Deacon Daniel Ianniello passed away on Thursday, October 26, 2023. He was 82 years of age.
“It is with sadness I must inform you of the death of Deacon Daniel Ianniello. Among his many achievements, he became an integral part of the formation of ordained deacons in his service on the Diaconate Council. We are deeply grateful for his faithful service and example. Please pray for the repose of the soul of Deacon Ianniello and for the consolation of his family,” said Bishop Frank J. Caggiano.
Daniel Ianniello was born on August 25, 1941, in Bridgeport to Mary and Daniel L. Ianniello. He was baptized on September 28, 1941, at Holy Rosary Church and received the Sacrament of Confirmation on May 14, 1950, at Saint Charles Borromeo Church, both in Bridgeport. He attended Saint Charles Elementary School and then Fairfield Preparatory School where he graduated in 1959.
On September 30, 1961, Daniel and Ilene were married at Saint Charles Borromeo Church and they raised three children in Trumbull. Daniel attended the University of Bridgeport where he earned a bachelor’s degree (1963) and master’s degree (1967) in Mechanical Engineering. Daniel joined Sikorsky Aircraft in 1963 as an Analytical Design Engineer and was awarded a US Patent for his design of the attachment of helicopter rotor blades.
On July 31, 1985, Daniel was accepted into the Diaconate Formation Program. He was ordained to the diaconate on December 17, 1988, by Most Reverend Edward Egan at Saint Augustine Cathedral. Daniel was assigned on that same date to serve as deacon at Holy Rosary Parish in Bridgeport. After serving there for 8 years, Daniel was assigned to St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in Fairfield, where he remained until his retirement on his 75th birthday, August 25, 2016.
Daniel actively served the parishes where he was assigned and became an integral part of the formation of newly ordained deacons in his role on the Diaconate Council dating back to December 2005. He represented deacons in his deanery and focused on their continuing education and was appointed as Deacon Advocate of the Tribunal, even in his retirement. Daniel was an active member of the Fairfield Interfaith Clergy Association, the Fairfield Holocaust Memorial Committee and UNICO, a national organization of Italian men dedicated to the charitable works within the community.
Deacon Daniel and his late wife, Ilene, served as the chaircouple for the Marriage Enrichment Ministry for the Diocese of Bridgeport, and Ilene was a founding President of the Deacon’s Wives Ministries that supports many ministries including providing the opportunity for inner-city children to travel to New York City to see a Broadway Play.
The wake will be held on Monday, November 13, from 4:00PM to 8:00PM at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 1719 Post Road in Fairfield. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, November 14 at 10:00AM, also at St. Thomas Aquinas Church. The celebrant will be Reverend Victor Martin and the homilist will be Deacon Joseph Gagne.
