Daniel J. " Danny" Benzo

Mr. Daniel J. “Danny” Benzo, , age 63, of Sauquoit, passed away on Saturday, April 2, 2011 in the comfort and privacy of his home with the love and support of his family by his side. Dan found peace after valiantly battling ALS and FTD over the past several years. Born in Utica on June 4, 1947, Daniel was the son of the late Anthony M. Sr. and Josephine (Massago) Benzo. Raised and educated locally, he was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School and later attended SUNY Brockport where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education and Health Education. He served as a member of the Army National Guard. On June 6, 1970 he married the former Eileen Adams with whom he shared 40 years. Theirs was an indescribable, epic love story, one that started as a true partnership from childhood. Danny began his career as a Health and Physical Education Instructor at New Hartford Central School where he worked from 1970-1976. The next chapter of his working life began as he volunteered his time and speaking skills to the American Heart Association as a representative and liaison to the Utica community, and then as Program Director of the Central New York Chapter from 1976-1978. He continued his involvement and advocacy of the American Heart Association his entire life, serving as Development Director from 1978-1986, Associate Director from 1986-1991, Executive Director from 1991-2000, and Senior Vice President/New York State Affiliate from 2000-2006. Through the years, he was a presenter at many National and State Conferences for the American Heart Association. He was the recipient of the Earle B. Beagle Award in 1999 for outstanding leadership and loyal service to the American Heart Association, and in 2000 he was awarded the honor of being named a Paul Harris Fellow by the Rotary Foundation in appreciation of tangible and significant assistance given for the furtherance of better understanding and friendly relations among peoples of the world. Danny’s civic, professional, and recreational affiliations were myriad including NYS Association for Professional Health Educators, NYS Teachers Association, National Education Association (NEA), American Heart Association, Split Rock Lodge, Society of American Heart Association, Professional Staff/NY State, Chairman 1981-82, Order of Sons of Italy in America, Volunteer President of BOCES District #1 Parent-Teacher Organization Special Education Center 1979-84, Member Cedar Lake Club Board of Directors 1989-92 and President 1999-2000, Member BOCES District #1 Advisory Council on Education for the Handicapped 1980-88, Member Advisory Board of Oneida County Respite Care Home 1984-88, Member Central NY Health Services Agency/Cardiac Services Task Force 1993-94, Member Board of Directors Central NY Health Systems Agency 1994-99, Member Utica Rotary Club 1994-present (Board Member 1999-01), Member CNYHSA Advisory Committee on Hospital Community Service Plans 1994. When Danny had any spare time he enjoyed golfing, fishing, hunting, swimming, and running. In looking back at Danny’s busy life, we know that his way to happiness was paved by all the lives that touched his heart. He lived his life guided by three virtues: common sense, respect, and honesty. He shared these values with others and that was all he expected in return. Dan is survived by his wife, Eileen; and his daughters, Jodi-Marie Benzo of Sauquoit, and Dana Benzo of Forest Hills, Queens, NY. Among those also left to mourn his passing are his brother, Anthony M. Benzo and companion Jane Collea of Utica; and his cousin who was like a sister, Angela Benzo Norman and her husband Rick of Oakland, CA; his aunts, Antoinette Benzo of CA, and Frances Benzo of New Hartford; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, godchildren, in-laws, Donald Adams of Thendara, Jack and Barb Adams of Woodgate, Dick and Sharon Adams of Ilion, Susan and Richard Carr of Whitesboro, and Russ and Linda Feltus of Liverpool; and his many dear and cherished friends, especially his extended family at United Cerebral Palsy Hatfield/Hall. He was predeceased by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Donald and Marie Adams; several aunts, uncles, cousins, and many longtime friends. The family extends sincere gratitude to the staff and residents of United Cerebral Palsy for their love, devotion, and support for Dan and his family over the past several years; thanks also to family and friends for their constant phone calls, visits, and support; and Julie and Navaz of Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc., for the vigilance and compassion rendered to Dan. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend a memorial gathering which will be held on Monday, (today) from 3:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Those wishing to express an act of kindness in lieu of flowers may make a donation to the United Cerebral Palsy Hatfield/Hall, ALS of Utica, Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc., or the American Heart Association; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Dan’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Tuesday morning at 10:00 at the funeral home officiated by longtime family friend, Rev. Felix Colosimo.

Daniel J. " Danny" Benzo

June 4, 1947 - April 2, 2011