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Daniel Zaneski Obituary
In addition to his wife, Gail, he is survived by his daughter, Deborah Fiorella (Tom), and his son, Daniel F. Zaneski, II (Catherine), all of Madison. He was loved by his grandchildren, William, Ashley, Madison and Daniel Connor. He is also survived by his two brothers, William Zaneski (Kathy) and Peter Zaneski (Laurie), all of Waterford, along with many nieces and nephews.
Daniel was born on Dec. 21, 1945, in New London, the son of the late Bruno Zaneski and Clara Holloway. Daniel as a young man resided in Waterford, before settling in Madison. He graduated from Central Connecticut State University with a bachelor of science degree in education and his master's degree in counseling. Dan was a varsity letterman in both football and track while at Central. Sports were always a huge part of his life. Dan started his coaching career at Fitch Senior High School and was appointed head track and football coach at St. Paul's in Bristol, in 1969. He then pursued his love of coaching at the collegiate level in 1972, where he started the Mattatuck Community College football program. In 1974, his team captured the National Junior College Championship. He furthered his coaching career at the University of Louisville in Kentucky, Plymouth State University in New Hampshire and Maryville College in Tennessee. Dan closed out his coaching career as an offensive coordinator in the Semi-Professional American Football Association.
He then chose to focus on family, moving to Madison and was employed as a college administrator by the State of Connecticut at Three Rivers Community College. He retired in 2012.
Dan's love of sports did not stop at the professional level. Once in Madison, he helped to enrich the community with the beginning of the Shoreline Conference for Madison Youth Football, which is still a huge part of the community today. Everyone who knew him, knew football was his true passion, and his love of coaching and family ignited his internal fire. He will be missed by all of those who loved him.
Calling hours will be from 5 to 8 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 18, at Swan Funeral Home in Madison. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 19, at St. Margaret's Parish in Madison. Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery, Killingworth.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Tiger Pride Football Alumni Association Inc., in memory of Dan Zaneski, PO Box 281, Madison, CT 06443, or you may make donations on the web site, http://tigerpridefootball.com/donate-2/.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Daniel Zaneski
Kristin Johnson DiNatale
February 8, 2016
Dear Dan,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Your dad was a very special man who touched so many lives. I remember his smile and positive, uplifting energy and attitude. I remember his love for you, Deb, your mom, and his own father. And of course I remember how much he loved football and supporting you in reaching your potential in football. Your dad was a very special dad and I have very fond memories of him. May the countless positive and warm memories that you have of your dad be with you now and always and may they be passed on to the next generation in the loving relationship you enjoy with your own children. I I enjoyed all of the pictures very much. You and Cathy have a beautiful family. Please accept my condolences and take good care of your beautiful mother. Your father will be truly missed, but he is still with all of you in so many meaningful ways.
John Underwood
November 2, 2015
I am sorry to hear of Dan's passing. I was on his 1972 & 1973 Mattatuck Football Team. He was loved and respected by all his players, and will be dearly missed. My best memory with Dan was when our team went to the National Championship at Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh.
Monica Baldwin (Mattscheck)
November 1, 2015
I am so saddened to hear of Dan's passing. I extend my sincerest condolences to the entire Zaneski family. Dan was a great man! He welcomed me into the CT community college system, got me involved in CAPFAA & served as a mentor. He was so many things to so many people. He will be deeply missed!
Joe Higgins
October 19, 2015
Sincere condolences to all of Dan's family. I had the pleasure of working with Dan, the Coach, at TRCC for many years. R.I.P.
Paul Susen
October 19, 2015
I extend prayers to the Zaneski family. I knew Dan at Three Rivers Community College from when I arrived in 1993. When we were not talking financial aid, the topic was usually football. Dan Zaneski will be missed I am sure by many in the higher education community. I appreciated his courage in speaking up on tough issues. I wish I could have made it down to the funeral.
Tom & Maureen Fiorella
October 18, 2015
Our heartfelt condolences to the entire Zaneski family. Dan was such a special man and we loved him very much. Our prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Keith & Heather DiConsiglio
October 18, 2015
Our sincerest condolences to the Zaneski family. We will miss Dan so much. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Suzanne Alfiero
October 18, 2015
I am so sorry for your loss. I knew Dan for over 20 years, first through his work in the financial aid office, then as Director of Admissions at Three Rivers. I loved hearing about the latest cruise that you had been on & know that Dan had such a zest for life! He will be missed!
Linda Waitkus
October 17, 2015
My sincere condolences to the Zaneski family. Dan and I had many conversations over the years at Three Rivers and he always spoke about his family; it was so clear how much he loved you all. I know you're going to miss him terribly. May he rest in peace.
Jacque Comprone-Weber
October 17, 2015
I am so sorry to hear of Dan's passing. We go back to high school days when we had a lot of laughs with Dan. Always enjoyed the football games. My condolences to Dan's family and friends. I know he is truly missed.
Cynthia Andeen
October 16, 2015
*there are no goodbyes for us,
Wherever you are, you will always be in my heart. -*
Love You, Cyn
"Candeen"!!
Bill Cavalieri
October 16, 2015
There are no words that can express the sorry I feel in loosing Danny. We go back over 55 years to Waterford High both being Quarterbacks for coach Mignault. Danny was a real good person with a heart of gold. Living in Florida for the past 26 years makes it difficult to be there with you my friend but my and Judy's thoughts and prayers are with you, you will never be forgotten by those of us who had the pleasure of knowing you all these years. May God grant Gail and your children peace. Rest in peace my friend.. Cav
October 16, 2015
My sincere condolences to the family. Dan was my supervisor, my mentor and a great friend. Without Dan I would not be where I am today. May he rest in peace.
Love you always
Donna M. Ramos
Julie Savino
October 16, 2015
I was deeply saddened by the news of Dan's passing. My heartfelt condolences to the Zaneski Family for your loss. Dan was a dear friend and colleague, always so gracious with his time, sharing his talent to help others. It was an honor to have known such a great person and I will truly miss him. May God embrace you all in comfort during this difficult time.
Anne Traverso
October 16, 2015
So sorry to hear of Dan's passing. He was one of the first people I met from the financial aid community in Ct 30 plus years ago and we remained colleagues for years after that. Always kind and giving of himself, and so full of life...I always enjoyed our time together ...may he now rest in eternal peace. My deepest condolences.
Charlotte Ringer
October 16, 2015
Went to high school with Danny and he was a good friend! Danny was much to young to die and will be surely missed.
I am so sorry for his death and my prayers are with his family at this difficult time!! Many Blessings are with you.
Charlotte Cupello Ringer ( Michigan)
Gary Oswald
October 16, 2015
Rest in peace coach
Bob Baude
October 16, 2015
I went to grade and High School with Dan. He will always be remembered for being the "tallest" person on the Football Field. My condolences to his family. He was a great Lancer !
Keith Van Ness
October 16, 2015
My sincerest condolences to you, Deb, and your family for your loss.
Keith Van Ness
Kathie Lavoie
October 16, 2015
Dan was a great friend and leader. He will be greatly missed.
Beth Baker
October 16, 2015
My sincere condonlences to the family. Dan was very important to me and had a profound impact in life both personally and professionally. I hope you find peace in knowing how dearly he was loved.
Debbie Fiorella
October 16, 2015
To my Dad,
I have to admit that
I was a Daddy's girl.
He told me he loved better
Than anything else in the world.
When I became a woman
He walked me down the isle,
And gave me away
With a bittersweet smile.
And when I gave birth,
He was there, too
To greet my little one and say
Hello, I love you.
And now that man who loved me,
And wrapped me in arms so strong
Has gone where I can't reach him,
But my love for him lives on.
I'll keep his memory alive,
and honor all he believed,
And just feel so very grateful
For all his love that I received.
I love you! Your Daughter, Deb (Pooh)
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