Turin, Italy, a resident of Moravian Manor and a beloved friend passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 29, 2026 after a brief illness.

Born in Torino (Turin) Italy, Louis was the son of the late Salvatore and Elvita Boggio Danna. Following the death of his father, a victim of World War II when he was four years old, his mother and he fled to France, returning to Turin following the war.

Louis completed the Italian equivalent of high school in Turin and was fortunate enough to gain an apprenticeship at Rolex in Geneva, Switzerland. His professional career began here when he became a talented jewelry designer and master horologist (watchmaker).

In 1965 he was recruited by the vice president of a watchband manufacturer to migrate to the United States where he established himself in Fort Lee NJ in an Italian community. Louis’s wife joined him briefly but did not acclimate to life in the United States and returned to Italy for the rest of her life.

Louis’s extraordinary career continued as he became a jewelry designer for Avon in Manhattan, later moved to Rhode Island where he was vice president of a jewelry company and eventually to the Franklin Mint in Pennsylvania. While at the Franklin Mint he was the lead project manager for the development of the Statue of Liberty clock which was presented to President Mitterrand of France by Ronald Reagan on the one hundredth anniversary and commemorative celebration of the Statue of Liberty gift to the United States.

The Franklin Mint also held the license to develop luxury pieces with the House of Faberge. Louis worked with Carl Igor Faberge, last in line of famous jewelers to the Russian royalty and other wealthy Europeans.

When Joseph Segal, a famous entrepreneur who had founded the Franklin Mint embarked on a new venture, he persuaded Louis to join him as Vice President of Purchasing at QVC. As one of the founders of QVC and throughout all of his careers, Louis was admired and respected for his creativity, intelligence, skills, and talent for negotiation. His charisma and charming accent won him lifelong associates and contacts that became lifelong friends from the companies he worked with and colleagues he had met in his worldwide travels as an international executive.

Louis never stopped evolving. Growing dissatisfied with the corporate lifestyle he returned to Widener University and Rosemont College to become certified to teach French, German, Italian, and Spanish. Teaching at several private and public high schools, eventually completing his career in education at Ridley High School where he retired after 15 years of service.

Never understanding how to settle down and relax, Louis became a volunteer at the Philadelphia Visitor’s Center and worked for a number of private tour companies. With his multilingual talents he also tutored and translated for English speaking students and friends.

After moving to Moravian Manor Communities Louis also became engaged in community activities and resident council.

Louis will forever be remembered for his undeniable gifts that he graciously shared with all who met him. His enthusiasm for entertaining, educating, and encouraging lifelong relationships will never be forgotten.

Services for Louis will be private. In Lieu of flowers contributions may be sent in Louis's memory to Moravian Manor Communities, 300 West Lemon Street, Lititz, PA 17543. Private Interment will be in Madonna Cemetery, Fort Lee, New Jersey.