In memory of
Angelo "Dan" Runfola
March 21, 1956 - January 22, 2009
Angelo "Dan" Runfola, age 52, passed away unexpectedly Thursday, January 22, 2009 at Noyes Memorial Hospital in Dansville.
Dan was born March 21, 1956 in Dansville, son of Stephen & Mary (Lubanski) Runfola. He married Nancy Pullar on August 20, 1988 & September 24, 1994, she survives. He was an Information Service Computer Technician for the Fingerlakes DDSO in Rochester. Dan and Nancy were the owners of the Crafty Bears and Photography by Dan both in Springwater.
Dan was a member of the Professional Photographers Society of NY and was the Finger Lakes Chapter President for 2009-2010. He also was a member of the National Rifle Assoc., the Hornell Sportsman Assoc., the Mt. Morris Sportsman Assoc. and the Dansville Moose.
Dan is survived by his wife Nancy; his children, Stephanie (Brian) Booth, Stephen (Cassie) Runfola, Valurie (Roger) Wolfanger, Eugene (Stephani) Morsch & Paul (Becky) Morsch; his brothers and sister, Walt (Val) Truax, Betty (Howard) Owens, Steve (Cali) Runfola and Joe (Pearl) Runfola; mother-in-law & father-in-law, Evelyn & James M. Pullar; sister-in-law & brother-in-law, Darlene (Tim "Hawk") Harezga & James L. Pullar; many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.
There will be no prior calling. A memorial service will be 2 pm, Sunday Feb. 1 at the Dansville Moose, with Rev. James Stevens officiating. Funeral Arrangements are with the Chamberlin - Baird Funeral Home, 73 Main St., Dansville.
Dan was a "Gift of Life Donor". Contributions may be made to a charity of the donor's choice in memory of Angelo "Dan" Runfola. Those who wish to light a memory candle for Dan may do so at www.bairdfuneralhomes.com
In Dan’s own words:
"I have been active in Photography since my father, Stephen F. Runfola started me out in the darkroom at an early age as I expressed interest in it. I have added education, seminars, workshops and professional societys to my life to gain in the art of photography. I am always looking to expand my knowledge and experience as a photographer.”
Here are some memories from friends around the state:
Monroe Payne, Finger Lakes 1st. VP:
"I'm not going to eulogize. I'm just going to personally remember the laughter Dan generated. We just need to remember him with love and laughter.
I think he'd want it that way."
Kelvin Ringold, PPSNYS President:
The last "conversation" I had with Dan, he sent me a note around Christmas that read essentially like this:
“My wife told me I should wish you Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Consider it done."
That's Dan for you.
Bruce Hahn, Hahn Photographic, Rochester, NY:
I was playing at the pool table with Dan during the Hobart & William Smith Workshop. I got hustled a little bit but fought back on some other games of pool. He was fun to be with after hours of the workshop, not to mention he was a nice person to know and have as a customer. I will miss seeing him.
Beth Irvin, SNAPP:
I am so sorry to hear of Dan's passing. He has been one of the many friendly faces welcoming me into PPSNYS and I will miss him greatly.
Dan was always willing to lend his expertise in photography and spoke candidly about the profession. This past summer at workshop, Dan, Nan and I were talking about wedding photography and Dan mentioned his detailed questionnaire. Just two weeks ago, I sent Dan an email asking if he would share it with me. Dan immediately sent it along with a few words of wisdom and the comment "let me know if there is anything else I can do for you." I will always remember how kind and helpful Dan was and my heart goes out to his family.
Kevin Carlson, Finger Lakes:
Kevin wanted us all to remember the ties that Dan always liked.
Honey DeLapa, Finger Lakes:
Dan, Nan and I have become good friends over the years and the first thing I think of is how sweet they were together. They were ALWAYS together and usually holding hands.
Nan told me the only time they had been separated was during Workshop weeks, and even then, Nan would come to the banquet to be with Dan.
Dan had plans for his time as Chair of Finger Lakes. I received an email the week before our January Meeting. He was proud to be a member of our group and to have been elected as Section Chair.
This is what he wanted for the year 2009:
“I had planned to try to get someone to do the raffles (fundraising). I did not think that it was appropriate for the chair to be chasing people for money.
Resurrection of the greeter is an excellent idea, nice to have people welcomed, both new and old alike.
Event photographer is a great idea, we should have a visual record of us. I also like that some of the sections add them to their newsletter, maybe an idea for us to try,
I'm going to try to keep the communication up as one of Vince's legacies. I really thought that the monthly "blog" in the newsletter was an excellent idea. I hope that I can hook Monroe and Steve on it also. Being a "cheerleader" will be a new endeavor for me.
See you soon,
Dan”
He started our year off right. Let’s continue this work in his honor. We will miss him.
