Mr. Vincent J. Dannes

Mr. Vincent J. Dannes, age 95, passed away on September 3, 2014 at the Snow Hill Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Maryland with his family by his side. Born in Utica on January 19, 1919, Vinnie was the son of the late Albert J. and Santina (Ferrera) Dannes. Raised and educated locally, he was a graduate of Utica Free Academy/Class of 1937. A veteran of the United States Army, he honorably served his country stationed stateside. On June 6, 1943 he married the former Lucy D. Simbari with whom he shared 59 years prior to her passing on February 22, 2003. Vinnie is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Donna and Vito Potenza of Berlin, Maryland; his son and daughter-in-law, Albert R. and Judy Dannes of Niskayuna, NY; his grandchildren, Stephen and Colleen Potenza of NYC, Matthew and Alyson Potenza of Larchmont, NY, and Jeffrey and Elizabeth Dannes of Arlington, Virginia; and his great-grandchildren, Katherine Ann Potenza, Abigail Rose Potenza; Lucia Pross Potenza, Audrey Dannes Potenza, Edwyn Robert Potenza; Avelyn Rose Dannes, and Adelaide Marguerite Dannes. His extended family includes many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and in-laws, Roger Girouard of MA, William Stone of CA, Ann and Robert Cekosh of FL, Josephine Smart of GA, Sam and Nancy Simbari of Utica, John and Carolyn (Kitty) Simbari, Carmen and Carolyn Simbari all of AZ, and Shirley Simbari of Syracuse. He was predeceased by his sisters and brothers-in-law, Rose and Florindo “Flo” Ciancaglini, Mary and Mario Iovine, and Agatha and John Robertaccio; and his in-laws, Frank Simbari, Joseph Simbari, Anthony Simbari, Bernard Simbari, Guy Simbari, Eleanor Wells, Mary Ann Girouard, and Patricia Stone. Vinnie was employed at the A & P Tea Company Supermarkets as a Manager for 37 years. After leaving the A&P, he served as a Deputy Clerk for the Oneida County Court, the position from which he retired. Vinnie spent much of his life advocating and volunteering for children’s organizations, working for civic and community improvement, and celebrating ethnic pride and cultural traditions. He belonged to the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Fort Schuyler Post, served as an Officer of the East Side Senior Center, was a Founder and a President of the Sons of Italy Lodge, was an Officer of the Men’s Club, a member of the Usher Club, and the Holy Name Society at Blessed Sacrament Church where he was a parishioner for over sixty years. He served on the Catholic Lay Committee of Scouting and was a Cub Master of Cub Scouts. He also served as a Democratic Board Chairman and Committeeman for many years. He served on the Board of Directors of the Utica Transit Authority for 30 years, and as President of the Cornhill Youth Association and its Little League. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus for over 75 years. In the 1950’s and 1960’s he was honored with awards from the Knights for his devotion to the youth of the community. In 2003, illness brought Vinnie to the Albany/Niskayuna area for several months. He then returned to his home in Utica but desiring to be close to family, he returned to the Niskayuna/Latham area in 2006 and resided at Hearthstone Village independent living facility. During Vinnie’s 7 years at Hearthstone he made many new friends and enjoyed activities associated with senior living – poker, long rides, Italian delis, community parties and gathering with family often and at holidays. Not to be forgotten are the grocery store van trips together with friends. In May 2013 Vinnie moved into an assisted living facility in Salisbury, Maryland to be closer to his daughter. He enjoyed his new friends, visiting the Ocean City boardwalk and watching people but refused to eat crabs or cheer for the Baltimore Orioles. A lifelong Yankees fan, he donned his Yankee cap every day. Vinnie continued to show his love for his wife Lucy by remembering her until his passing with a rose on the anniversary of their first meeting and on her birthday. He will be remembered as a lovely gentleman with a sharp mind, quick wit and a penchant for discussing politics. His family all know the words to “A Bicycle Built for Two” because he sang it often – he was a happy man. Vinnie received long term care and support through outpatient services at the Albany Stratton Veteran’s Administration Hospital. Special thanks to the Silver Team, especially Dr. Molly Shulan, Dr. Michael O’Neill, the adult day care center and the rehab staff. The family wishes to thank the nurses and staff of the Snow Hill Nursing & Rehabilitation Center for all the care and attention shown to Vinnie during his stay. Thanks also to the personnel of Coastal Hospice at the Ocean for the empathetic support and comfort rendered to Vinnie during his final journey. Visitation will be held Sunday, September 21 from 2 to 5 pm at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. In lieu of floral offerings, expressions of sympathy in the form of donations may be made to Albany/Stratton Veteran’s Administration 113 Holland Avenue (135), Albany, NY 12208 or Coastal Hospice at the Ocean, 2604 Old Ocean City Rd., P.O. Box 1733, Salisbury, MD 21802-1733; envelopes for each charity will be available at the funeral home. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Vinnie’s funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Monday September 22, at 10 am at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish where his Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. James Cesta. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Mr. Vincent J. Dannes

January 19, 1919 - September 3, 2014