Daniel Porretta

Sometimes when people experience success it can change them into someone who thinks they are larger than life or at times, make them a bit arrogant. This is not who Daniel Porretta was at all since he used his talents and gifts as a tool to inspire others to achieve the same dream he was a part of for a time. Dan was large in stature, yet kind and tender on the inside, a gentle giant if ever there was one. He was a man of faith whose life reflected the beliefs that were engraved upon his heart – a true example of what it means to be the hands and feet of God.

The year 1944 was a trying time in America as WWII was raging on overseas and many of our young men were fighting to preserve the cause of liberty we enjoyed in our nation every day. Back home women filled the positions their men left behind whether in the home or the workplace while dealing with the hardships of rationing and shortages on many daily necessities. This was a year for celebration in the home of Donato and Julia (Viscussi) Porretta as they welcomed the birth of their son, Daniel, on January 16th. Daniel was born in Clairton, Pennsylvania, and joined older sister Angelina in his family. His father worked in the steel industry while his mother was a homemaker. Dan had a close-knit family and fostered a special relationship with his parents. He enjoyed his childhood and his father would often pretend to spank him in order to appease his mother, but he never actually laid a hand on him.

Dan attended local schools including a high school that was a perennial football powerhouse, which is where his love for the game was truly born. On one occasion when Dan was sent to football camp he faked an injury in order to come home. When his brother- in-law and role model, Jim Juliot, caught Dan goofing off, he invited Dan to go camping, but instead took him right back to football camp! He became quite the football player and was eventually recruited by Woody Hayes from Ohio State University. Dan’s father insisted that his football not get in the way of graduating, and Woody obliged by watching Dan’s grades very closely. Dan played on both the defensive and offensive teams until his junior year when he played only offense with Bo Schembecler as one of his coaches. Near the end of his college career he tried to play football for the Canadian Football League but because they already had their quota of Americans, he returned to Ohio State to help coach the freshmen and graduate in 1966.

What was also of great significance during this time was Dan’s introduction to a striking young girl with whom he would share an enduring love. Her name was Deborah Strunk and they met when she came into the bar on campus where he was working one evening. Smitten with each other, Dan and Deb began dating and after a year-and-a-half, they were married on June 17, 1967 in a Columbus Catholic church.

After a honeymoon to New York, Atlantic City, and Washington, D.C., the newlyweds settled in Holland, Michigan, where Dan took a teaching position in physical education for the Holland Public Schools at the West Middle School. He also coached football and track until he retired in 1997. Nothing could have thrilled the couple more than when they were blessed with four sons, Danny, Steve, Dave, and John. Family was always Dan’s main focus, and he was actively involved in the lives of his sons whether he was attending their school or sporting events or just having fun at home. As a family they enjoyed taking many vacations together, especially during the summers. They traveled extensively throughout Michigan and also to visit family members throughout the country.

Life drastically changed for the Porretta family when Danny was diagnosed with bone cancer. For the next five years Danny fought hard while the rest of the family remained strong while by his side. Sadly Danny’s body could not conquer what his will was strong enough to overcome and he died in 1986. Although this was the most trying time parents can ever be required to experience, Dan and Deb found strength in both each other and in their faith.

It was easy to see that Dan’s faith was his cornerstone throughout his life and something he desired to share with others. He and Deb volunteered their time at not only their church, St. Francis de Sales, but also at Evergreen Commons Senior Center. While there they brought so much joy to the residents through their gift of music as Dan played the guitar and Deb sang.

There were a few other interests and traits that were unique to Dan for which he will be remembered. He was both articulate and intelligent, always up for a good debate even if you were both on the same side. Dan enjoyed learning about history and preparing his mother’s Italian dishes. He and Deb enjoyed traveling together later in life with one of their favorite destinations being Suttons Bay. As much as Dan enjoyed these many things throughout his life, spending time with his family and friends always topped his list. Dan and Deb loved hosting gatherings of all kinds and always made each a celebration whether for a holiday or just a time to be together.

When reflecting on the life of Daniel Porretta there is a common thread that is woven throughout his tapestry of time – love. He treated everyone in a loving and respectful manner whether his family, his students, or those within his community. Dan and Deb modeled a marriage that was a true reflection of what a marriage is truly intended to be. Although life was not without hardship for Dan, he always carried himself with character, strength, and integrity. His faith was the compass he used to direct his every thought, word, and deed and it will be this faith and his legacy of love that will be the greatest gifts he leaves behind for not only his family, but also the countless others he touched throughout his life. Dan will be dearly missed and warmly remembered by all who knew and loved him.

Daniel J. Porretta died on December 21, 2009. Dan’s family includes his sons, Stephen (J.J.) Porretta, Dave (Shannon) Porretta, and John Porretta all of Holland; five grandchildren, Starana, Andrew, Julia, Myah, Isabella and Harper Porretta; sister, Angelina Juliot of New Jersey; brothers-in-law, Steve (Mary) Strunk of Columbus, OH, Charles Strunk of Australia; sister-in-law, Nicki (Gary) Lyons of Columbus, Ohio. Dan was preceded in death by his wife Deborah Ann Porretta in 2007, a son Danny in 1986, and his parents. The family will receive friends Wednesday from 6-9 p.m. at St. Francis DeSales Catholic Church 195 W. 13th St. Holland. Wake prayers will be recited at 8:00 p.m. Wednesday. Funeral Mass will be celebrated Thursday 11:00 a.m. at the Church. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a favorite memory or make a memorial contribution to the Special Education department of Holland Public Schools.