Daniel Keith Zaleski, 46
There are those who come into our lives, sometimes for a moment and sometimes for a lifetime, who make the world a more beautiful place simply because they have been in it. Daniel Keith Zaleski, age 46, of Dalton, died on April 1st, 2023, at Aultman Hospital, after a health crisis. Dan’s tragic death will be deeply grieved. And yet, his kind and persevering spirit will continue here on earth through the legacy of love that he leaves.
Dan was born to Mary Beth Zaleski on Sept 25th, 1976. He was a light in the world from the moment he began to grow beneath his mother’s heart. That love affair would last a lifetime.
Danny was a bright, curious and joyful child, who thrived under the loving attention of his grandparents, aunts and uncles. Mary Beth was a devoted mother who allowed her entire family to wrap their love around her son. It was under that multigenerational care that he would learn about many of the best things in life. After a time, Dan relinquished his role of ‘only grandchild’, but he never let go of those deep truths about what it is that fills a life with meaning.
Dan graduated from Dalton High School, and later went on to receive a degree in web design. He maintained an admirable work ethic his entire adult life. He brought a kind and easygoing nature to every workplace, offering patience and humor to those he worked with. Rather than being defined by his occupation, Dan’s willingness to always try his best is what he will be remembered for, most especially as a father.
With the love and support of his beautiful wife Rhea, he realized a lifelong dream when they purchased the red brick house on Main Street where he had spent his childhood. Within that home were all the mundane and marvelous realities of raising a large family. From ushering young adult children towards their independent lives, to the noisy rush of weekday mornings with a houseful of school kids, to Friday night football games, Dan was present to all of it. His family life was testament to the simple joy and immeasurably precious gift of living, even in times when circumstances were anything but simple.
It is a great joy and terrible sorrow to say that Dan was living his best life. In the darkest hours, Rhea, his children, his mother, and loving family ensured that he was never alone. The community of love he was born into on earth surrounded him as he was born into eternal life.
Surviving are his beloved wife, Rhea (Comito) Zaleski; eight children, Alyssa, Gabrielle, Branyan, Alexandria, Scarlett, Joshua, Jeffrey, and Jacqueline; granddaughter, Londyn; mother and stepfather Mary Beth and Kevin O’Connor of Dalton; stepbrother Cody (Gina) O’Connor of Maryland; aunts, Mary Ann (Dave) Brockett of Twinsburg, Fran (Sam) Jackson of Dalton; uncles, Ed (Jane) Zaleski of Dalton, Pius (Nancy) Zaleski of Green, Steve (Julie) Zaleski of Shreve; first wife, Shannon (Holly), and 18 cousins who considered him the “coolest.” Dan was preceded in death by his grandparents Mariellen and Edmund Zaleski and his uncle Dan (Rose) Zaleski. Say Hi to Grandma and Grandpa for us, Dan.
Viewing will be offered at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Orrville, Ohio on Wednesday, April 5th from 10:00 AM to 11:45 AM. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 12:00 PM. Burial will take place at Dalton Cemetery, with a reception for friends and family immediately following.
A GoFundMe donation page has been established to support the family. To donate, please visit: <https://gofund.me/86d96845>
