Mr. Francis Paul Daniels

Mr. Francis “Paul” Daniels, Retired UFD, age 85, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 19, 2015 at the Masonic Care Community of NY surrounded by his loving family. Born in Utica on April 4, 1930, Francis was the son of the late Daniel and Mary (Torchia) Daniels. He was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School. On August 26, 1950 he married the former Frances Coriale with whom he shared 64 years filled with laughter and many wonderful memorable moments. Their union was that of their era and during the latter parts of their lives they were cared for by their family. They most recently resided at the Masonic Care Community together. Francis strived for success in his profession as a firefighter with the Utica Fire Department which began in 1953, protecting and serving his community for 33 years. He was promoted to Lieutenant and Chief Inspector, and in 1972 assumed command of the Fire Prevention Bureau until his retirement in 1986. He truly held in his heart a brotherhood with those he served, and this was a paramount and meaningful time in his life. When not attending to his firefighting duties, he had also been an employee of the Caruso Cheese Company where he worked alongside his late brother-in-law, Mike Caruso. He then ventured into his own business as founder of F&P Distributors providing wholesale Italian products to fine restaurants and pizzerias within the Utica, Rome, and Mohawk Valley. Continuing to be industrious, he helped his grandson Eddie behind the counter of Little Italy Imports, where they made many memories together. Paul helped people find a reason to smile; some of that came from his God given gift to socialize and his fun loving, witty personality. He will be remembered for his genuine, outgoing ability to connect with everyone. As a member of the Daniels family, he had the innate ability to have a culinary flair that not only was seen at his own home, and among his family, but was evident at the fire house where he was always in charge of the kitchen. His love for cooking often reminded him of his own family’s knowledge of how to create Italian delicacies. Paul proved time and again that his hard work ethic provided for the well being of his wife and children, and these personal traits are apparent in the success of the legacy he leaves. He spent everyday enjoying simple activities like tinkering around, and mowing the lawn. When his house was full and his family was together you couldn’t find a happier man. On a social level, he enjoyed playing a friendly hand of cards with his buddies, handicapping the horse races at Vernon Downs, and being a member of the Idiot Club. He spent many Sunday mornings delivering loaves of bread and visiting with family and friends, earning him the title of “the bread man”. All in all, he proclaimed his love for his family and was very grateful for the respect and dedication they showed him. Francis is survived by his wife, Fran; his children and their spouses, Deborah “Debbie” and Joseph Pecorello of New Hartford, Paul and Jeanne Daniels of Whitesboro, David and Kim Daniels of Marcy, and Gail and Francis Manfredo of Marcy with whom Paul and Fran resided for numerous years prior to their move to the Masonic Home; his grandchildren, Edward and Brenda Majka, Shelley Majka and companion Kyle Adams, and Bryon Pecorello and companion Alissa Passalacqua; Heather Daniels and her partner Misty Gwyn, P.J. and Heather Daniels, Tyler Daniels, and Anthony Daniels; Mariah Manfredo, and Morgan Manfredo; and David Daniels; his great-grandchildren, Wyatt Daniels, Siddalee Daniels; and Nico Majka; and his sisters and brother-in-law, Olga and Ralph Grandinette of New Hartford, and Shirley Vescera of CA; his in-laws, Theresa Daniels, Theresa Coriale, Mary and Ricardo “Ricky” DePerno; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and many wonderful friendships throughout the years. He was predeceased by his brothers and sister-in-law, Daniel “Dan” Jr. and Lucy Daniels, and Jeffery E. “Barney” Daniels, Sr.; his sisters and brother-in-law, Sandra and Michael Caruso, Althea Henderson Paige, and Marjorie Daniels; and his in-laws, Anthony and Louise Coriale, Philomena “Fannie” and John Feole, John A. and Gladys Coriale, Rose M. Woods, Catherine “Kitty” Polizzi, and Victoria and Michael Sassone. The family is grateful to all the nurses and aides of the Masonic Care Community Monticello Household, especially Marcia, Vicki, and Amanda. The respect, the love, and personal attention they shared with “Papa” will always remain in the hearts of his family. Visitation will be held on Monday from 4-7 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Memorial contributions in his memory may be considered to the American Red Cross Mohawk Valley Chapter to support the Home Fire Prevention Campaign; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Paul’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence at 7:00 at the conclusion of visitation offered by Rev. Joseph Salerno; with honors conferred by the Utica Fire Department. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Mr. Francis Paul Daniels

April 4, 1930 - June 19, 2015