Daniel Sulimowicz – Rochester

Daniel Sulimowicz passed away on March 15, 2023, after a brief illness, surrounded by his family.  Dan (also affectionately called “Danny”) was born on October 24, 1970, in Brockport, New York, and lived his entire life with spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy, confined to a wheelchair. But he didn’t let that limit him one bit.

He is predeceased by his parents, Eugene Sulimowicz and Barbara (Walter) Clark. Dan is survived by his step-mother, Katherine Sulimowicz; siblings, Richard (Susan) Sulimowicz, Adeline Montgomery, Sharon (Jen) Robinson-Sulimowicz, Brian Sulimowicz and Theresa Sulimowicz; aunts, Karen Pelow and Claudia Sulimowicz; uncle, Stanley (Karen) Jeffords; several nieces, nephews and cousins; many dear friends.

At an early age, Dan endeared himself to just about anyone who met him. He was a beautiful blonde boy with bright blue eyes and a contagious laugh.  He met local legendary newscaster, Don Alhart during a telethon back in the 1970’s, and to hear Don tell it, Danny took over the show.

As he grew older Danny fell in love with sports—all sports–including baseball, football, basketball and hockey.  Because he couldn’t play sports, he watched sports and he knew more about sports than just about anyone.  Locally, he went to  Redwings games and Amerks games. Everyone at the stadium knew who Danny was.  In fact, the Redwings let Danny have his commitment ceremony there a few years ago.  He even had his own seat at the redwings games and rumor is that the owners gave him food vouchers when he was there.

Danny lived a rich full life, experiencing more in his shortened life than most of us.  He visited Hawaii. He traveled to NYC to see his Yankees play, and he was even able to visit the locker room.   He went to many Buffalo Bills game. His only regret was not seeing his Bills win the Superbowl.  Dan had no less than 10 different jerseys in his closet—from the Bills to the Yankees and the Sabres.  He loved them all.  He had more hats than he could ever wear. He even wore a bracelet with the Bills logo and slippers too.

Dan was a special person. Not because he had Cerebral Palsy, not because he was confined to a wheelchair for most of his life, not because he was thoughtful, funny, intelligent, outgoing, articulate, considerate and a super nice person.  What made Dan special is that despite having the incredible physical burden of his disorder, he never complained or felt sorry for himself. He was upbeat and positive. He knew he had physical limitations, but did not let them limit his life and was positive despite those physical limitations. He was also incredibly smart. Because his disorder affected his speech, one might assume that he had a mental impairment.  The fact is that he no doubt was often the smartest person in the room.  He was also very brave. He marched through life and never shied from asking strangers for help to do things for him that he couldn’t do himself or go places not entirely accessible, alone, by bus, at night, in a wheel chair; something most of wouldn’t even think of doing.

To know Dan was to love Dan.  He was outgoing and was loved by everyone who met him.  He had a beautiful smile and a squealing laugh that lit up every room he was in. Wherever he went, whether it was the mall or a baseball game, people knew him and would shout out to him. He had so many friends wherever he went and has friends everywhere around Rochester.  In fact, he made good friends in high places including one of Rochester’s best known and loved newscasters and the entire front office of the Red Wings.

Dan was a force of nature. He lived life!! In the example he set, and in the friendships he made, he improved many lives. We already miss him dearly and know he will be missed by many.

Family and friends may call at Miller Funeral and Cremation Services, 3325 Winton Road South, Friday, March 24, 4-7PM where his service will follow at 7:15PM in the Interfaith Chapel at Miller Funeral and Cremation Services. His Graveside Service will be held at St. Cecilia Cemetery, 56 Maple Ave, Oakfield, NY 14125, Saturday at 10AM. In lieu of flowers, kindly consider donations to Special Olympics New York.