Daniel Bena

Daniel Bena, born in McAdoo, Pennsylvania, on April 3, 1922, has walked his last mile on earth. "Captain Dan" left this life on May 28, 2007, surrounded by his family and comforted by their love. In 1949, he married Irene Bochnik, who predeceased him just before their 53rd anniversary in May, 2002. Dan was a very special Dad to his four children, Mary McFarlane, Irene Wasicsko, Barbara Bena and Daniel W. Bena, Jr. and a great "Pop" to his grandchildren, Jennifer and Michael Wasicsko and Kelly and Brian McFarlane. He did not spare his love and embraced his in-laws, Kevin McFarlane, Jan Hlewicki and Diane Hamele-Bena as if they were his own children. He is survived by one sister, Marge Martone of Yonkers and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by brothers, Louis, John and Edward and sisters, Rose and Betty. As a young athlete, Dan was known in Yonkers basketball circles for his accurate set shot, and he continued to play on many teams including that of the US Navy. Dan was retired from the U.S. Post Office. It is where he obtained his nickname "Captain Dan" as a registry clerk in the Yonkers Annex. Dan's favorite pastime was walking, and with that came talking to everyone he met; his energy and enthusiasm for life were contagious, and people responded to his friendly greetings wherever he went. He could be found meandering in Eastchester, Tuckahoe, Bronxville and the farthest corners of Yonkers. Dan enjoyed a simple life. He loved sports, nature, birds, all kinds of music, dancing, completing crossword puzzles and visiting the New Jersey Shore. Above all, he loved being with his family. Dan's zest for life carried him through these last two difficult months of health issues, and he fought a valiant fight, with courage, dignity and strength. But the fight is over and he's had to walk on. There will be calling hours at Whalen & Ball Funeral Home, 168 Park Ave in Yonkers on Thursday, May 31, 2007 from 2:00 to 9:00 pm A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 am at St. Casimir's Church, Nepperhan Avenue in Yonkers on Friday, June 1, 2007. Interment will be private at a later date. Donations may be made in Dan's name to the Yonkers Audobon Society, PO Box 616, Yonkers, NY 10703, C.A.R.E. International or your favorite charity. WHALEN & BALL FUNERAL HOME 168 Park Ave, Yonkers (914) 965-5488 wwwwhalenandballfh.co m