Obituary for Dr. Daniel M. "Dan" DeStefano
Utica, NY. - Dr. Daniel M. "Dan" DeStefano, age 80, was ushered into the presence of his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, December 1, 2021.
He was born in Staten Island, NY, on September 3, 1941 the son of the late James and Mary (Musto) DeStefano. Dan was raised and educated in Staten Island, graduating from Curtis High School. His early career began in education, as a Biology Teacher for many years, until his quest for knowledge led him to continue his career in the medical field. He graduated from the College of Staten Island, Newark State College in Union, NJ, Medical School in Guadalajara Mexico, two years at New York Medical College, and a residency at Albany Medical Center. From 1989 until his retirement in 2003, Dr. DeStefano was employed by the New York State Office of Mental Health at Mohawk Valley Psychiatric Center, where he was the Unit Chief at Pinefield Children and Youth Services. Although he retired in this capacity, his dedication and skills led him to continue as the Child Psychiatrist with Herkimer County Mental Health until he fully retired in 2018.
Dan was blessed in marriage to the former Joanne Nicotera on September 26, 1992. The couple shared in a strong union that spanned over twenty-nine years.
He leaves his wife, soulmate, and best friend, Joanne, and their children; Staci (Michael) Claffey, Dawn DeStefano, Frank (Heather) Elias, Melissa (Brian Lanz) Elias, Edward Elias, Kristen (Nicholas) Gaetano, Rick (Latoya) Joseph, and Joy Joseph; special grandchildren, Emilee, Aislinn, Dylan, Hudson, Dallas, Louis, David, Michael, Nick, Cecilia, Sarah, Madelyn, Eddie, Ethan, and Blake. Also surviving are his sisters, Connie (Angelo) Montella and Lucy (Vito) Giobbie and many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, cousins, and in-laws. Dan was pre-deceased by his grandson, Alexander Elijah, his sister, Mary Galano, his brother-in-law, Anthony Montella, and his nephew, Anthony.
Dan will always be remembered for his kindness and compassion, which he conveyed to all who knew him. These special traits made him instrumental in the lives of everyone he came in contact with, whether it was personally or professionally. His legacy as a true man of God, who walked in his faith, will be remembered by all who knew him.
As incorporated in their wedding vows, this scripture has proven to be the basis of Dan’s life into eternity. Proverbs 3:5-6: He has trusted the Lord with all of his heart and has leaned not unto his own understanding. In all of his ways he has acknowledged Him and He has directed his path.
In keeping with Dan’s wishes there will be no public visitation. The family will honor and commemorate Dan’s life at a time to be announced in the spring, in the sanctuary of his backyard that he so artfully designed and loved. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Adrean Funeral Service, Inc., Utica, NY.
He was born in Staten Island, NY, on September 3, 1941 the son of the late James and Mary (Musto) DeStefano. Dan was raised and educated in Staten Island, graduating from Curtis High School. His early career began in education, as a Biology Teacher for many years, until his quest for knowledge led him to continue his career in the medical field. He graduated from the College of Staten Island, Newark State College in Union, NJ, Medical School in Guadalajara Mexico, two years at New York Medical College, and a residency at Albany Medical Center. From 1989 until his retirement in 2003, Dr. DeStefano was employed by the New York State Office of Mental Health at Mohawk Valley Psychiatric Center, where he was the Unit Chief at Pinefield Children and Youth Services. Although he retired in this capacity, his dedication and skills led him to continue as the Child Psychiatrist with Herkimer County Mental Health until he fully retired in 2018.
Dan was blessed in marriage to the former Joanne Nicotera on September 26, 1992. The couple shared in a strong union that spanned over twenty-nine years.
He leaves his wife, soulmate, and best friend, Joanne, and their children; Staci (Michael) Claffey, Dawn DeStefano, Frank (Heather) Elias, Melissa (Brian Lanz) Elias, Edward Elias, Kristen (Nicholas) Gaetano, Rick (Latoya) Joseph, and Joy Joseph; special grandchildren, Emilee, Aislinn, Dylan, Hudson, Dallas, Louis, David, Michael, Nick, Cecilia, Sarah, Madelyn, Eddie, Ethan, and Blake. Also surviving are his sisters, Connie (Angelo) Montella and Lucy (Vito) Giobbie and many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, cousins, and in-laws. Dan was pre-deceased by his grandson, Alexander Elijah, his sister, Mary Galano, his brother-in-law, Anthony Montella, and his nephew, Anthony.
Dan will always be remembered for his kindness and compassion, which he conveyed to all who knew him. These special traits made him instrumental in the lives of everyone he came in contact with, whether it was personally or professionally. His legacy as a true man of God, who walked in his faith, will be remembered by all who knew him.
As incorporated in their wedding vows, this scripture has proven to be the basis of Dan’s life into eternity. Proverbs 3:5-6: He has trusted the Lord with all of his heart and has leaned not unto his own understanding. In all of his ways he has acknowledged Him and He has directed his path.
In keeping with Dan’s wishes there will be no public visitation. The family will honor and commemorate Dan’s life at a time to be announced in the spring, in the sanctuary of his backyard that he so artfully designed and loved. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Adrean Funeral Service, Inc., Utica, NY.