Daniel DellaPenta, 78, Endicott, slipped the surly bonds of earth to touch the face of God March 30, 2014 at home, surrounded by his loving family and friends after an extended illness. He was greeted in heaven by his parents, Louis and Louise DellaPenta and many relatives and special friends. He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Sharon (Crawford) DellaPenta, his children, Daria and Michael Howard; Laurette Pero; Elizabeth DellaPenta and partner, Donna Costanzo; and Christine DellaPenta and partner, Cathy Dofton; cherished grandchildren, Lauren, Michael and Ryan Howard; Daniel and Brieyn Pero; Austin Kretzmer; Devyn and Caden DellaPenta; Justin and Lindsey Cassin; and his great-grandson, Domenico DeRigo. He is also survived by his older brother, Ronald (Mary) DellaPenta; sisters-in-law Irene Carosella, Marion Crawford and Lucille Crawford, and many loving nieces, nephews and cousins. His final months were eased by his devoted friends, Dominic and Connie Salamido, George and Donna Kozich and his special friends in the clergy. After graduating from UE High School in 1957, he enlisted in the Army, where he proudly served our county in the Korean Conflict. He retired from IBM after 35 years and was a member of the Quarter Century Club. He was a long time member of Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, where he utilized his cooking skills at many functions, a member of the American Legion Post 1700, Endicott and the Nocturnal Adoration Society. He was an avid gardener, a master in the kitchen and a tinkerer extraordinaire. Shar and the girls were his whole world, and his grandchildren and great-grandchild were the lights of his life. He was proud of all his children and grandchildren, and they will all miss their Dad and Papa. Dan and Sharon enjoyed their breakfasts at Panera and Wegmans, where they met many new friends. They also enjoyed traveling, and especially spending their winters in Destin, Florida with their newly found friends. Anyone who knew Dan will remember him for his amazing and unique sense of humor. He was his family’s rock and voice of reason. The family would like to express their gratitude to everyone at Endwell Family Physicians, especially Dr. Elinoff, Dr. Gehring and Mike. They are also appreciative of the help and support of Lourdes Hospice, especially Stacey, Mary, Dixie and Amy, as well as Julie and the rest of the staff at CVS Endicott.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday 9:30 am at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, 701 West Main Street, Endicott. The family will receive friends at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church Thursday from 4-7 pm. Expressions of sympathy in memory of Daniel may be made by a contribution to the Wounded Warrior Project or a charity of your choice.