Daniel Cirella

December 1, 1943 - April 12, 2017

God beckoned Daniel G. Cirella to sit by his side early Wednesday morning, April 12, 2017, from his home in New York City. A two-time Emmy-nominated lighting director, Danny discovered his passion in high school and headed to New York after graduation from Emerson College. He was the first in-house LD at Sesame Street, MTV studios, and Oh Calcutta! He spent several years at ABC, and was the guiding light on Guiding Light and Edge of Night, to name only a few accomplishments. Over his long career, his spirit, as well as his lights, would shine on everyone, including presidents, children, actors, divas and priests; on stage, TV, commercials and in churches; on news anchors and talk show hosts, on Dish Nation with Scott and Todd, Good Morning America and ABC Word News. He was not impressed by celebrity but beamed into their souls and character first, and then talents.Danny was a great storyteller; his eyes sparkled as he unfolded tales of on-set antics or the crazy world around him. He was also a video photographer and screenwriter, connoisseur of good food and movies, had a wicked sense of humor, and understood life’s most-profound mysteries. He never gave up on anyone. Above all, he looked up, and was a true believer in the power and greatness of the Lord; some say he had a direct line. We believe he stands amidst the Master’s light show that earth-bound eyes can’t see … and probably considering which gels to use.Danny was greeted at heaven’s gates by his parents Angela and Dan Cirella and sister Judi Cirella Loesch. He is survived by his sister Linda Cirella, of Bethel CT, and her children (Rebecca, Bryan, Petra, and Daniel), his brother Edward Cirella and wife Debbie, of Massapequa Park, NY, and their children (Nina, Emily, Grace and Ray), and his companions of many years, Greer Hoffman and Sheila Trichter. He leaves behind scores of bereaved friends and extended family.A Memorial will be held on Friday, April 28, 2 to 4 pm and 7 to 9 pm, at the Massapequa Funeral Home, North Chapel, on Long Island. The funeral mass will be conducted at 1:00 pm, Saturday, April 29, at Holy Trinity Church, 213 W82nd Street, NYC.

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I worked with Danny for a number of years in the 1990's and early 2000's in various TV studios around the city. I was just thinking of him today for some reason and googled him as we had lost touch. I was crestfallen to learn of his passing. He was always a warm soul with a big heart and a great sense of humor. I know he is missed by many and I will never forget how he helped shape my career as a lighting designer, as I was called upon by Danny to "pinch hit" on some designs for him. He believed in me and I will forever be grateful. Thanks, Danny - I wish we could have had one last meal...one last lighting of a set together. Rest well and light it up up there! -Josh

My memory of Danny is spending time with him in time square always impressed by the cast of characters he would gather to re light linda ellerbees nickalodian show or talking about the things we found in the garbage on our way to work The things people throw away I tell you he was a good man who provided an early foundation to my career

I had the honor and pleasure of working with Danny at the old times square studios, where he was brought in as the wisened "TV guy" to teach a bunch of wiseguy punks how to make television. He was a good sport and could take a joke with the best of them and he gave as well as he got. He was a great teacher and almost 35 years later I cherish the lessons learned about diligence, hard work and devotion to a job well done. I'm sorry to hear of Danny's passing I'm sure he's regaling the angels with Merv Griffin stories. Peace be with you dear man.

I loved Danny, he was a gentlmans gentleman. Sincere, kind and talented. One time he was at my house and said you have the wrong bulbs in the ceiling, one change created a new room. Another time I asked him to fix the lighting at the National Arts Club, he did wonders and they used his fix for years. I will miss himReverend Paul Sladkus Wwe.goodnewsplanet.com St Francis of Assisi prayer for all to read

I spent several holidays with Danny at the Cirella's home, one Easter at an Italian restaurant near the Seaport, and another family dinner at his mom's home. He was an easy man to like and I enjoyed his intelligent conversations about his career and life. One Christmas Eve he helped us celebrate at my house. He spent close to two hours working on my daughter Shaye's computer to download and properly install a screen play app. She wrote an awesome screenplay using that app thanks to Danny. I will miss him. Rest in peace Danny.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Years ago I called Danny for advise when pursuing other job opportunities. Since we were in the same business, television news, and attended the same college at some point, he as an undergrad and me as a post grad, I figured he would have insight and information for me. I remember talking for a long time and memory is not a long suit for me but what was clear was his guidance and help. "Always shave off 10 years from your resume". He went on, " no one checks and fewer care if you're younger than you claim but if you're older it may be an issue". I never forgot that helpful tidbit of information. I did get the position I was applying for and my age never came up. I never offered my real age but I'll never forget Danny's helpful advise. What a wonderful man and great friend, even to those who didn't know him well.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.