Daniel DiFoggio Obituary

Lots of people known and loved/love you, but I'm so grateful to have known you in your prime of life. Your children will always be number 1 as I especially know you know that now.You have beautiful grandchildren who will meet you in their time. But, until then. RIP

My best memories......
First dance to Summerwind.
Falling in love over a shared piece of turtle cheesecake in Lake Geneva.
Singing "This Diamond Ring" to me in the Redwood.
Meeting for Happy Hour at Triskelions.
Robert Palmer concert
Tickling me until I couldn't breathe.
Walt Disney World with you for the very first time!
Big brown eyes
Legerfeld
Jesus walked the water shoes!
Jiminy cricket and always let your conscience be your guide.
Retirement
Triples!
My glass slipper
Driving the pontoon...almost killing us on Mother's Day!
Cousin Satchmorelli
Our home...our wonderful home!
Bishop Verot football and the great white hope.
Snickerdoodle
Happy Danny
Turn around it's Jackie!
Meeting the Bishop
Bobbing for apples
Eternity ring
Firebird
Vacation at the Gulf of Mexico
Tinker Bell
Chip & Dale
Chomper
Academy Awards
Crossing Jordan
My Danny
Reruns
Drumline
Satchie
Bubble Room
Have I told you lately?
Hamburgers & mashed potatoes
Sister Mary Eileen
Bingo
Wedding Song: You and I
Dean Martin
The Thin Man
Francis the talking mule
Finding my wedding ring.....

Love Always,

Pookie

Dear Jackie, even though I met Danny only a few times, you could tell that he was a loving, fund, and kind man, for you to love him so much, you know that he was that way. My most sincere thoughts, and prayers for you and Danny.

Satchmo - I can't believe a year has passed! We miss you terribly and think of you so very often. We laugh, we cry, we laugh some more. We carry you in our hearts always and are comforted knowing you are finally at peace with your Mom and Betty! Thank you for loving my sister so much and for the message you left me. I will never forget! We love you and don't worry - we visit your cousin Satchmorelli all the time!

My Danny;

A year seems so long ago yet my mind says it seems like just last week. So much has changed, so much has remained the same. When that dreadful day came I actually felt and heard my heart breaking. For so long I was able to assist you in fixing your problems or overcome your adversities, but this I could not fix for you. And it upset me very much.
I'l say it again like I said it to you so many times before, I had the best brother!! The one with the biggest heart and the one with the most sentimental feelings of all. I'm proud you never changed.
I loved you faults and all....unconditionally. I did not need a piece of paper to promise you "in sickness and in health". We lived it.
You did things your way. You decided who and when to tell people about your illness. I may not have always agreed with you, but I respected your choice.
For months a note on our mirror reminded me: " You will live. Your life will never be the same. But you will live". Although it is true, there were some very hard times to come, times I felt like giving up. Then I would remember your strength and courage and I tried to pull myself together. I had lots of help from my family, my friends and Fr. Mike. Just like you told me I would.
I miss you every day, Satchie. But I remembered your words to be a big girl and not cry, live my life and be happy and to let you go so you could get where you needed to be. It's not as easy as you made it sound, but I try every day.
When I look back at one year ago today I reflect on those who loved you, those who stayed with you and the health care workers who gave you such great and wonderful care. I thank them on behalf of you.
There will always be a part of of my heart that will belong to only you. I will carry you there forever. I love you, Dan.


"... and in the end the love you take is equal to the love you make."

Love Always,
Jackie

SINCERE THANKS
To Dr. Reeves, Joan & Marcy: Your dedication, kindness and sensitivity to your patients are more than words can ever express. Your friendship to Dan & I was as important as your medical care.

ToJuls: When you move from your home your new friends often become family by choice. For all those hours you sat at the hospital and at our home, for the smiles and laughter you brought to Danny I will never forget your concern and friendship. You are family to me....always!

To Aunt Marilyn: Your love guidance and friendship was more than Dan or I could have ever expected. Danny and I have so much respect for you and your family. You were easy to confide to and gave freely of your wisdom. Thank you for being such and important part of our lives.

To Fr. Kehoe: For so many years you counseled us and helped us move in a positive direction even when we weren't sure where we were going ourselves. You guided us thru the first two bouts of cancer and so many other situations. You are a true friend and we thank you.

To Fr. Dan: In such a short time you came to know us and offered words of wisdom and comfort. Some people have a hard time finding one priest to serve their funeral we were honored to have you participate and thank you for all you continue to do.

To Mary Eileen: No words can ever express our love. No feelings could ever explain the special bond you and Danny shared. He loved you very much as a friend, as family and as a survivor! He would have been honored by your words and laughed at your prelude. You were his hero. We both love you Sister MEF!

To Fr. Mike: We would never be able to thank you enough. You knew it all: the good, the bad and the ugly. Your wisdom, your teachings, your guidance and your love was unconditional and free flowing. Dan and I could never repay you for your love and support. You were and continue to be our/my rock. You helped me bring my head and my heart together to make the decision Dan asked of me. It was both the hardest and easiest decision I have ever had to make in my life. My faith and love for you is never ending.

To my parents: It was a times a long 17 plus years for you, somehow you trusted me and my love for Danny. You showed Dan what a real family was like. You treated him as a son. Your help during his illness was immeasurable. He was humbled you both loved him enough to assist him while he was so very ill, when he needed family love and support the most. He loved each of you very much and was happy you accepted him unconditionally, faults and all. You allowed him to be his own man and he flourished because of your love.

To Darryl, Joey and Justin: Dan knew the three of you would step up and be he men in my life to help support me and adjust to a new life. He loved his guy time with each of you. Justin he was very proud to be the uncle of such a wonderful young man and made sure he went to each of your football games no matter how near or far to see our rising star. He loved you buddy and was very proud of you.

TO Janeen: There are no words, no actions, no thanks that could ever cover how much of yourself you gave to both Dan and I. I hate to delegate yet I trusted you to help me when at times I could not help myself. Dan trusted you more than any other person. Somehow he knew you would watch that I did the right thing, the things he wanted even though it was at times very difficult. He knew you would surround me and protect me. He called you his little pit bull! Your endless hours of care, taking Dan to appointments and treatments and making him laugh helped him make his transition easier and less stressful. His practical jokes on you even in I C U was his trademark relationship with you. To him you were his unbiased opinion, his sister and his friend. He loved you and loved to tease you. I love you and cannot ever thank you enough!

To my special angel: Without you I would have never saw the light through the darkness, or smiled instead of crying. You provided objectiveness, support and friendship. You came along just in time.

Love,

Jackie, I thought you might like to have this included here. I know it put a smile on Danny's face! Love you! Mary Eileen

Choices….life is all about choices. Some choices are good for you. Some can make you happy, some might make you sad. Some choices may hurt you or others. But we’re all responsible for the choices we make in our lives. I was very fortunate to really have gotten to know Danny shortly before a point in his life when he had the most important choice to make. He made the choice to fight for his life! And he had quite a fight on his hands! He was first diagnosed with cancer in 1999. He chose from that point to enter the ring for the biggest fight he’d ever have. He underwent several surgeries, numerous procedures, multiple rounds of chemo & radiation therapy. He was in & out of the hospital many, many times. And with each surgery, procedure, chemo, radiation treatment and trip to the hospital, he kept making the choice to live!

I know we all have our own memories of Danny. I just want to tell you about the Danny I knew. He was a very different man than the one most of you may be remembering. He was a kind & gentle man, a man who loved to have fun. He would do anything he could for you & genuinely cared for & about you. He was a compassionate man, who had such a love for life. He was such a strong man, willing to try every treatment or procedure offered by his doctors. He kept his courage to fight with every fiber of his being to the very end. I truly wish everyone could have known that Danny.

Danny & I connected on a much deeper level than many others, as we had both entered into that battle to fight for our lives from a cancer diagnosis. I know there are many more of you out there that will understand this. I remember giving him many ‘pep talks’ since I had been down that road for a much longer time than he had. He shared his thoughts & feelings about his illness, with me. It was encouraging to see him with so much spunk, ready to take on this task! He allowed me to look right into the center of his soul. We compared notes on how we felt about treatments, how we reacted to some of them and how scared we could get sometimes at the thought of not winning this fight. But then over time, he came to grips with it all & you should all know…that he really was ready for this day to come. He asked me once, “how do you keep going?” To which I replied, “Maintain your sense of humor, Dan. If you lose your sense of humor, you lose the ballgame.” We talked about celebrating life, by looking at it from a whole new perspective…..by not taking things for granted and noticing things we normally wouldn’t have before. Oddly enough, I believe it was his cancer diagnosis that enabled him to live every day to its fullest & to look at life in a whole new way.

I read in a book once, that “you can’t control the length of your life, just the depth” & the Danny I knew did just that. He made the best of a bad situation. And in the end, he tried to be very playful….to make the best of that bad situation. He maintained his sense of humor! In his own way, he tried to ease the pain he knew everyone would be feeling soon. He loved his family in Chicago. He was very proud of his children & grand children. He was also a very big part of our family. DD, you know he loved you & had a very special bond with you. And I know you felt the same towards him. Jim, Janeen, Darryl & Justin, I know he was grateful to have all of you in his life too. He loved the trips to Disney, the Oscars, the football games. But most of all, the support & love you showed him….you all kept him going. And Jackie, I know he loved you very much. And he was so grateful to have you by his side, to help him stand when he couldn’t do it on his own. He knew you would always be there for him. You are his soul mate!

Another line from the same book, “may we live with passion and purpose and mission and meaning…..and with a little wild abandon…” I really believe that just about sums up the Danny I came to know & love!

Dan, we’ll miss you & we love you very much!

Jackie,
Remember that love is forever. Hold it in your heart and let it shine for all to see.
Danny will never be forgotten.

hi my friend, miss you always and we will catch up on all the gossip later. love ya, cookie

HEY DAD!!!!! My show is coming up...And I know that your looking forward to it as much as I am. It's on May 31st ! I know that is the day that everything changed BUT I wanted to make it a happy 1 year marker....So we will have tons of fun with the show.....I LOVE U....see ya in my dreams! Love DannY Jr.

Danny;
For many years on this day you were lovingly called "Seamus O'DiFoggio" a name given to you by Punkins, Julie and Maureen. So today when St. Patrick calls your name you can proudly acknowledge you're Irish for the day. And to me, you were the Danny O'Day I sang about long ago at my grandparents piano, not knowing who or when you would come into my life.

My true wish is that you were truly in Heaven a half hour before the devil knew you had passed...

'Tis you, 'tis you must go and I must bide.
But come ye back when summer's in the meadow
Or when the valley's hushed and white with snow
'Tis I'll be here in sunshine or in shadow
Oh Danny boy, oh Danny boy, I love you so.

And until we meet again, may God hold you tightly in the palm of His hand.

I love and miss you, Mo Chara!

Danny,

There is a part of my heart that aches for you every day. Our home is not the same without your silliness and loud TV! This year there will be no flowers or cards but our song is still the same...
Have I told you lately?

Happy Valentine's Day, Satchie!

Love Always, Pookie

2008! Another year behind us filled with memories (some good, and as you know, some bad) I agree with Jackie when she says people are brought into our lives for a specific reason, you my friend showed me friendship, taught me courage and strength in a time of weakness. Although we move on and our lives move ahead, you are not forgotten, Ill miss you this year as Idol begins :) but you will be with us in spirit, this I believe. With Love Julie

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2008

Sometimes I look up at the stars at night,
Wishing that you were holding me tight.

I hold back the tears before they slide down my cheek,
Praying to God to keep me strong, not weak.

I make a wish in the deepness of my heart,
that one day we'll be together, not so far apart.

I think of all the good times we have shared,
I want you to know that I'll always care.

I want you to hold me and never let me go,
I miss you and love you, just thought I'd let you know.

I pray that you are at peace and you are no longer ill. I will never know anyone who had the strength and courage you showed. I'm doing exactly what you told me to do and I will never forget your last words. They were a gift no one can ever take away from me.

My love always,

I know that you were at my show, looking down. You had the best seat in the house dad. I wish I had more time. To tell you so much. But you hear me every night I talk to you. I love you and miss u. HAPPY NEW YEAR! Love, Danny Jr.

I've heard it said
That people come into our lives for a reason
Bringing something we must learn
And we are led
To those who help us most to grow
If we let them
And we help them in return
Well, I don't know if I believe that's true
But I know I'm who I am today
Because I knew you.

I miss you every day.
Merry Christmas, Danny.

Love, Jackie

Happy Sweetest Day!

I miss your smile.

Love always, Pookie

Love You DaD!!!!!!!!!

Friday Night Lights!

We'll miss you in the stands, but we know you'll have the BEST seat in the house.

GO BISHOP VEROT VIKINGS!

Danny,

Happy Birthday 8-28-07. I thought about our weekly chemo sessions together today. We always had a good time together. No one can understand probably how we could have such a good time but we sure did. I miss you every week, but some how I know you are there with me. We wanted to celebrate our birthdays together so I celebrated our birthdays with Jackie and her family. I know you were with us. I miss you very much. Love, Di

Jackie continue to Celebrate the life and legacy of Danny! He wouldn't want you to pout on his day of birth! So go out and do as Danny would do . So to you I say happy birthday in celebration of your Boo! :) Love ya !

Dear Danny,
I am sure that you are so much better now. "Eye has not seen nor ear heard what God has in store for those who love Him." As you may know, Jackie is doing very well. She misses you and still loves you. Keep an eye on her from heaven - you have more clout there now. Your friend, Fr. Mike

Happy Birthday Danny!

Today we celebrate your Life with fond
memories of your kindness and laughter
that we shared as longtime friends.

May God Bless you today and always.

Love, Punkin & Skip

ALTHOUGH THIS IS A VERY DIFFICULT DAY FOR JACKIE AND DAN'S FAMILY, WE'RE TRYING TO BELIEVE WHAT WE HAVE BEEN TOLD AND WE'RE PICTURING DAN AND SEAN TOSSING BACK A FEW TO CELEBRATE DAN'S 55TH. TAKE CARE , YOU ARE IN OUR CONSTANT PRAYER

Happy Birthday Dan, I am sure that you are a great joy in God's Kingdom. Keep them laughing...Betsy

We sure wish we could wish Dan a happy 55th birthday, but that is not possible. However, we know he is watching us. Happy birthday, Satch!!

dear Danny Happy Birthday, We miss you in Bridgeport, we miss your smile at bingo, rose lyons

What'll I do
when you are far away
and I am blue
What'll I do?

What'll I do
with just a photograph
to tell my troubles to?

When I'm alone
with only dreams of you
that won't come true.
What'll I do?

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SATCHIE!
I miss you very much.

Dear Danny and Nisa - I am so sorry to hear about your dad! My card to your old (?) address was returned. I will pray for you and your family. Amber

I would like to thank everyone who has been great to myself, Nisa and the Di Foggio family. The support is endless. My father was a good man who LOVED his family and friends. He will be in everyones hearts forever.Once again thank you from my heart. Love you Dad:)

"You And I"

Here we are
On earth together
It's you and I
God has made us fall in love
It's true
I've really found
Someone like you
Will it stay
The love you feel for me
Will you say
That you will be by my side
To see me through
Until my life is through
Well in my mind
We can conquer the world
In love you and I
You and I, you and I...
I'm glad
At least in my life
I've found someone
That may not be here forever
To see me through
But I found strength in you
Cause in my mind
You will stay here always
In love you and I
You and I, you and I
You and I, you and I
You and I
In my mind
We can conquer the world
In love you and I
You and I, you and I
You and I...

Jackie & Di Foggio family,

I just found out about Satch's passing. I am so very sorry, Danny was a special person, always making people laugh. God bless you in your time of healing, he is finely out of pain.

Dear Jackie,
I know the loss you are feeling. Danny was the love of your life. He will always live in your heart. God be with you, My Dear Jackie.
Love,

DEAR NISA AND DANNY

JUST A VOICE FROM THE PAST - I'M SO
SORRY TO HEAR OF THE PASSING OF YOUR DAD - JUST HANG IN THERE - ALSO GIVE YOUR MOM A HUG - I'M SURE THAT SHE IS FEELING ALL OF THIS

LOVE AUNTIE DI

Dear Jim,

I just learned of Dan's passing this week - My heart goes out to you the loss of a brother and in your case a few years ago your sister I know the loss you feel I lost my nephew and my brother (also know as my second father) within a couple of months I don't know if you and Dan where that close but ties are ties no matter what - We would have been there Dina and myself if we knew - Jim
I'm so sorry for your loss

Diane Bartucci and The Miller Family

Jackie, we are so sorry to hear of Dan's passing. We have been out of the country until now. The love the two of you shared was truly inspirational. Please know that God is taking care of Dan now and that He will shine upon you during this difficult time. You are a wonderful, caring person who took great care of Dan in good times and bad. God Bless You and your family!

Danny was a good guy. My condolences to his loved ones. Jackie dear, your love and loyalty are inspirational.

Jackie...I cannot imagine your grief nor that of Dan's family or yours. Dan was such a kind and considerate person. I know he will be missed by many. Try to remember the joy he brought to all of our lives...I can see his smile right now. I have some great memories of him and cared for him just as I do all of your family Jackie. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

To the DiFoggio Family and Jackie, may God keep you in this time of sorrow. May God keep Danny in perfect peace. Love Letitia

Jackie;
I am so very sorry to hear about satch.....It is very difficult to find the right words to ease the pain. Let your loved ones be your support. Tust in your faith. Time heals all sorrows. Again I am so very sorry.
Duane

Jackie,
My heart aches for you. You know we had some good laughs me ,you & my guy danny. Just continue to hold on to God's word. He'll never leave you nor forsake... I love ya, and miss you..

Heartfelt and prayerful condolences from the people of Nativity of Our Lord Parish in Bridgeport. Danny has been remembered at Masses here the past two weekends and will continue to be prayed for in the weeks, months, even years to come. May his family and friends know the healing touch of our Risen Lord during this difficult time!

Although I only knew Danny for a short time it did not take very long for me to see what a good soul he had. He put his own troubles aside to help me in a time of need which has left an impact on me that will not go unforgotten. "Yacki"- I am here for you and I promise someday your memories will bring a smile back to your face. Stay strong my friend.

Danny and Nisa I`m very sorry for the loss of you dad, just remember to keep all those good memories close to you heart.

Dear Jackie, sorry to here about Danny, we found out late and was not able to attend the wake. God be with you and give you strength to go on.

Jackie, Jim Dee
We are deeply sorry to hear about Danny. Please accept our sincere condolences.
Marv and Maryann Mansch

Fond memories of you many years ago....Love to all of the DiFoggio Family.

It sadden me deeply to learn of your death. You fought the fight and are now at rest. I will always cherish our childhood memories of the times at grandma's, living next door and talking together on our toy phones across our bedroom windows, times at Hangs park, and at Oak Street beach.
love cousin Marilyn

I know it's been a while, but playing the golf game at Harry's was a good time. I miss you man. Hope your last days were as good as the days we spent together.