John Danielson

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of John Danielson, 84, of New York, New York. John was born October 25,1939 in Warsaw, Indiana, to Ted and Freida Danielson. He graduated from Warsaw High School and received a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from Indiana University. In addition, John was a member of the Army Reserve for 6 years following college. John was in a committed and loving 40 year relationship to his partner Robert Wassman, who passed away in 2009.

John had a career in managing the Beacon Hill interior design showroom in Manhattan.

John moved to Manhattan in 1971, and discovered St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, near Times Square. Raised as a Lutheran, John soon became a long-standing and faithful member of St. Luke’s. John joined the church in 1971 and over the next fifty years was fully devoted, worshipping every Sunday and serving in many roles as both a leader and servant. John helped establish Project FIND, the first senior citizen’s center in the area.

John was also involved in calling two Pastor’s of the church. He served as president for 10 years, and as a musician he participated and strengthened the the music ministry, including the purchase of a new organ.

John ensured the continued beauty and outreach of the church as the neighborhood changed across the years. He touched the lives of countless members and visitors with his generosity and gentle sense of humor, modeling both warmth and welcome.

John had a true love of the Fine Arts, including attending the ballet, opera and theatre performances. He enjoyed exploring the cavernous halls of the Metropolitan Museum. He took long walks through the city. John was a selfless and generous man; he donated heavily to the arts, public television, and public radio. He had annual subscriptions to the ballet.

John is survived by his sister-in-law, Eleanor of Tampa, Florida; his nephew, Dr. David Danielson and his wife Michelle, and their daughter Lauren; his niece Andrea Ippolito and her husband Jack of Orlando, Florida and their three children Gianna, Jack IV, and Ty.

As we bid farewell to John, we remember a life well-lived, filled with a dutiful commitment to his faith, the arts, and his appreciation for fine culinary experiences. He will be dearly missed by his family, friends, and his church community.

A memorial service will be held at St. Luke's Lutheran Church on February 17th at 11:00 am, where we will come together to celebrate the life of John Danielson, and find solace in the memories that we cherish in our hearts. May John rest in eternal peace.