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November 18, 2018
Services
Friends may gather with the family for Memorial Visitation at the Vander May Wayne Colonial Funeral Home, 567 Ratzer Road, Wayne, on Sunday, December 2, 2018 from 9:30 AM to 12:00 Noon.
Daniel V. Schiavello, age 65, of Totowa, and formerly of New Milford and Saddle River, passed away suddenly on Sunday, November 18, 2018, after sharing the day with his two children. Diagnosed with Stage IV Leiomyosarcoma in 2003, and predicted numerous times to have only months to live, Dan’s fighting spirit enabled him to endure countless surgeries and treatments, and beat the odds in an amazing way for the next fifteen years. His doctors presumed he was the longest living person with his particular disease, describing him as one of the strongest individuals they had ever met, and anyone who knew him would undoubtedly agree. Dan was a true inspiration in to his friends and family in how he fought his battle, and he often turned to an interview he shared on YouTube (https://youtu.be/C9AnItr5w_Y) to help other patients with their journey as well.
The first child of Gabriel and Shirley Schiavello, Dan grew up in Yonkers, NY, as a protective big brother to sisters Angela and Diana. One of his greatest childhood enjoyments was playing lead guitar in a band he formed with his friends, called the Standard Five. He was a graduate of Yonkers High School, Class of 1971, where his claims to fame included his insistence that he was the first person to perfect the method of going backwards over the high jump, as well as his invention of a new equation to complement the hyperbola, aptly named the “Schiavebola” by his high school math teacher. It was that same teacher, Gary Markman, who he said changed his life by giving him a copy of a 1957 novel by Ayn Rand called Atlas Shrugged. In it, the author tells a story about a dystopian world similar to ours, but the story’s deeper message is about the human condition and human greatness. The words truly resonated with Dan and he often credited that book as the foundation of his philosophy, and the reason he later became an engineer. He was always passionate about sharing his appreciation for Ayn Rand’s work with his friends and family, including his favorite quote, “The world you desire can be won. It exists…it is real…it is possible…it’s yours.”
Dan continued his years of education by attending Columbia University, where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree and Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering and Engineering Mechanics, in 1975 and 1976, respectively. Dan rekindled his involvement with the school later in life when his daughter attended for her Master’s Degree, serving as an Alumni Representative Committee regional chairperson, a Civil Engineering and Engineering Mechanics Industry Advisory Committee member, and a Columbia Engineering Alumni Association (CEAA) Board Member and Secretary. He was also a past President of CEAA and ex-officio member of the Columbia Engineering Board of Visitors. Dan greatly cherished his Columbia experiences, mentorships, and friendships. He was among the recipients of the 2011 Columbia Alumni Medal and was the keynote speaker for numerous Columbia graduation and alumni events.
Dan began his engineering career with Burns and Roe Enterprises of New York City. In 1980, he started his own company – Desktop Engineering Int’l Inc, a Computer Aided Engineering software development and consulting firm responsible for analyses of large structures, industrial equipment, satellites, power plants, and mechanical systems. Dan originated the concept of the computerized version of American Iron and Steel Institute’s “Automotive Design Manual” and the Aluminum Association’s “Aluminum Design Manual”, and directed the development of “The Desktop Engineer”, the world’s largest known compilation of solutions to structural/mechanical engineering applications.
In 2000, Dan formed a subsidiary, Minerva Health Technologies Inc., named after Columbia’s Alma Mater sculpture, the goddess of wisdom and medicine. The company developed Health Risk Assessment Models and “Minerva Health Manager”, a software product that allowed individuals to manage their personal health records, enhance communication with healthcare providers, and save lives. After retiring in 2014, Dan enjoyed working as a consultant for Formyula Solutions, Inc.
Dan’s daughter Kira and son Steven were the greatest joys in his entire life. They were his number one priority and he treated his love and responsibility for them with unprecedented dedication. In addition to his fondness for being overprotective, laughably controversial, and “always right”, their happiness was Dan’s mantra, and it was in the little ways that he showed his love best - like when he would pretend to dislike his nice dinner of lobster or steak, as a trade for his young son’s “kids meal”, knowing it would bring out a smile.
The desire to be engaged in Kira and Steven’s life was one of Dan’s primary motivations for going into his own business, as it afforded him the opportunity to be there for every special event in their lives. Dan was the entertainment at countless birthday parties as the magician, showing off a unique hobby of his that he loved to share with his kids. He coached many childhood sports, and never missed one of Steven’s wrestling events or Kira’s tennis matches in high school. One of Dan’s greatest pleasures was sailing on his 28-foot MacGregor, affectionately named Laissez-Faire. He loved spending this time with his kids, sailing along Greenwood Lake, Haverstraw, and eventually Liberty State Park in Jersey City. Sailing was such a positive activity in Dan’s life that he used to say that for every day he sailed, he added another day to his life. Other key hobbies Dan enjoyed with his family (when we wasn’t watching Fox News), were going to the shooting range, and playing golf. Dan particularly loved reminding his son-in-law that he should be allowed to win their next round of golf, after he mistakenly thought Preston would let him win on the day he asked permission to marry his daughter.
The only match for the love of his own daughter and son was Dan’s adoration for his adorable little granddaughter, Kaylen. He was obsessed with her and, although she moved to Texas just a year ago, Dan had already visited twice and was making arrangements to move permanently to Texas in the next few weeks. Dan and little Kaylen had a special bond and they loved to tell each other, “I love you infinity times around the world and back again!” He did magic tricks for Kaylen, too – just like he had done for his own children. He loved to compliment Kaylen for her “best hugs”, and he’d always say, “Kaylen, your hugs heal me.”
Dan had so many memorable qualities, one of which was being the “king” negotiator. He often joked that he had probably saved more than a million dollars thanks to his shrewd negotiation skills. Sometimes it paid off in a big way and other times it was merely just a bit of a sport for him. Like the time he and Kira had purchased some fresh fruit that looked good on the outside, but wasn’t so good upon first bite. Asking her if she dared him to return the half-eaten piece of fruit, he proceeded to unashamedly get his refund, a victory he laughed about for years.
Dan’s sense of humor was also just a joy to behold, and even in the worst times of his illness, he found ways to bring smiles to those around him. Just this past summer, he had been unexpectedly rushed to the hospital and scheduled for emergency surgery to remove a tumor from his brain. His brain function status had to be monitored around the clock, which included a nurse coming in to ask basic questions every hour through the night. One night the nurse came into his room at 3:00 AM, had Dan perform some physical tests and asked him, “What year is it?” Dan was lying in bed half-asleep and weakly replied, “1918”. He paused just long enough for his daughter and the nurse to look at each other wide-eyed and begin to panic, before adding with a smile on his face, “Plus 100!”
Whether using his great sense of humor to charm you, challenging you to always do your best, or offering sage advice as he loved so much to do, Dan touched the lives of many and made a huge impact on those he knew and met. His personality was so magnetic and the impression he left was so great, that many who met him only once have commented that they will never forget him.
Dan always said that he would want anyone who knew and loved him to answer this one question…..”Who is John Galt?” As a tribute to Dan, look up the answer!
Dan was the loving father of Kira and husband Preston Larson of McKinney, Texas, and Steven Schiavello of Ramsey; adored grandfather of Kaylen Larson; dear son of Shirley Milardo of Ansonia, CT and Gabriel Schiavello of Seymour, CT; dear brother of Angela and husband Kevin Killeen of Orange, and Diana Todd and husband Michael Fischetti of Seymour, CT; and loved uncle of Kasey Killeen, Kristen Killeen, Lauren Todd, and Danielle Todd.
In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Dan’s name are asked to consider a gift in his memory to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, which will go to support cancer research and patient care:
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
P.O. Box 849168
Boston, MA 02284
or via www.dana-farber.org/gift.
If you would like to send a private condolence directly to the family use this condolence section.
Friends may gather with the family for Memorial Visitation at the Vander May Wayne Colonial Funeral Home, 567 Ratzer Road, Wayne, on Sunday, December 2, 2018 from 9:30 AM to 12:00 Noon.
November 18, 2018
Services
Friends may gather with the family for Memorial Visitation at the Vander May Wayne Colonial Funeral Home, 567 Ratzer Road, Wayne, on Sunday, December 2, 2018 from 9:30 AM to 12:00 Noon.
Daniel V. Schiavello, age 65, of Totowa, and formerly of New Milford and Saddle River, passed away suddenly on Sunday, November 18, 2018, after sharing the day with his two children. Diagnosed with Stage IV Leiomyosarcoma in 2003, and predicted numerous times to have only months to live, Dan’s fighting spirit enabled him to endure countless surgeries and treatments, and beat the odds in an amazing way for the next fifteen years. His doctors presumed he was the longest living person with his particular disease, describing him as one of the strongest individuals they had ever met, and anyone who knew him would undoubtedly agree. Dan was a true inspiration in to his friends and family in how he fought his battle, and he often turned to an interview he shared on YouTube (https://youtu.be/C9AnItr5w_Y) to help other patients with their journey as well.
The first child of Gabriel and Shirley Schiavello, Dan grew up in Yonkers, NY, as a protective big brother to sisters Angela and Diana. One of his greatest childhood enjoyments was playing lead guitar in a band he formed with his friends, called the Standard Five. He was a graduate of Yonkers High School, Class of 1971, where his claims to fame included his insistence that he was the first person to perfect the method of going backwards over the high jump, as well as his invention of a new equation to complement the hyperbola, aptly named the “Schiavebola” by his high school math teacher. It was that same teacher, Gary Markman, who he said changed his life by giving him a copy of a 1957 novel by Ayn Rand called Atlas Shrugged. In it, the author tells a story about a dystopian world similar to ours, but the story’s deeper message is about the human condition and human greatness. The words truly resonated with Dan and he often credited that book as the foundation of his philosophy, and the reason he later became an engineer. He was always passionate about sharing his appreciation for Ayn Rand’s work with his friends and family, including his favorite quote, “The world you desire can be won. It exists…it is real…it is possible…it’s yours.”
Dan continued his years of education by attending Columbia University, where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree and Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering and Engineering Mechanics, in 1975 and 1976, respectively. Dan rekindled his involvement with the school later in life when his daughter attended for her Master’s Degree, serving as an Alumni Representative Committee regional chairperson, a Civil Engineering and Engineering Mechanics Industry Advisory Committee member, and a Columbia Engineering Alumni Association (CEAA) Board Member and Secretary. He was also a past President of CEAA and ex-officio member of the Columbia Engineering Board of Visitors. Dan greatly cherished his Columbia experiences, mentorships, and friendships. He was among the recipients of the 2011 Columbia Alumni Medal and was the keynote speaker for numerous Columbia graduation and alumni events.
Dan began his engineering career with Burns and Roe Enterprises of New York City. In 1980, he started his own company – Desktop Engineering Int’l Inc, a Computer Aided Engineering software development and consulting firm responsible for analyses of large structures, industrial equipment, satellites, power plants, and mechanical systems. Dan originated the concept of the computerized version of American Iron and Steel Institute’s “Automotive Design Manual” and the Aluminum Association’s “Aluminum Design Manual”, and directed the development of “The Desktop Engineer”, the world’s largest known compilation of solutions to structural/mechanical engineering applications.
In 2000, Dan formed a subsidiary, Minerva Health Technologies Inc., named after Columbia’s Alma Mater sculpture, the goddess of wisdom and medicine. The company developed Health Risk Assessment Models and “Minerva Health Manager”, a software product that allowed individuals to manage their personal health records, enhance communication with healthcare providers, and save lives. After retiring in 2014, Dan enjoyed working as a consultant for Formyula Solutions, Inc.
Dan’s daughter Kira and son Steven were the greatest joys in his entire life. They were his number one priority and he treated his love and responsibility for them with unprecedented dedication. In addition to his fondness for being overprotective, laughably controversial, and “always right”, their happiness was Dan’s mantra, and it was in the little ways that he showed his love best - like when he would pretend to dislike his nice dinner of lobster or steak, as a trade for his young son’s “kids meal”, knowing it would bring out a smile.
The desire to be engaged in Kira and Steven’s life was one of Dan’s primary motivations for going into his own business, as it afforded him the opportunity to be there for every special event in their lives. Dan was the entertainment at countless birthday parties as the magician, showing off a unique hobby of his that he loved to share with his kids. He coached many childhood sports, and never missed one of Steven’s wrestling events or Kira’s tennis matches in high school. One of Dan’s greatest pleasures was sailing on his 28-foot MacGregor, affectionately named Laissez-Faire. He loved spending this time with his kids, sailing along Greenwood Lake, Haverstraw, and eventually Liberty State Park in Jersey City. Sailing was such a positive activity in Dan’s life that he used to say that for every day he sailed, he added another day to his life. Other key hobbies Dan enjoyed with his family (when we wasn’t watching Fox News), were going to the shooting range, and playing golf. Dan particularly loved reminding his son-in-law that he should be allowed to win their next round of golf, after he mistakenly thought Preston would let him win on the day he asked permission to marry his daughter.
The only match for the love of his own daughter and son was Dan’s adoration for his adorable little granddaughter, Kaylen. He was obsessed with her and, although she moved to Texas just a year ago, Dan had already visited twice and was making arrangements to move permanently to Texas in the next few weeks. Dan and little Kaylen had a special bond and they loved to tell each other, “I love you infinity times around the world and back again!” He did magic tricks for Kaylen, too – just like he had done for his own children. He loved to compliment Kaylen for her “best hugs”, and he’d always say, “Kaylen, your hugs heal me.”
Dan had so many memorable qualities, one of which was being the “king” negotiator. He often joked that he had probably saved more than a million dollars thanks to his shrewd negotiation skills. Sometimes it paid off in a big way and other times it was merely just a bit of a sport for him. Like the time he and Kira had purchased some fresh fruit that looked good on the outside, but wasn’t so good upon first bite. Asking her if she dared him to return the half-eaten piece of fruit, he proceeded to unashamedly get his refund, a victory he laughed about for years.
Dan’s sense of humor was also just a joy to behold, and even in the worst times of his illness, he found ways to bring smiles to those around him. Just this past summer, he had been unexpectedly rushed to the hospital and scheduled for emergency surgery to remove a tumor from his brain. His brain function status had to be monitored around the clock, which included a nurse coming in to ask basic questions every hour through the night. One night the nurse came into his room at 3:00 AM, had Dan perform some physical tests and asked him, “What year is it?” Dan was lying in bed half-asleep and weakly replied, “1918”. He paused just long enough for his daughter and the nurse to look at each other wide-eyed and begin to panic, before adding with a smile on his face, “Plus 100!”
Whether using his great sense of humor to charm you, challenging you to always do your best, or offering sage advice as he loved so much to do, Dan touched the lives of many and made a huge impact on those he knew and met. His personality was so magnetic and the impression he left was so great, that many who met him only once have commented that they will never forget him.
Dan always said that he would want anyone who knew and loved him to answer this one question…..”Who is John Galt?” As a tribute to Dan, look up the answer!
Dan was the loving father of Kira and husband Preston Larson of McKinney, Texas, and Steven Schiavello of Ramsey; adored grandfather of Kaylen Larson; dear son of Shirley Milardo of Ansonia, CT and Gabriel Schiavello of Seymour, CT; dear brother of Angela and husband Kevin Killeen of Orange, and Diana Todd and husband Michael Fischetti of Seymour, CT; and loved uncle of Kasey Killeen, Kristen Killeen, Lauren Todd, and Danielle Todd.
In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Dan’s name are asked to consider a gift in his memory to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, which will go to support cancer research and patient care:
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
P.O. Box 849168
Boston, MA 02284
or via www.dana-farber.org/gift.
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