Obituary of Daniel DeCotis

Niskayuna- Daniel Matthew DeCotis, passed away December 30, 2013. He was born on February 6, 1993 and is the loving son of Matthew and Cynthia DeCotis. He was a 2011 graduate of Niskayuna High School and the Capital Region Career and Technical School. This past May, he graduated from HVCC with a degree in automotive technology. While automotive was his passion, Dan had recently begun learning a new trade in construction with Albany Artisans, Inc. He appreciated the work and his co-workers, who were so good to him. Dan also spent countless hours restoring and maintaining his two classic vehicles: his 1961 Ford Falcon and his pristine 1987 Chevy S-10. They were his pride and joy. He also enjoyed Union College men's hockey and was a loyal fan along with his dad. Dan was a communicant of St. Kateri Tekakwitha Parish, Niskayuna, where he had been an altar server for many years. Along with his parents, Dan is survived by his devoted sister Amy DeCotis and Colin Madden, who is like a brother to him; his precious niece Julia Madden; his paternal grandparents Alfonso and Carmella DeCotis, Fayetteville, GA; his maternal grandparents Roger and Barbara Cresswell, Clinton, NY; his aunts and uncles Mark and Pam DeCotis, Melbourne, FL, John and Tina DeCotis, Fayetteville, GA, Paul and Luann DeCotis, Ballston Spa, NY, Rich and Bonnie Maxam, his godparents, Clinton, NY; and cousins Tracy, Carrie, Casey, Johanna, John, Maria, Sara, Evan, Emma, Richie, Roger, and Jenny; in addition to many extended family and friends, whom he cared for and loved greatly. Dan also leaves behind two very special and dear friends, his "brother in life" Jimmy Cordell and Jon Vazquez, whom he cherished. Friends and family may call on Thursday, January 2nd at the Daly Funeral Home, 242 McClellan St, Schenectady, from 4pm until 7pm. A Mass celebrating Dan's life will be held at 11am, Friday, January 3rd at St. Kateri Tekakwitha Parish, 1801 Union St, Niskayuna. Interment will follow at The Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery, Niskayuna. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Kateri Tekakwitha Parish, 2216 Rosa Rd, Niskayuna, NY 12309. A special thank you to our family, friends, neighbors for your love, kindness and support during this sad time. Thank you, also, to Fr. Bob Longobucco, Fr. Michael Taylor, and Deacon Tom Sharrow for your help, encouragement, and prayers.