Dante ‘Dan’ Cipollitti, 84, passed away peacefully on February 28, 2026. Born in Prezza, Province of L’Aquila, Italy, he was the son of Ini Cipollitti, who died in WWII and Domenica and John DiGregorio.

After migrating from Italy to Niagara Falls at 11 years old, Dan attended local schools. Dan served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War on Secret Service Detail from 1963 until his honorable discharge in 1965. He married Donna (Zimmermaker) on August 26, 1967. Dan owned and operated various businesses in Niagara County, including “Dante’s Ristorante” and “La Bruschetta”, where he formed many lasting friendships. He hosted annual “wild game” dinners that were enjoyed by many. Dan had a great passion for politics and the City of Niagara Falls. Dan held many charity events with proceeds going to “Camp Good Days”. He was a past member of the Knights of Columbus and stayed connected to the VFW Post in Youngstown, NY. Dan enjoyed sports and horse racing, but his greatest enjoyment was spending time with his family.

In addition to his beloved wife, Donna, Dan is survived by his children, Michael (Carrie) Cipollitti of Niagara Falls, NY, Matthew (Christine) Cipollitti of Lewiston, NY and his cherished granddaughters, Sadie and Lia Cipollitti. Dan is also survived by his siblings, Antonio (Theresa) DiGregorio, Flora (Gregg) Travis, MaryAnn (late Michael) DiGregorio, Joanne (Marc) Merino and Ricardo DiGregorio. In addition to his parents, Dan was predeceased by his brothers, Fernando (Stella) Cipollitti, PFC Joseph DiGregorio and Roberto (Janet) DiGregorio.

Visitation will be held on Monday, March 9 from 3:30 PM – 7:30 PM at M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 MILITARY ROAD, NIAGARA FALLS, NY 14304 where funeral services will begin on Tuesday at 9:15 AM followed by a Dante’s Mass of Christian Burial at 10 AM Holy Family Parish at St. Joseph’s Church, 1413 Pine Avenue, Niagara Falls, NY 14301. Interment will follow in Western New York National Cemetery in Corfu, NY. In lieu of flowers, memorial offerings may be made to the WNY Heroes, Inc, https://wnyheroes.org/, or Project 33 Memorial Foundation, https://www.p33memorialfoundation.org/. Visit mjcoluccifuneralchapel.com for online condolences.