Daniel L. Czech

Daniel L. Czech, 67, of Amsterdam, New York, passed away on Thursday, July 31, as a result of a fire at his home. He was born in Amsterdam, New York on April 10, 1958, the son of Alphonse J. and Stephanie V. Czech.
A lifelong city resident, Dan graduated from Bishop Scully High School in 1976. Upon graduation, he went to New York City armed not with a fancy portfolio, but his drawings carried only in a paper bag, and he was accepted into the prestigious Parsons School of Design.
Following graduation from Parsons, Dan's career included employment at Sunshine Gardens and Covell's Furniture in Amsterdam and Experience & Creative Design in Schenectady. For the last 22 years, he worked as an interior designer with Saratoga Signature Interiors in Saratoga Springs.
Dan was an artist in every sense. His passion for beauty was evident in everything he touched - from the spaces he transformed, to the stunning floral arrangements, to the breathtaking holiday displays into which he poured his heart. He was a visionary whose eye for detail, sense of style and deep appreciation for artistry brought joy and wonder to all who had the privilege of viewing his work.
Dan had the honor of designing the cover of the 1980 Saratoga Race Track Season program and the 1982 Kentucky Derby program cover.
In recent years, Dan became "famous" for his beautiful, custom painted lawn jockeys which were purchased by clients from all across the country. His one-of-a-kind creations were featured during the nationally televised Belmont Stakes this June.
Dan loved sharing his creative talent with his community including the Amsterdam Free Library's Festival of Trees, the Old Fort Johnson's Garden Tea and Colonial Christmas, Amsterdam First Night, the Sanford Stud Farm and St. Mary's Hospital's Christmas in November. He also designed logos for many charitable events, t-shirts for Saratoga Thoroughbred Racing and the logo for St. Stanislaus Church.
Dan was a supporter of the Historic Amsterdam League, Yaddo, the Saratoga Hospital Foundation and the Saratoga Racing Museum. He was passionate about the history of Saratoga Springs and the Saratoga Race Course. He loved fine antiques and adding to his vintage gardening and Halloween collections.
Dan was extremely proud of his Polish heritage and his Roman Catholic faith. He was a devoted parishioner of St. Stanislaus Church and loved attending Mass at Auriesville Shrine each Summer. He was a faithful weekly Perpetual Adorer of the Blessed Sacrament at Church of the Holy Spirit in Gloversville.
Dan is survived by his dear friends Lori, Bill and Matthew Stachnik; Nancy Smith and Peter Flaherty; Colby, Tifanie and Harper Smith; Beth & Greg Abbattisti; Elizabeth Clough and his beloved Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Winston. Being Uncle Dan to Matthew and Uncle Knick Knack to Harper brought Dan his greatest joy. He was a quiet, kind, creative soul and he will be deeply missed.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Thursday, August 7, 2025 at 11:00 am at St. Stanislaus Roman Catholic Church, 50- 52 Cornell Street, Amsterdam, NY with The Very Rev. O. Robert DeMartinis E.V. as celebrant. A calling period will be held prior to the funeral Mass on Thursday, August 7 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am in the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Daniel's memory to: St. Stanislaus Church, 50- 52 Cornell Street, Amsterdam NY 12010
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Rose & Hughes Funeral Home, 200 Church Street, Amsterdam, NY 12010. Please visit Daniel's tribute at www.roseandhughesfh.com