Dan C. Canzano

Greece: Tuesday, June 20, 2023 at the age of 94. Dan is pre-deceased by his wife of 71 years, Nellie (Morabito) Canzano; parents, Nicholas & Flora Canzano; & brother, Anthony Canzano. He is survived by his adoring family; dedicated son Daniel (Kathy) Canzano; beloved grandchildren, Nicholas (Sara) Canzano, Carolyn (Michael) Valenti, Patrick (Sarah) Canzano, and Laura (Mark) Maier; and treasured great-grandchildren; Addy Canzano, Avery Valenti, Mairyn Valenti, Gavin Canzano, Deacon Canzano, Violet Maier, Levi Maier; sisters-in-law, Jean Mayer, Marie Morabito, Mary Morabito, Loretta Morabito, Cathy Morabito; brother-in-law, Joe Cimino; beloved nieces and nephews.

Dan was born on July 23, 1928 in Rochester, NY to a large Italian family. Although he only had one brother, he was raised among countless aunts, uncles and cousins, thanks to his mother's 21 brothers and sisters.

By the time he and Nellie married in 1951, he had been drafted into the Army to fight in the Korean War, but the war soon ended and he was discharged. He eagerly returned to his wife and soon they welcomed their one and only son, Dan. Working endlessly at his dealership - Midland Motors - to provide for his family, Dan often only made it home for dinners, but passed along his passion for food, fishing, and friendship to his son.

Dan had a multitude of friends; from childhood, his service with Kiwanis, the car industry, and around town. He could be anywhere - from the neighborhood bakery to Disney World - and he'd run into someone he knew. With time and retirement, he was finally able to enjoy those friends, and his son and family, which he adored. He loved to go boating and fishing with Dan and Kathy and was able to travel to Italy with their family.

Dan truly shined in his later years - as Grampie. If you showed up to his house, he would always shuffle around the kitchen, preparing food for you, and would magically have your favorite dessert on hand. And at every family gathering, he showed up with fresh bread, a tub of butter, and a jar of mayo to make his famous garlic bread and creamy garlic dressing. His grandkids have spent years learning and perfecting those not-so-secret recipes.

He often took a backseat to Nellie, who was larger than life, but his quiet generosity and sense of humor went a long way with his grandkids and great-grandchildren. He enjoyed spoiling them with hugs and kisses, watching all their sporting events, and sneaking them money and treats. While his heart started to weaken in his final years, his love for his family kept him going. He always said, "don't get old", and he did his best to stay youthful so he could continue to make memories with his family.

He took longer than anyone on Earth to get ready in the morning. His exercise regimen was legendary. He could fix any car issues and always had a 'guy' for any other problems. He loved his dogs - and all the family dogs; if you weren't careful, he'd dog-sit and end up keeping the dog for himself. He got caught on the roof of a shed, when he was 84, sweeping away leaves without a second thought. He could handle an iPad, Zoom, and Facebook like a champ.

During their final years, he took great pride in caring for Nellie, which required immense patience and love. After Nellie passed away, he finally let himself slow down. But he certainly went out with a bang; he just spent Father's Day at the casino with Dan and Kathy; up late, leaving with some extra cash, and enjoying what would become his last adventure.

However, you knew him - Dan, Dad, Grampie, Grandpi, Uncle Dan - he will be remembered for the small moments, when it was just you and him, sharing a grumble, or a giggle, in the background. Simply put, he was a treasure. He will be deeply missed by those that love him.

Dan's life story will be shared during his visitation at the funeral home, 1411 Vintage Lane, (Between 390 & Long Pond Rd.) Wednesday, June 28th, 4-7 PM. His funeral mass will be celebrated, Thursday, June 29 at 10:30 AM, at St. Charles Borromeo Church, 3003 Dewey Ave, Rochester NY 14616. Dan's entombment will follow in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Rochester West Central Kiwanis Club, PO Box 16313, Rochester, NY 14616 in Dan's memory.