'Miracle Man' 'Superman' 'Santa Dan'

Daniel T. Serianni, Sr., 71, of Niagara Falls, NY, a loved and admired husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather passed away at his residence on Sunday December 23, 2012, surrounded by his loving family while under the care of Niagara Hospice. Born in Niagara Falls, NY, he was the son of the late Anthony and Louise (Robinson) Serianni, Sr.

At the young age of 16 and 18, Dan and the former Anita M. Deal married and began their journey together in the former Sacred Heart Church, Niagara Falls, NY on November 28, 1959. Mr. Serianni attended local schools and was a 1959 graduate of one of over 600 students in Niagara Falls High School's largest graduating class ever. Dan was a star athlete at Niagara Falls High School, lettering in baseball, basketball and track. In his earlier years he was president of the youth organization at Our Lady of Lebanon Church and whose baseball team won the Diocese of Buffalo Championship.

Dan began his work history as a pipefitter for ten years at Hooker Chemical Corporation in Niagara Falls, NY, where he also played on their fast pitch baseball team. In between jobs, Mr. Serianni became certified in hotel management and eventually was employed, in management, at the downtown Parkway Ramada Inn, Niagara Falls, NY. In later years, Dan took several courses and earned several certifications, for hazardous waste operations. Mr. Serianni was employed with Newco & Cecos, both in Niagara Falls, NY, where he managed field operations and Special Projects. Dan also worked with the City of Niagara Falls, NY as a Civil Defense Director and Safety Director. Dan, then became President of Envirosure Inc. in Buffalo, NY and Operations Manager of Modern Disposal in Model City, NY, until he retired in 2006. Dan and Anita planned to retire to Reno, NV where they acquired many dear friends at St. Rose of Lima Church in Reno. Dan and Anita also enjoyed participating in the Arts, Theater and outdoors in Reno, NV. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus St. John Vianney Council #13842 at St. Rose of Lima Church.

Dan served as Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny for several years at the Summit Park Mall in Wheatfield, NY. As Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny he personally enjoyed witnessing the magicalness of his grandchildren experiencing these special times, as well as many of our friend's children. Dan also re-organized the Sacred Heart Church basketball program, where he mentored and coached the boys basketball team. Mr. Serianni was a board member and coach for the Cataract Little Loop Football Association and Hyde Park Little League Association, as well as on the Board of Directors for the Niagara Falls Lancers Football Team. Dan and Anita served as volunteers for the Annual Niagara Falls Festival of Lights and at the Catholic Worker food pantry during the Christmas season. He was the beloved past-president of the Niagara Falls, Volare Lodge #269 and a recipient of the Memorial Medical Center Good Neighbor Award. Mr. Serianni was a lifelong member of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish where he served as a Eucharistic Minister, treasurer of the men's club and received their Award of Appreciation for his dedication and loyalty to the parish. Dan truly loved Mt. Carmel Church and all the parishioners dearly loved him.

Dan enjoyed gardening, puttering around the house, watching sports, walking and playing football pools. He was a hardworking humble man who most importantly enjoyed spending time with his family and participating in family gatherings until he was no longer able to.

In addition to his wife of fifty three years, Mr. Serianni is survived by six children Anita M. Rinaldis of Aldie, VA; Daniel T. (Ramona) Serianni, Jr. of Lewiston, NY; Catherine R. Young of Niagara Falls, NY; Louisa M. (Terry) Piguet of Wheelersburg, OH; Maureen "Moe" E. Serianni of Niagara Falls, NY and Derrick S. (Anneliese) Serianni of Lewiston, NY; eleven grandchildren Anthony (Jessica) Rinaldis; step granddaughter Christine (Brad) Campbell; Raquel (Dominic) Ventresca, Danielle (Sean) Mooradian, Gabrielle Serianni; Stephanie Broadway, Stephen Broadway; Kristina (David) Shope, Kori (Chris) Howard, Ashley Phillips; Daniel Baptiste Serianni, step-granddaughter Kylie Tyler; thirteen great-grandchildren Makenna; Ava and Luca; Caitlin and Chloe; Deahvion, Syncere and Taniya; Sha-niya; Michael, Devon and Zachary; Dalton; one sister Louise Meyers of Niagara Falls, NY; his loving aunts Clara (late Ray) Robinson, Ruth Clements, his uncle Arthur Anstedt, his sisters and brothers-in-law and several nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, countless cousins and very special neighbors and friends especially Tammy Cook, Noni Lee and Papa Lou Grande. He was predeceased by one brother Anthony (Wendy) of Ransomville, NY) Serianni and one sister Katherine (Fred formerly of Niagara Falls, NY) Hartmann.

Visitation will be on Friday from 3 – 7 p.m. at the M.J.COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 MILITARY ROAD, NIAGARA FALLS, NY. Family and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, December 29th at 10 a.m. in Holy Family of Jesus, Mary & Joseph at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, 27th Street and Independence Avenue, Niagara Falls, NY with Rev. Duane R. Klizek officiating. EVERYONE PLEASE ASSEMBLE AT CHURCH. Entombment in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Lewiston, NY. In lieu of flower memorials in Danny's honor may be made to Mt. St. Mary's Hospital, 5300 Military Road, Lewiston, NY 14092; St. Jude Center for Pastoral Care and Wellness, 760 Ellicott Street, Buffalo NY 14203 and Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph Parish Restoration Fund, 1413 Pine Avenue, Niagara Falls, NY 14301.