Daniel J. Diana MD

On Tuesday, November 15th, Daniel J. Diana, MD, of Westbrook (formerly of Avon) took his final breath and joined the love of his life, Jacqueline, who predeceased him by only five short weeks. They had been happily married for 57 years. Daniel was born on May 11, 1942, in New Haven, CT, the only son of Joseph and Nicolina (Carboni) Diana. He attended Notre Dame High School, Fairfield University, and the NJ College of Medicine. He was also a veteran in the US Army, stationed at Fort Lewis in Washington State and then at Walter Reed Army Hospital in Bethesda, MD.   He met Jacqueline during college on a blind date. It was love at first sight.  They married in 1965 and she supported him while he attended medical school.  Dan and Jacki started their family and he continued his devotion as a loving husband and father, enjoying raising his two daughters.  When his service in the army was complete, he moved his family to Avon, CT, where he practiced as a well-known and respected pediatric cardiologist at CCMC.  He saved countless babies and children, caring for them well into their adult years.  He truly cared about each and every one of his patients, often sacrificing time with his own family to properly treat them. He was truly a selfless man of God. Upon his retirement, Dan and Jacki settled into a life spent serving the church, being with beloved friends and family, traveling, boating, and loving their grandchildren. Together, they attended countless football games, lacrosse games, and dance competitions, enjoying every second of supporting their grandbabies. Dan and Jacki were seldom apart and have been described as a unit, so we’re comforted that they are now reunited forever in heaven.  His sense of humor and love of a good joke, his strong faith, and his compassionate nature will be sorely missed.  Left to mourn his passing are his treasured children, Deb and Mark Zacchio of CT and Amy and James Natalicchio of NJ, his cherished grandchildren, Nick, Dean, Diana, and Dylan, whom he adored and who loved him back equally.  He also leaves a host of friends with whom he celebrated life and who were ultimately there for him during his illness and after Jacki’s passing. He leaves his beloved caregiver, Sharon, who lovingly and expertly cared for him in his time of need. In remembrance of Dan, please perform an act of kindness, share a joke, or help someone in need.  That was how Dan lived his life and how he will be remembered.  Memorial contributions in his honor may be made to St. Mary Church in Clinton, CT, where he and Jacki were active parishioners. They truly loved their church family.

Funeral procession will leave the Swan Funeral Home, 80 East Main Street Clinton, Monday November 21, 2022 at 10:30am for a Mass of Christian Burial at Saint Mary’s Church of the Visitation will be at 11am. Burial will follow at the Saint Mary’s Cemetery. Friends may call at the Swan Funeral Home, Clinton on Monday from 9:00am to 10:30am.