Daniel J. Bax, 83, formerly of Lewiston, NY, died on Wednesday February 18, 2009 at Schoellkopf Health Care Facility in Niagara Falls, NY. Born in Niagara Falls, NY he was the son of the late Romeo and Lena (DiSalvo) Bax.

Dan attended local schools and graduated from the former Trott Vocational High School where he was a member of their football team for three years. During World War II he served in the U.S. Merchant Marines and earned the title of weightlifting champ in the light heavy weight class in 1944. On September 6, 1948 he married Mary (Ruggiero) Bax at St. Joseph Church in Niagara Falls. Mrs. Bax predeceased him on June 12, 2004. He was employed as a foreman for ConRail, formerly New York Central Railroad, in Niagara Falls for forty five years, where he also served as Union President for thirty five years. Following his retirement he enjoyed working as a locksmith. Dan had an ardent passion for weightlifting and bodybuilding and during the late 1940's he operated a weightlifting gym. On May 4, 1946 he placed second in the Most Muscular Men in America competition in Philadelphia, PA and a finalist in the Mr. America contest in Chicago, IL in 1947, the year Steve Reeves won it. That same year he won the Strongest Man contest in Hidden Valley, CA. He was also a professional wrestler for five years and appeared on the cover of National Weightlifting and Physical Culture magazine. Locally, Dan served as president of the Niagara Falls Barbell Club for twenty years and from 1960-1980 he was a weightlifter instructor at the Niagara Falls YMCA where he was honored for outstanding volunteer service in 1971. That same year he was the honoree of the St. Joseph Holy Name Old Timers for his service. While he was a resident at Schoellkopf Health Care Facility, Dan proudly served as the vice president of their resident council during his first year and as president during his second year.

Mr. Bax is survived by two daughters Marie Bradley of Carson, CA and Felicia (Ronald) Neigut of Blanco, TX and was predeceased by one son Romeo (Terri of Niagara Falls, NY) Bax. Survivors also include five grandchildren Daniel (Christa) Bax, Nicole Bax, Chad (Shelly) Marquette, Susan (Terry) Isgrig and Sarah (Tim) Reyes, eight great grandchildren, two sisters Ollie (late Emil) Lorenti and Betty (late Edward) Belson and several nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by two sisters Lucy (late Joseph) Salacuse and Celia (late Matthew) Kramarz and three brothers Joseph (late Marion) Bax, Alfonse 'Butch' (late Esther) Bax and Samuel "Chico" (Naomi "Nan" of Niagara Falls, NY) Bax.

Family and friends are invited to attend funeral services on Friday May 15, 2009 at 11:30 a.m. in St. Joseph's Cemetery Mausoleum Chapel, 3806 Pine Ave. Niagara Falls, NY with Rev. Duane Klizek officiating. Arrangements by M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 MILITARY ROAD, NIAGARA FALLS NY. If desired, memorial donations may be made to Meals on Wheels, 1920 18th Street, Niagara Falls, NY 14305.