East Longmeadow – Daniel Joseph Hala, 81, beloved father and grandfather, was called to God on July 11, 2017. He was born in Buffalo, NY, the son of the late Estelle Szuflita and stepson of the late Joseph Szuflita. Growing up in Buffalo, Daniel was an altar server at St. Ann’s Church and graduated from Emerson Vocational High School. He proudly served in the U.S. Army in Korea as a tank operator. Daniel worked at GBE/Grossman Marketing Group in Hartford, CT for over 31 years as a supervisor and lead pressman, retiring in 2011. He previously worked as Manager of Print Services for A&P Tea Co. and Graphics Department Manager for Loblaws in Buffalo, NY. He was the ultimate Yankees, Buffalo Bills, and UConn Women’s Basketball fan. In his spare time, he enjoyed jigsaw and crossword puzzles, spending time outdoors, playing with his grandchildren, caring for his backyard birds and annual family trips to Cape Cod and Walt Disney World. Above all Daniel was a devoted father who loved spending time caring for his children and grandchildren. He will be greatly missed for his kind, loving, and generous ways. In addition to his parents, Daniel was predeceased by step-brothers, the late Edward and the late Richard (Louise) Szuflita, and step-sister, the late Loretta (late Norbert) Kuwik. He is survived by his children: Joseph Hala and girlfriend Carmen Grillo of Waterford, CT; Michelle Siciliano of East Longmeadow; and Karen Anne Derose and husband Kevin of Wilbraham; grandchildren Anthony, Samantha, Sabrina, Dylan, and Charlotte; his good friend and former spouse, Mary Ann Brotman of Boynton Beach, FL; and many cousins in Buffalo. Family and friends are invited to attend visiting hours on Monday, July 17 from 5-8PM at Forastiere Smith Funeral Home, 220 North Main St., East Longmeadow. Daniel’s funeral service will be held on Tuesday, July 18 from the funeral home at 11AM followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at St. Michael’s Church, East Longmeadow at 12PM. Interment will be in St. Stanislaus Cemetery in Buffalo, NY, Thursday, July 20. Donations in Daniel’s memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-1905. For more information please visit: www.forastiere.com.
Service Information
Visitation
Monday
July 17, 20175:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Forastiere Smith Funeral Home
220 North Main Street
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Service
Tuesday
July 18, 201712:00 PM to TBD
St. Michael's
128 Maple Street
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Cemetery
St. Stanislaus
700 Pine Ridge Heritage Blvd
Cheektowaga, NY 14225