Daniel Michael Stango
Daniel Michael Stango, 95, of Fort Wayne, IN, a beloved family member, an active sportsman, and contributor to his community, passed away on Saturday, October 28, 2023 at his home. Dan was born February 9, 1928, to Italian parents, Leonard and Jettie (Verniero) Stango in Newark, NJ.
After graduating from Harrison High School in New Jersey, Dan enlisted in the United States Army in 1946. In 1951, Dan attended Panzer College of Physical Education and Hygiene in East Orange, New Jersey where he received his B.S. in Physical Education. He then received a certificate in Elementary Education from Newark State Teachers’ College. His passion was to become a teacher.
After college, Dan began working for the American Red Cross in 1953 as a Service to Military Families representative and Assistant Regional Manager, Midwestern Area. He moved to Charlotte where he met his future wife, Anna Marie Colizzi. They were married September 11, 1965, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Charlotte, MI. With Dan’s increasing level of responsibilities with his career, he and Anne moved to St. Louis, MO, where their son, Lenny, was born. They later moved to Monroeville, PA, and eventually Ft. Wayne, IN, all while Dan was employed with the American Red Cross. He held several positions, including health and safety services, taught first aid classes, provided aid during disasters, was second in command in Pittsburgh, and retired as CEO of Blood Services in Ft. Wayne, IN, in 1991 with 38 years of service.
Dan was an avid reader and extremely active throughout his life. He enjoyed running, golf, played, coached and officiated soccer, played tennis, enjoyed dancing, watching sports, and spending time with family and friends.
He created many memories during his travels to Italy and spring break trips with Lenny to Club Med, Cancun, and the Bahamas. Cooking and going out to eat were also sources of enjoyment.
Dan was a member of St. Charles Catholic Church in Ft. Wayne, where he was a member of the Knights of Columbus. He gave back through volunteering in the local soup kitchen. He loved telling jokes and always had plans for his future lottery winnings.
He is survived by his son, Lenny Stango, of Ft. Wayne, brother, Vic Stango, of Las Vegas, NV, brother- and sister-in-law John and Joy Colizzi, sister-in-law Elaine Colizzi, nephews Danny Stango, Tony Colizzi, Greg (Jeannine) Colizzi, nieces Corrine Stango (Gary) Degrazio, Nikki Colizzi, Kristina (Robert) Windom, Monique Colizzi, Neysa Colizzi, Angel Colizzi (Rich) McCrumb.
He was predeceased by his parents, his in-laws Pietro and Caterina Colizzi, his wife Anna Marie Colizzi Stango (1990), brother-in-law Sam Colizzi (2016), sister-in-law Marlene Colizzi (2018), sister-in-law Nadine Stango (2021), brother-in-law Don Colizzi (2023), and nephew Michael Stango (2011).
Friends are encouraged to support Dan’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 25 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Charlotte, MI with Rev. Father Dwight Ezop officiating. Interment will be at Maple Hill Cemetery. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the American Red Cross. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.