Daniel P. Veloski

Born in Gowanda, New York, Dan moved to Cleveland, Ohio as a young child and attended Immaculate Conception Grade School and St. Joseph High School. He proudly served in the U.S. Army as a Military Police (MP) Officer while stationed in Anchorage, Alaska from 1963-1965. Albeit brief, he was grateful for the opportunity to serve his country and often reminisced about the era, his duties as an MP, and the stunning beauty of Alaska. Dan married his wife of 52 years, Helene, in 1966 and eventually settled in Brooklyn, Ohio. Together they raised two children, Patti Kohler (Dave) and Daniel J. Veloski (Terry). Patti and Dan remained close by their Dad’s side during the past seven weeks while he was hospitalized, reassuring him that everything would be okay.

Ask anyone who knew Dan, Sr. and they will tell you that the greatest source of joy in his life was his four grandchildren: Brian, Erin, Sydney, and Nick. He was incredibly proud of the young men and women they have become. They were his inspiration to keep fighting during his past illnesses and in the weeks nearing the end of his life. He was an exceptional grandfather who was heavily involved in their lives, never missing a band, choir, or ballet performance. They will all miss “Papa” dearly.

Dan was passionate about his career as a truck driver and never complained about working long hours to provide for his family. He showed, by example, what it truly meant to have a strong work ethic. Amazingly, he was a heart-attack and three-time cancer survivor. An avid bicyclist, he rode thousands of miles in his retirement years to stay healthy and connect with fellow Brooklyn residents. He loved being outside in the fresh air and challenging himself to reach new fitness goals. Dan was also a skilled woodworker. He spent many hours at his workbench building everything from toy trains, cars, and birdhouses to intricate scroll designs for his grandchildren and other kids to enjoy and treasure.

Dan was 78 years old when he passed away peacefully on Father’s Day, Sunday, June 16, 2019 after a series of medical complications that began in late April. He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Mary Veloski, and siblings George and Barbara.

The family wishes to extend its sincere thanks and gratitude to the doctors and nurses at UH Parma Medical Center and Regency Hospital for their outstanding care and compassion. We would also like to thank everyone for their ongoing prayers and support, and for looking after Helene so Patti and Dan could focus on their Dad’s care. Dan, Sr. was very aware of your well wishes and acts of kindness.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, June 21 at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 4170 N. Amber Dr., Brooklyn, OH (please meet at church). Interment at Sunset Memorial Park immediately after Mass, 6265 Columbia Rd., N. Olmsted. The family will receive friends at the Ripepi Funeral Home, 5762 Pearl Rd. (at Snow Road), Parma, OH on Thursday, June 20 from 3:00-7:00 p.m.