Obituary of Daniel J. Secor

Daniel J. Secor Daniel J. Secor, age 18, of Rome, died January 21, 2012, from injuries suffered in a snowmobiling accident. He was born February 10, 1993, in Rome, a son of Richard H. Jr., and Jacqueline Sanzone Secor. Dan graduated from Rome Free Academy in 2011, where he was an outstanding athlete for the Football and Wrestling teams. He was a Section III Football All-Star and star wrestler, placing second in the Sectional wrestling finals. His love of wrestling began with Rome Hawks PeeWee Wrestling under Jerry Hitchcock, which he was inspired to join at age 6 by brother, Shawn, who was also a great wrestler. His numerous accomplishments included a Silver Medal at the Empire State Games and being named to the New York State National Wrestling Team where he traveled to Kansas City to compete. Dan received many college football offers but chose to work in the family business, Dick's General Contracting. Besides his love of sports, Dan was a kind and caring person who loved the outdoors, nature and all animals. He often would care for any stray or injured animal that he found. Dan will be missed until the end of time by his parents, Dick and Jackie Secor; his brother and sister in law, Shawn and Samantha Secor of Verona with whom he had an extremely close and loving relationship; a nephew, Jack Secor; his grandmother, RoseMary Waterman of Oneida; his Aunt Patti Kuegler; his cousin Kevin Kuegler; his girlfriend, Shelby Knapp and many aunts, uncles, cousins and great friends, particularly his life-long friend, Tyler O'Dell. He will be greatly missed by his Black Lab, Katrina. A heartfelt thanks to John Chmielewski, Matt Lane and Kevin Kuegler who were riding with Dan and who tried to move heaven and earth to save his life. They were then relieved by first responders and emergency personnel from the State Police and from Taberg Fire Department, as well as Rome Hospital staff who did everything humanly possible for Dan. Funeral services will be held Thursday at 10:15 AM from the Barry Funeral Home, 807 W. Chestnut Street, and at 11:00 AM at St. Peter's Church. Burial will be in Rome Cemetery. Relatives and friends may call at the funeral home, Wednesday 4 to 7 PM.