Deacon Daniel J. Ianniello

With great sadness the children of Deacon Daniel J. Ianniello, regret to inform you of the passing of their beloved father.

Deacon Dan was born in Bridgeport, CT, August 25, 1941 to Mary and Daniel L. Ianniello.  He was raised in a loving and faith filled home. Dan attended St. Charles Elementary School and his beloved Fairfield Prep, where he graduated in 1959.  He went on to the University of Bridgeport earning a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. Dan began his career at Sikorsky Aircraft in 1963 as an Analytical Design Engineer.  He was awarded a US Patent for his design of the attachment of the helicopter rotor blades.

A major turning point in Dan’s life was on July 31, 1985, when he was accepted into the Diaconate Formation Program. Dan was ordained Deacon on December 17, 1988. His first assignment was at Holy Rosary Parish in Bridgeport.  After 8 years, he was transferred to St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in Fairfield.  He remained at St. Thomas until his retirement on his 75th birthday on August 25, 2016.

Throughout Dan’s life he lived all the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy! His work was to bring Christ to all the lives he touched, and he has touched many. Dan participated in community outreach programs, volunteer work and was a member on many committees in a “religious advisor” capacity, all in Jesus’ name.

Dan moved to the River Valley retirement community in 2021. There he continued his mission to bring Christ to those who were unable to travel to Church.  Every Sunday at 11 o’clock, he performed a Catholic Eucharist Service.  All were welcome!  His last sermon was on October 8th, 2023.

Dan lived for God 1st.  Family was next, (unless it was Bingo or Poker or Sunday Brunch).

Daniel was married to the late Ilene F. Wiseman.  They are survived by their 3 beloved children, Daniel J. Ianniello, Jr. (Margaret) of Middlebury, CT; Sue Ianniello of East Haven, CT and Annie Ianniello of West Long Branch, NJ; three cherished grandchildren, Tanya Vasquez(Hector), Michael Ianniello(Dana) and John Ianniello(Caroline); Dan’s great grandchildren Leanette Vasquez, Niko and Dominick. Also, Dan’s sister Rosemary Iacurci, and several nieces and nephews.

Dan’s love and devotion was to God and his family.  Dan‘s treasured gift was the devotion and love given to him by his children Danny, Sue, and Annie.

In lieu of flowers donations to “Operation Hope of Fairfield” and “Off the Streets of Bridgeport” would be appreciated.

Our father’s legacy, is the religious community he served, as well as his love of family. Deacon Daniel has left an imprint on the hearts of all the lives he touched. He will be sadly missed.

Deacon Dan will be received at St. Thomas Aquinas Church on Monday, November 13, 2023 at 3:30 p.m. and will lie in repose from 4-8 p.m.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by the Rev. Victor Martin on Tuesday, November 14, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Trumbull.