Daniele Di Iulio took his pursuit for answers to the next level on January 13, 2022, at the age of 77.
His journey began April 17, 1944, in Castelnuovo, L’Aquila, Italy, where he was born to Anna and Alberto Di Iulio (both predeceased), the youngest of four — brother Emidio Di Iulio (predeceased), sister Marianna Zanghi (predeceased) and sister Guiliana Graniero.
As with most worthy adventures, he traveled to the unknown, immigrating to the United States with his family at the age of 11. They sailed across the sea on the infamous Andrea Doria, landing at Ellis Island on January 13, 1955, and settling in Rochester, NY.
Despite having to learn the language, he excelled at academics and attended Cornell University where he majored in physics and minored in psychology, a curriculum that captured his interest in both the physical and social sciences. His future wife and lifelong partner, Patrizia Di Iulio, also captured his interest during this time, and the two were wed in August of 1968.
Upon graduating, Daniele, now Danny to many, went to work as a psychiatric social worker but decided to follow opportunities outside of his degree, paving the way for today’s millennials to do the same. And in another move ahead of his time, he eventually decided to leave the ‘man’ behind and let loose his entrepreneurial spirit, launching restaurant ventures that fed customers’ stomachs and employees’ souls.
Danny was always ready to give people a second chance and a job. He became a mentor to some, a pillar of support for others and a cheerleader for all – though they were silent cheers because Danny was also a very chill guy.
He liked to observe more than participate, study more than speak and stay calm rather than panic, but with a strong build and a stronger presence, nobody ever thought to put him in a corner.
He was there for family, too, raising four children – Renee Diiulio, Demetrius (Crystal) Di Iulio, Jason (Chandra) Di Iulio and Zachary Di Iulio – so that they, too, could turn their cockamamie ideas into reality. But his grandchildren hit the sweet spot of his heart and brought him out of his shell: Alessandro and Isabella Di Iulio, Jacob and Mason Di Iulio and Rachel and Caleb Riga.
Danny was an avid reader and loved science and spiritual topics, especially when he could put them to use. He knew how an engine worked and could fix one. He knew why pizza dough rose and how to make it taste delicious. He knew plant biology and how to tend a beautiful garden.
What he did not know – or rather, had not yet figured out – was the “unknown”, and he studied that, too, exploring religious texts, philosophers and even the “supernatural.” Why are we here? What makes us who we are? Are there aliens?
We still don’t know, but he’s chuckling now because he does. And as we look back on his life and notice the weird collection of double numbers, we are sure it doubles his amusement that he’s left a few mysteries of his own.
A Viewing will be held Friday, January 21, 2022, 4pm-6pm, at Keenan Funeral Home, 1705 Pittsford-Palmyra Rd., Fairport, NY 14450. A funeral mass for Dan will be held Saturday, January 22, 2022, 10:00am, at the Church of Resurrection, 63 Mason Rd., Fairport, NY 14450.
Comments
25 responses to “DiIulio, Daniele”
Pat and family I am so sorry for your loss. He sounds like a “super”man. Sending prayers your way.
Danny was a great cousin and we shared many
Ideas and thoughts
He will be sadly missed .
A beautiful tribute to what sounds like a life filled with love and continued growth. I’m so sorry for your loss.
At a loss for them, I believed there were no words to capture my Uncle. I was wrong. On January 13, 1955 you began a new life. On January 13, 2022 you begin a new one. See you when we get there. Love you forever.
It was a genuine pleasure to have known this kind and gentle man. He starts a new journey now. I wish the family strength and peace.
Very sorry for your loss.
Patty so sorry for your lose Danny will be missed.
Pat, Jerry and I are so very sorry for the loss of Danny. Our hearts are breaking and remembering all the great laughs we had together. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of sorrow. We love you dear friend.
Pat, Jerry and I are so very sorry for the loss of Danny. Our hearts are breaking and remembering all the great laughs we had together. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of sorrow. We love you dear friend.
So sorry for your loss Patty. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
Pat I’m so sorry for losing the love of your life…prayers and condolences go out to you and family.
I met him when he was a young teenager when I visited my uncle and aunt -his sister Marianna. Wish I knew him as an adult.. my condolences to my cousins and his family.. beautifully written eulogy.
Pat, My love and prayers are with you. Dan was a great man he touched many people in so many ways. His was a life – that made a difference. He was a man for all seasons. My prayers go out to all of you who knew and loved him. Blessings. Lisa Carr
Dear family of Dan, I’m very sorry for you loss. I knew him as Dan at Franklin HS in the 60’s as we graduated together in ’63. I remember Dan well, a quiet, unassuming student who helped me always with my Math class. Sounds like he had a wonderful life which I am grateful for. sending prayers to his family……Sincerely, Marilyn Di Prima Grasso
Renee (and family) so sorry for the loss of your dear father. Condolences to you all. May his memory be a blessing.
Pat, my sincere condolences to you and the family. I will keep you all in my prayers
Joan
Loved the life story! He truly was a Renaissance Man! Will miss him. His quiet presence, but you knew he was listening and gathering his thoughts whenever he was around a crowd. He wasn’t the life of the party but he enjoyed being with his family and friends!
Dear Pat and Family, we are so sorry for your loss. Dan lived a purposeful life and will not be forgotten. It’s not the number of years in your life that matters but the life in your years . We hope the wonderful memories that you shared together, provides comfort for you and your family at this difficult time.. You’re in our thoughts and prayers
My condolences to the Diiulio family. On behalf of my entire family, we are all so sorry to hear of the loss of Dan and hope the happy memories over the years bring you comfort in the days ahead. Much love and sending hugs to you all – The Podgurs
My condolences to the Diiulio family. On behalf of my entire family, we are all so sorry to hear of the loss of Dan and hope the happy memories over the years bring you comfort in the days ahead. – The Podgurs
We were saddened to hear of the extraordinary loss to the Di iulio family. Patricia, we always enjoyed seeing you and Danny. We are thinking of you and your family. Danny would really be proud of such a beautiful tribute to his life. Sending love. ❤️ The Di Iulio Family
OUR condolences to the DiIulio famiily
Patty and I send our condolences to you and your family. I enjoyed my conversations with Dan. He was passionate person about what he believed, but he was willing to listen and respectfully accept and share insights.. He will be missed.
Patty and I send our condolences to you and your family. I enjoyed my conversations with Dan. He was passionate person about what he believed, but he was willing to listen and respectfully accept and share insights.. He will be missed.
Pat,
We are so sorry for your loss. May happy memories sustain you through these difficult times. Much love to you and your family.