Daniel P. Piccioli

Daniel P. Piccioli

ALLEGANY - Daniel P. Piccioli, of Allegany, passed away Saturday (Sept. 30, 2023) at the age of 66.

Dan was born March 7, 1957, to Pasquale and Virginia Walsh Piccioli, in Olean, at St. Francis Hospital. On Oct. 24, 1987, he married the former Diana Neff at the former Transfiguration Church in Olean.

Danny grew up on North Fifth Street in Olean, a neighborhood full of friends of all ages who played sports, cards and listened to music. After graduating from Archbishop Walsh High School, he attended St. Bonaventure University, majoring in history. A proud member of the class of 1979, his affinity for his alma mater, particularly Bonnies basketball, was evident to all who knew him, mainly because of his encyclopedic knowledge of Bonnies' statistics, yearly records and game-specific scenarios.

For many years, Danny worked as manager of the Athletic Attic with and for his good friend Al Utecht. It was the perfect platform to share his outgoing personality, love of sports and great sense of humor. Later, Dan began working for Cattaraugus County in the child services division of social services. He was known for having a practical and compassionate approach to his work. Dan served as deputy commissioner of social services for eight years and, in 2013, was named commissioner.

Fair-minded and even-tempered were hallmarks of his time with the county, and he was ever proud of his service to his local community. Dan officially retired in 2018, almost two years after a tragic fall that resulted in a severe spinal cord injury that left him with quadriplegia.

An avid runner, Danny completed numerous marathons and dozens of 10k runs. He had an easily recognizable running gait, and local drivers often remarked that he ran a little too far into the roadway. He was also known for his poker-playing passion and ability. He coached freshman boys' basketball and tennis teams at Olean High School.

He is survived by his wife, Diana of Allegany; his son, Bryan (Karissa) of Las Vegas, Nev.; and his daughter, Lauren (Ryan) Dotterer of Herndon, Va. Two recent additions to the family, grandson, Otto Piccioli and granddaughter, Willow Dotterer, brought Dan great joy. He is also survived by his brother, Patrick (Betsey) of East Rochester; his sister, Mary of Allegany; his sister-in-law, Margel Piccioli of Bradford, Pa.; and numerous cousins and nephews.

Danny was predeceased by his beloved parents; and by his in-laws, Harry and Mary Neff. In addition, his two older brothers, Lewis and Richie, preceded him in death.

Dan had a deep and abiding love and appreciation for his daughter-in-law Karissa and son-in-law Ryan, who provided great strength during the journey with their spouses in support of Dan and Diana from the time of Dan's injury.

A devoted circle of friends helped sustain Danny through visits, phone calls and cards. Out-of-towners who made extra trips to the area to be sure to visit with Danny, a traveling barbeque chef provided some of Danny's favorite meals. There were short yet meaningful stops in Machias to say hello and visits after a Bonnies or Bills game to review every bit of the game - please know how grateful our family is for all of this. Terry Brennan, MJ Telford and Craig Zuckerman made weekly visits with Danny that meant the world. Theresa Reynolds, a home health aide, took wonderful care of Dan and assisted the family greatly. The Piccioli family is very grateful for the prayers offered for Dan and his family over the years.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday (Oct. 5, 2023) at Guenther Funeral Home in Olean, 1303 E. State St. There will be a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. Friday (Oct. 6, 2023) at St. Bonaventure Church, 95 E. Main St., Allegany. Burial will be at the family's convenience.

Donations in Danny's memory may be made to a charity of the donor's choice or to the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, 636 Morris Turnpike, Suite 3A, Short Hills, NJ 07078.

Online condolences can be expressed at http://www.guentherfh.com/.