Daniel Jan Pieloch, Sr., 87, of Utica, passed away peacefully on February 2, 2019. He was born on August 29, 1931, the son of Ignatius and Stefania (Gacek) Pieloch. He was a graduate of Utica Free Academy, Class of 1949. Daniel honorably served in the United States Air Force. On October 15, 1955, he married Virginia Zalocha in St. Stanislaus Church, Utica. Dan worked for Special Metals, New Hartford, and retired in 1993 after 41 years of dedicated service. Throughout his life, he worked diligently to provide a home for his family and devoted all of his off-work hours to his wife and children. He held many titles, but the ones he cherished the most were husband, father, Papa and great-Papa. His Catholic faith and Polish heritage were forefront in his life as well. Papa Dan was always there to advise, support and lend a helping hand. He was an avid sports fan, especially following the Cleveland Browns and Cleveland Indians. In his retirement years, he enjoyed golfing, traveling with his family, gardening and a good ball game. He was an active member of Holy Trinity Church, Commander of Walter Skiba Post PLAV #20, a member of the Kopernik Memorial Association, Polish Community Center and American Legion Utica Post #229. Survivors include his wife Virginia; three daughters, Regina Venettozzi (Tom), Utica, Jean Engler (Jim), Deerfield and Jennifer Gagnon (Bill), Marcy; seven grandchildren, Thomas Venettozzi, Jr., Lauren Venettozzi, James Engler, III, Matthew Engler, Danielle Engler, Jessica Crane, and Abigail Gagnon; one great-granddaughter Carmella Venettozzi; in-laws, Jane Kara, Helen Bazan and Frances Zalocha; several nieces, nephews and cousins. He also leaves behind a special friend, Stash Babiarz who Dan shared his love of his Polish heritage with. He was predeceased by his son Daniel Pieloch, Jr.; sisters Olga Mierzwa, Alfreda Flanagan, and Loretta Powell; and several in-laws. Mr. Pieloch’s funeral will be held on Thursday, February 7, 2019 at 10:15 a.m. at the Heintz Funeral Home, 408 Herkimer Rd., N. Utica and 11:00 at Holy Trinity in Utica, where his Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. His Rite of Committal and burial will follow at St. Stanislaus B & M Cemetery, Wood Road, Whitesboro. Calling hours for family and friends are Wednesday from 4:00-7:00 pm. Please consider a donation in Dan’s memory to Holy Trinity Church-Raise the Roof Campaign. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.