Utica/Sarasota, Fla. - Daniel A. Nole, 73 of Utica and Sarasota, Florida passed away after a valiant battle on Sunday, February 8, 2015. Dan's passing into heaven was supported by the love and devotion of his family. Born in Utica on April 3, 1941 Daniel was the son of the late Michael and Mary Pelletieri Nole. Raised and educated locally he was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School where he was a standout football player and captain of the 1958 football team. He earned an athletic scholarship to the University of Buffalo. There he excelled as a linebacker having been coached by the legendary Buddy Ryan and earned a Bachelor's Degree in Health and Physical Education. He taught school and coached both in Buffalo and Utica. For thirty years he served as a Probation Officer for the Oneida County Probation Department. There he demonstrated fair mindedness while offering advice and successfully pioneered the Domicile Restriction Program. Dan's fondest memories were of the times he spent with "the guys" at probation where he established many long lasting friendships. For many years, Dan was active in local politics believing in the importance of the democratic process. He proudly served as councilman for the City of Utica and actively supported many judicial campaigns. On January 3, 1961 he married the former Barbara J. Roberts, a blessed union of 54 years. Dan and Barb were very dedicated to one another. Their marriage was filled with mutual love and respect and exemplified true companionship. Dan lived his life guided by a strong belief in family. His children, grandchildren and great-grandchild experienced his care and unquestioned loyalty. He led by example and he was their anchor. He encouraged his children to succeed and was their biggest fan. Dan had a close relationship with his sister Joan and brother Vic. He was a wonderful Godfather and a strong presence in the lives of his nieces and nephews. Dan loved to cook and having family and friends for holidays and dinners were joyous occasions. Dan was proud to be a Nole, he was proud of his ancestors and Italian heritage. He served on the Laurenzana Family Reunion Committee and kept his family traditions alive with his lasagna dinners, calzones at Easter and the annual making of the sausage in the oil. He was an outdoorsman who enjoyed camping, nurtured gardens and gathered mushrooms. From childhood he hiked the woods of Cascade Glenn, hunting, trapping and fishing with friends. Dan was a true athlete, competitive in nature and continued his love of football with his children and grandchildren. He played racquetball for many years at the Utica YMCA ranking best in his division. Throughout his life he enjoyed golfing and playing cards with friends and family. Dan had a presence about him like no other, he possessed a great sense of humor and his strong stature was no measure to his generosity and kindness. Daniel is survived by his loving and devoted wife Barbara, his son and daughter-in-law John and Beth Nole, daughter Michele Nole, son and daughter-in-law Daniel and Julie Nole. He also leaves his beloved grandchildren Thaddeus Randazzo, Daniel Randazzo, Sophia Nole, Rocco Nole, Danny Nole and also a great grandson Thaddeus Randazzo and his mother Erica Randazzo. He is survived by a sister Joan Salerno, brother and sister-in-law Victor and Elizabeth Nole and in-laws Elizabeth and Anthony Scalise, Joanne and Armand DeRocco, Sharon Steppello, Carol and Scott Nicotera, Judith and Dale VanGorder, MaryLourdes DeVito, Pamela Hood, Ivy and Michael Maphia, Francis and Katie Roberts, Michael and Lynne Roberts, and David and Deborah Roberts. He is also survived by many cousins, nieces, nephews, dear friends and his canine companions Chloe and Baby. Dan was predeceased by his parents Michael and Mary Nole, his brother Michael W. Nole, mother and father-in-law Francis and Ivy Roberts, brother-in-laws Donald Steppello, Albert DeVito and Gary Hood. Dan had many friends throughout the course of his life. From the beginning days at Adrean Terrace, T.R. Proctor and University of Buffalo, through to his Probation/political career and friends with whom he golfed and played cards. If you were his friend, he loved you like family. A gracious thank you is offered to the many special friends who assisted with sincere concern, support and dedication. Daniel's memorial mass will commence on Saturday March 28th 10:30 a.m. at Historic Old St. John's Church 240 Bleecker Street, Utica. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of mass. Arrangements under the guidance of The John L. Matt Funeral Home Chadwicks, NY. To send an online message of sympathy; www.johnlmattfuneralhome.com