Obituary of Daniel A. Chini

Daniel August Chini passed away on Wednesday, January 22, from complications after a fall. He was 66 years old. Dan had a magnetic personality and was someone who could strike up a conversation with anyone at any time, making you feel like he has known you your whole life. A lifelong Syracuse native, Dan graduated from Christian Brothers Academy in 1976. An accomplished high school wrestler, Dan followed in his father’s footsteps by attending LeMoyne College, where he earned a degree in Accounting in 1980. After becoming a Certified Public Accountant, Dan spent years working in public accounting. He began his career at McGrath & Company CPAs, followed by Ernst & Whinney. He later transitioned into senior management roles at Syracuse-based Dupli Graphics, luxury bus line Coach USA, and the U.S. Census Bureau. Dan loved being a boss and took immense pride in the teams he built and the companies he helped grow. He also dedicated time to giving back, teaching finance courses at Auburn Correctional Facility and counseling those struggling with addiction and suicidal thoughts.

Dan’s favorite memories were made while spending time with his children, David and Andrea. Never one to shy away from an adventure, Dan created countless moments with his children that they will cherish forever. Whether it was traveling to upstate New York destinations like the Thousand Islands, Old Forge, or Niagara Falls; enjoying time fishing, hiking, visiting the zoo, finding drive-in movie theaters, playing put-put, cheering on all the Syracuse sports teams, or just renting movies and making up games in his apartment; he always made time for fun. Even parking in downtown Syracuse, heading to The MOST and grabbing a slice of pizza from his favorite place, Pavones, was an adventure as long as they were together. Along the way, Dan passed on invaluable lessons: how to overcome adversity, to never quit, to take responsibility for your actions, to always "scope things out," and, of course, to never ever pay for parking unless absolutely necessary.

In his later years, Dan embraced a simpler life. His happiness often revolved around the (mostly frustrating) fortunes of his favorite sports teams. A devoted fan of Syracuse University and the New York Giants, he was known to start rooting for his team to lose for better draft picks by Week 9 of the NFL season. He continued to treasure time with his children, including annual trips to Myrtle Beach, and always found excuses to call them just to make small talk. Above all, he was an extremely proud grandfather to his two grandchildren.

Dan is predeceased by his mother Norma Chini and brother-in-law Clay Gregory.

He is survived by his father Joseph Chini, his sisters; Jennifer (Andrew) Hilger, Tersilla Gregory, and Linda Chini (Joseph Gardner); nieces and nephew, Sophia, Jane and Henry Hilger. He leaves behind his beloved children, David (Nicole) Chini and Andrea Chini (James Michel) as well as his cherished grandchildren, Elijah James Chini and Noah Daniel Chini, who carries on his name.

Services will be 11:00am March 14, at Tindall Funeral Home, 1921 W Genesee St.

In lieu of flowers, please send any donations to Syracuse Rescue Mission (https://rescuemissionalliance.org/locations/syracuse/)