Senate Resolution No. 1857
BY: Senator HARCKHAM
MOURNING the death of Daniel Strauss,
distinguished citizen and devoted member of his
community
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavor
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and this
great Empire State; and
WHEREAS, Daniel Strauss of Yorktown Heights, New York, died on
Monday, April 6, 2026, at the age of 86; and
WHEREAS, Born on April 4, 1940, in England to the late Agnes
(Samson) and Arthur Strauss, Daniel Strauss was an only child and spent
his childhood in England before moving to the United States and settling
in New York State; and
WHEREAS, Daniel Strauss earned his degree from Hunter College, where
he was captain of both the soccer and tennis teams and a member of the
Army Reserves; and
WHEREAS, While attending Hunter College, Daniel Strauss met Carol,
who he would later marry in August of 1962; and
WHEREAS, Together, Daniel Strauss and his beloved wife, Carol,
settled in Yorktown Heights and shared the joy of raising their three
cherished children; and
WHEREAS, Daniel Strauss distinguished himself in his profession and
by his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the welfare of
his community; and
WHEREAS, Daniel Strauss committed his entire professional career to
Metropolitan Life Insurance Company; in his career, Daniel Strauss
approached every situation with commitment, integrity, and loyalty; and
WHEREAS, As a lifelong lover of soccer, Daniel Strauss fittingly
earned the nickname "Soccer Dan" due to his love for playing and
coaching soccer; Daniel Strauss shared his passion for soccer through
coaching Pee Wee Soccer for Yorktown Heights, leaving a lasting
impression on young athletes and their families; and
WHEREAS, Daniel Strauss' commitment to excellence, and his spirit of
humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise, including
charitable and civic endeavors; and
WHEREAS, Having spent over six decades in Yorktown Heights, Daniel
Strauss took great pride in keeping his town clean, and he dedicated
countless volunteer hours picking up litter and weeding public spaces to
ensure his community was pleasant, clean, and enjoyable for all who
visited and called Yorktown Heights home; and
WHEREAS, With a desire to stay involved in local issues, Daniel
Strauss was actively engaged in local matters through regular attendance
at town board meetings; and
WHEREAS, Throughout Daniel Strauss' lifetime, he shared cherished
moments, laughs, and memories with many friends, including Les
Ventimiglia and Kee Kong from Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, Mike
Bevanda from his men's soccer league, and the friends from his morning
coffee group, which he met during his daily visits to Uncle Giuseppe's;
and
WHEREAS, Above all else, Daniel Strauss was a devoted family man
with immense love and pride for his children and grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, Daniel Strauss is survived by his loving children Pam
Strauss, Leigh Minella, and Craig Strauss and his wife, Tracey; his
grandchildren, JD and Anna Colarusso, and Julianne and Lauren Strauss;
his brother-in-law, Charlie Giandana, and his wife, Nancy; his nieces,
Anna and Lisa; his cousins, Joe, Ellen, and Victor Mascolo; and many
members of the Samson family; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Daniel Strauss leaves behind a legacy which will long endure
the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all he
served and befriended; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Daniel Strauss, distinguished citizen and devoted
member of his community; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Daniel Strauss.
