Paul David Daniels, 77, of Rochester, New York went home to be with his Lord, on December 23, 2020 due to complications from COVID-19. Born August 20, 1943 in Amherst, New York to Norbert and Ellen Daniels. Predeceased by his parents and sister Helen Stoeckl. Survived by his beloved wife
Dolores “Dolly” (née Madison), daughters: Diane (Keith) Hook, Wendy (Lee) Jackson, Doreen (Mark) DeGray, Sarah (Sean) McCormack, grandchildren: Zachary, Erika, Alyssa, Jessica, Emilie, Tyla, Evan, Aaron, Isaac, Carissa, great-grandchild Elia, and sister Mary Howe.
Paul started his career as an optician and married the love of his life, Dolly, August 28, 1965. They started a family in Syracuse NY and moved to Rochester in 1971.
His life changed forever in 1972 when he accepted Jesus Christ as his personal savior. His passion was studying and teaching the Bible. Some of his teachings can be found on his website www.thegoodthebadandthegodly.com and on his home church Covenant Life website https://www.covlifechurch.net
Many happy memories were made in annual camping trips to Rollins Ponds with lifelong friends the Reids and the Reinagels. He loved spending time with his family, gardening, beekeeping, and music. An avid reader, he had stacks of books close by and would often recommend a good read. He always had a pun or good “dad joke” to share. As the only male in an all-girl household, he was happy for the addition of each of his sons-in-law and loved being a grandpa.
Through the years Paul and Dolly opened their home to many for extended stays. He loved these adopted “kids” as family. These interactions opened up lasting connections with friends in Mexico and Turkey. Some of his favorite memories were his trips to Mexico.
He loved his church family and through the years was a spiritual father to many. He and Dolly worked with couples in marriage counseling, and Paul met with many men regularly one on one, developing a personal mentoring relationship. In the words of one mentee, “Paul would listen, lift you up and encourage you. He would hold you accountable without judging you and humble you with his faith and the way he lived his life.”
A celebration of his life will be held later at a future date.
Paul and Dolly were long time supporters of Compassion International, supporting multiple children through the years. Contributions can be made in his memory through the link below.
https://www.compassion.com/estate-and-asset-giving/memorial-gifts.htm
Please share memories below.
Isaiah 40:31
Paul and Dolly were long time friends as far back as 1974 when I met them in Brockport at church. We walked through dozens of years of life together as elders in the church while attending dozens of leadership meetings and gatherings. We saw so much together as friends and Christian brothers. Many good stories to tell. But one thing about Paul is that you always knew what he thought. He was not afraid to share his opinion :).. which is what made him a good friend. True, real good friends are hard to find and he was one. God Bless.. Ron Brumbaugh
My condolences to the Daniels family . I worked with Paul at Monroe Community Hospital’s optical clinic He gave me Christian guidance through a rough divorce , I will be always grateful for his support during the mid 1990’s . God Bless ! Barbara G.
My sincere condolences to the Daniel’s family during such a difficult year. Paul was always an encouragement to me, praying for me and giving me a specific word from the Lord that was always very accurate and hopeful. I appreciated his Father heart and love for the Word that always was a consistent blessing. He will be sorely missed. I pray for Dolly and the entire family during His transition to Glory.
Paul was such a faithful man who loved the Lord, his family and others so well. My condolences to his beautiful family. His father’s heart was obvious to all who knew him. I am grateful for his influence in my life. I pray for the comfort of the Holy Spirit for his family. Saying goodbye, even temporarily, is difficult.
Paul and Dolly have been faithful friends over the years to our family. They were part of our Life Group for 8 or 9 years. Paul always had an encouraging word or an uplifting thought to share. He never let generational barriers deter him. Our son, Ken, has called from Hong Kong to be encouraged by Paul many times. Our daughter, Kristie, has been best friends with Paul’s daughter, Doreen, since grade school at North Chili Christian School.
Paul will be greatly missed and we extend our condolences to Dolly and the Daniels family.