Pastor Daniel Donzelli

Pastor Daniel Donzelli, 66, passed away at home on Sunday, April 8, 2018 in the presence of his loving family. He leaves behind his loving wife, Norma of 39 years; his two children, Paul Donzelli and Suzanne Cerniglia (Salvatore); and three precious grandchildren, Caleb (age 12), Grace (age 11) and Juliette (age 3). They are left with many happy memories. He also leaves behind two brothers, John Donzelli (Carolyn) and Joseph Donzelli (Janine); two sisters, Marie Chamberlain and Linda Carbonaro (Ronald); as well as many nieces and nephews.He was predeceased by his parents, the late Joseph and Marie (Palma) Donzelli.Pastor Dan worked in construction for most of his life. He retired from his work as a residential and commercial builder at the time of his kidney transplant in 2008. He was a hardworking man who would never ask any of his employees to perform a task that he himself wouldn't first do.Pastor Dan's work ethic was a crowning symbol of a man whose Christian values exemplified his behavior both on and off the job. A man of deep faith and belief in the Lord, Pastor Dan accepted the Lord as his personal Savior at the age of 24. He continued to serve the Lord first as deacon, then elder and Pastor for the rest of his life. His wife Norma served by his side for the 39 years of their marriage. Pastor Dan passed away on their 39th wedding anniversary. His passion was to share the Gospel with anyone he met and to explain the power of God through the Cross of Jesus. The churches he had in Brooklyn and Upstate here in Schenectady were storefront churches where people who came in were met with the love of God. He pastored The Little Flock Christian Church and Fellowship in Schenectady for over 20 years. He will be missed by all who were fortunate enough to have known this man. To know him was to love him.Pastor Dan and his wife Norma had a special ability to prepare couples for marriage and also to intervene in times of crises to help people through it and back onto solid ground. Their work together in the Lord will touch many generations to come. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the medical people who cared for Pastor Dan over the last decade and longer, especially Dr. David Conti and the entire renal transplant team at Albany Medical Center; Dr. Thomas Schumacher, Dr. Robert Kennedy, Dr. Steven Weitz, Dr. George Hughes and Dr. Thomas McMahon. We are forever indebted to the anonymous kidney donor whose kidney gave Pastor Dan ten extra years with his family.A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, April 14 at 12 p.m. at Griswold Funeral Home, 1867 State St., Schenectady. All are welcomed. The family will also receive relatives and friends from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home.To express condolences and for more information, please visit sbfuneralhome.com.

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