Obituary: Suzan D'Aniello

Suzan J. Harrison D’Aniello, 74, of Hamden, CT, beloved wife of Guy S. D’Aniello, passed away peacefully on July 22, 2024, after a courageous battle with lung cancer.

Born on June 12, 1950, Suzan was one of five children of Raymond and Bernice (Ryalls) Harrison. She graduated from Hamden High School in 1968 and attended two years of college. Suzan and Guy met during the “Summer of Love” in 1967, were married for 54 years, and raised two children in Hamden.

In 1981, Suzan and Guy opened D’Aniello’s Amity Bicycle Shop in Woodbridge, CT, which is still operated by their son, Kurt. Sue was a dedicated member of the cycling community, serving as a United States Cycling Federation representative and promoting many successful State Championship races. In 1995, she was appointed Cycling Commissioner for the Special Olympic World Games in New Haven, where her efforts earned the cycling venue the honor of being the best of the Games. Sue also served as PTA President at Church Street School and was recognized as one of Hamden’s Most Notable Citizens. After retiring from the cycling world, she found joy working as a business manager at Congregation Mishkan Israel Nursery School in Hamden.

Sue was a compassionate person who loved helping young people and welcomed anyone in need into her home and heart. She was always ready to support those around her, whether by planning a party, lending an ear, or offering her home as a refuge. Sue was also an avid gardener and a champion of recycling and Earth Day causes. She cherished the natural world and found happiness by her koi pond with her beloved dog, Peanut.

Sue is survived by her husband, Guy; daughter Kala Zawalich and her husband Matthew of Cheshire; son Kurt D’Aniello and his partner Annalisa Paltauf of Hamden; grandchildren Daniel and Kira Zawalich of Cheshire; sister Beth Harrison and her partner Wes Beeman of Branford; several beloved nieces and nephews and their families; and countless individuals who loved her and called her “Big Mama.” She was predeceased by her brothers Raymond Harrison of Texas and George Harrison of Iowa, and her sister Fran Ellesio of Guilford, CT.

Sue wished for her life to be celebrated with a party among friends and family.

Please join us at:

Knight’s of Columbus Lodge
2630 Whitney Ave
Hamden, CT 06518

August 4th, 2024
Visitation starting at 3pm
Service and celebration to follow

In lieu of flowers, donations in Sue’s memory can be made to ERRACE at this link or by checks made to Fidelity Gift Fund - ERRACE.