Daniel Frank Fitapelli Sr.

Our father Daniel Frank Fitapelli, entered eternal life on Monday, June 6, 2022. After several months of declining health, Daniel died peacefully with his beloved children by his side. His proud and courageous spirit is carried on by his two children, Antoinette and Daniel, and his grandchild Zachary. He is survived by his sister Ann Marciano, and an extended family of relations and friends; including his beloved nieces and nephews.

Daniel was predeceased by his sister Madeline Dellosso, his brothers John, Frank, Joseph and Pat -- and his loving and dedicated mother Antoinette Falotica Fitapelli and his father Patsy Fitapelli.

Daniel was born on March 29, 1928 in New York City. A native New Yorker, he attended Murray Hill High School, and later studied business at Pace University. A determined and energetic personality, Daniel was driven by the ethic to work hard and to be successful – he joined the United States Assay Office in lower Manhattan after graduation, working there for 25 years managing the gold/silver trading operations and coin analysis divisions. After his career with the government, Daniel worked for European American Bank in the foreign currency division until his retirement. Dan was happily married to his wife of 62 years Victoria “Sandy” Fitapelli, who was the love of his life – most have admired them for their loyalty and devotion to each other through the years. Daniel was a husband that cherished his wife and adored his two children ( Antoinette and Daniel) -- and they raised their two children in New York City. Watching their children grow and following their paths, was always what they shared together.

Dan is lovingly remembered for his enormous heart, his dedication to family and friends, and his respectful ability to see the best in everyone he would meet. He was a gentle soul and a gentleman and found joy in the simple things -- cooking breakfast for his family, tinkering with his tools, a swim at the beach, his favorite chocolate ice cream sundaes. A tremendously proud American, Dan also served in the US Army during WWII. He was also a great sports fan, and was especially passionate about the NY Mets. Dan also served as school coach on his son’s hockey and baseball teams, and attended all of his games.

Our father was a fixer – he fixed whatever was broken and worked tirelessly around the house, doing projects and always keeping busy. He was kind and softly spoken and he loved to entertain: and he was a great friend who maintained lifelong friendships from his childhood. He had a life-long love affair with Marilyn Monroe, making eggplant parmigiano, watching James Cagney movies, driving his car around town, and doing gardening and landscaping with his grandson Zachary.

Through the years, Dan poured his heart and soul into his work and all the people Dan worked with absolutely admired him. There truly wasn’t anything that Daniel couldn’t do, he touched everybody’s lives and he showed up when it mattered, had your back, gave to those in need, and would defend and stand up for his loved ones should the need for it arise. He kept us all safe.

Of all his interests and hobbies his love of family was always his top priority. Daniel was a generous, loving and caring father, always ready to give of himself – the kind of father not easy to replicate. He always taught his family to stand tall, be proud -- and supported us all throughout the many accomplishments and difficulties of our lives. Daniel lived his life with integrity and was a source of strength in our family, always loving, supportive and such a blessing in our lives. He taught us so many life lessons, for that we are forever grateful. He will be greatly missed. May he rest in peace forever in our hearts.

Visitation will be held at Hodges Funeral Home, 525 111th Avenue, Naples, Fla 34108 on Thursday, June 16 from 4 to 7pm. Funeral mass will be held on Friday, June 17 at 11:00 am at Saint John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 625 111th Avenue, Naples, Florida 34108.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hodgesfhatnaplesmg.com for the Fitapelli family.