Daniel G. Gazzola

Daniel G. Gazzola, age 91, passed away on May 4th peacefully after a short illness. Born in the Bronx, New York, on September 4, 1934, Daniel lived a full and meaningful life defined by family, hard work, creativity, humor, and quiet strength.

Daniel grew up in the Bronx and later built a loving life with his wife, Joan, whom he married in 1959. Together, they raised their two sons, Daniel and Joseph, in Massapequa Park, New York. Over the years, Daniel also called Manhattan and PGA National in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, home. He was a proud and loving grandfather to Emily, Eileen, and Daniel, and he especially treasured time spent with his sons and their wives (Eileen and Misun) and his grandchildren.

After high school, Daniel attended art school for two years, a reflection of the artistic gifts that would remain with him throughout his life. From 1955 to 1957, he served in the United States Army as part of the Army music band. A talented guitarist, Daniel became the lead guitarist and traveled throughout Europe performing for soldiers.

Daniel began his career as a draftsman for a small construction company while also teaching guitar. After marrying Joan, he joined NICO Construction in the estimating department, where he quickly thrived. Recognizing a need in the industry for companies specializing in active and occupied hospital renovations, Daniel helped create and lead a specialized division at NICO. Over the course of 15 years, he rose to become the company’s highest-ranking Senior Estimator.

Eventually, Daniel teamed up with Joseph E. VanEtten, a senior superintendent at NICO, and together they founded Gazetten Construction. Their company specialized in hospital, healthcare, and occupied-area renovations, with a focus on minimizing disruption while maintaining full services. Known for its motto of “white glove construction,” Gazetten Construction completed many high-profile projects, including the first Robo-Lab at North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System in Lake Success, the New York Board of Trade Commodities Exchange Center in New York City, Butler Library at Columbia University, an addition of four floors to the Hospital for Special Surgery, and the Animal Medical Center in New York City, where Gazetten served as resident construction manager for 20 years.

Daniel was quiet, warm, funny, hardworking, and deeply loyal to those who knew him. He had an extraordinary talent for numbers and an uncanny ability to know the value and cost of almost anything beyond construction. One of his favorite sayings in business was, “Cheap is expensive,” a phrase that reflected both his practical wisdom and his high standards.

Outside of work, Daniel loved golf, drawing, painting, and playing guitar. He and Joan traveled the world together for many years, creating memories across many places. He was also an accomplished cartoonist, often drawing humorous cartoons of clients and everyday situations. His goodhearted sense of humor and artistic talent helped him build relationships, bring joy to others, and make people laugh.

Daniel will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, businessman, artist, musician, and friend. He leaves behind a legacy that will be cherished by all who knew him.

Viewing

Tuesday, May 26, 2026

2:00–4:00 p.m. and 7:00–9:00 p.m.

M. A. Connell Funeral Home Inc.

934 New York Avenue

Huntington Station, NY 11746

Funeral Mass

Wednesday, May 27, 2026

10:15 a.m.

St. Patrick’s RC Church

9 N. Clinton Avenue

Bay Shore, NY 11706

Burial

Wednesday, May 27, 2026

11:30 a.m.

St. Patrick’s Cemetery

225 Brentwood Road

Bay Shore, NY 11706

Online condolences may be shared at:

https://maconnellfuneralhome.com/tribute/details/8736