Obituary of Francis A. Danyla

Francis A. Danyla, 69, of Amsterdam, died peacefully on Tuesday, February 19, 2019 at St. Mary’s Hospital.  Born in Amsterdam, NY on August 21, 1949 he was the son of the late Frank and Vincenta Danyla.

A lifelong area resident, Fran attended St. Mary’s Institute and was a graduate of the former Bishop Scully High School.

Fran had a keen interest in life sciences and an insatiable curiosity for learning. He loved Thomas Jefferson and Tom Paine and their works. His passions led him to become an accomplished musician, auto mechanic, machinist, carpenter, ham radio operator, and farmer. Fran loved the outdoors and enjoyed numerous trips with his friends to Saranac Lake and the Adirondacks. His dream was to retire as a self-sustaining homesteader in Maine. Fran attended the Fulton Montgomery Community College where he studied criminal justice and in 1981 he became a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. He transferred to SUNY Albany and continued his education there for several years starting in 1982. He found time to be a member of several bands including The Sound Spectrum, The Chevelles and the touring band known as “The Big El(Elvis)” which went to Nova Scotia and numerous east coast cities.  He was employed at General Electric for 14 years until his retirement due to ill health.

He was predeceased by his parents and one brother, Casimir.

Survivors include his sisters, Catherine Danyla and Mary (Steven) Gold; one niece, Roxanne Modafferi; one aunt, Ann Beleckas; one uncle, Casimir (Kathleen) Tamoliunas; cousins, Irene Beleckas and Regina (Brian) Kelly.

Funeral service will be held on Monday, February 25, 2019 at 1p.m. at the Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Avenue, Amsterdam.  Calling hours will be held prior to the service beginning at 11a.m.  Burial will take place in St. Casimir’s Cemetery.  Memorial contributions in his memory may be made to the Montgomery County SPCA, PO Box 484, Amsterdam, NY 12010.  Please visit the online memorial at www.brbsfuneral.com