Cecilia E. Danisi

Beloved Wife, Beloved Mother Cecilia Danisi was born in Brooklyn, NY on September 13, 1929 to parents James and Mary Eastmond. She was the last living sibling of four children. Cecilia was proud of her family's mixed heritage and loved spending time with her three sisters, Faye, Nina and Joan, lovingly known on their close-knit Brooklyn block as Jimmy's girls. There were many inspiring conversations around the dinner table. Cecilia's father was born in Aberdare, Wales and was of French descent, as well. He worked in the coal mines in Wales as a child. Cecilia shared stories about her father's clowning around and making them laugh during the evening meal. Her Mother was born in America of Irish descent and her girls affectionately called her Mumma. As a young girl, Cecilia would accompany her parents, both Superintendents in the Brooklyn apartment building where they lived, to bank the fires that heated the building (letting the fire die down). Cecilia learned early on from her parents that hard work and sacrifices were a part of life. Nevertheless, Cecilia believed that joy and opportunity were everywhere if you looked closely. On one particular evening in Brooklyn, having looked particularly closely, she found a tiny black kitten barely visible in the coal while banking the fires with her parents. Cecilia told this story many times, smiling whenever she spoke of saving the flea-infested kitten covered in soot. Cecilia watched in awe as the kitten grew into a majestic cat sitting on the window sill in the apartment, an unexpected outcome for the doomed kitten in the coal. A life lesson learned well regarding kindness, hope and the ability to change an outcome, a lesson her children are proud to have learned, along with a genuine respect for all living things. Cecilia defined herself as shy but did not lack an adventurous spirit. She once auditioned at the famed Apollo Theater in Harlem, NY. As the story goes, she sang the song "Accentuate the Positive". A fitting choice for the optimistic Cecilia Eastmond. Shirley, a Brooklyn neighbor and close friend of the family, operated a dance studio and Cecilia learned to dance and participated in Shirley's shows. This opportunity ignited Cecilia’s passion to become a professional dancer. Cecilia was talented, hardworking and never gave up her dream of becoming a dancer. Cecilia loved movies and the entertainment industry and frequented the Paramount Theater in Manhattan with her sisters. She once presented rosary beads to the performing singer Frank Sinatra because of his role as a priest in the 1948 film Miracle of the Bells. She received an autographed photograph in return, which she treasured. Cecilia initially worked as a typist and also as a model for the large department stores while going on dance auditions. She was hired on several occasions and ultimately began working full-time as a dancer. At some point, she worked with choreographer Ron Fletcher. Cecilia performed dance numbers on stage in night clubs popular in the 1940's and 1950's, including the Latin Quarter in New York City. Cecilia would sing songs for us with a French accent "So this is Gay Paree...Come on along with me -we're stepping out to see the LATIN QUARTER". Cecilia also traveled and worked in Hallandale, Florida as a Minsky’s Follies Dancer at the Colonial Inn and also at Copa City in Miami. Cecilia and her best friend and roommate, Kay Coburn, were inseparable both dancing on stage in rehearsals and performances and enjoying Florida after work. One summer evening, in Saratoga Springs, NY, Cecilia was working as a dancer at the popular Riley's Lake House. She was introduced to Mike Danisi by Con Errico. Both young men were professional jockeys, riding races at the Saratoga Race Course in 1949. Ceil and Mike married on July 29, 1950, and drove to Saratoga following the wedding reception to work the racing meet. Summers in Saratoga Springs, NY will remain an indelible memory for Cecilia's family. She reminisced about the unforgettable experiences and people they met and loved along the way, especially the lifelong friendships, notably the Saratoga Clarkes, John and Peggy and their five children. Ceil was known as a wonderful listener. She gave her time without hesitation to friends, family, and even strangers. Cecilia was a devoted wife and Mother and bade farewell to her dancing career to raise her children. Cecilia wanted a family and she took care of us all with the same love, kindness and determination she exhibited to achieve her goal to dance professionally. Cecilia faced many difficult challenges during the course of raising her family. However, challenges were met with perseverance and her faith in God. Cecilia was a devout Catholic who prayed the rosary and went to Mass on Sunday. Her selflessness to achieve better outcomes in life against all odds served her and her family well. In the 1960's, Ceil and Mike purchased their beloved 1889 Open Gate Farm in Huntington, NY. Cecilia loved the nature at the farm, the beauty of the trees and the birds, the rabbits and the delightful change of seasons on the once very rural block. All of the family members, brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews, and friends would visit Open Gate Farm on the weekends to ride Casey the pony. Celia loved her extended family and loved welcoming everyone to the farm with her beautiful smile. Cecilia also volunteered at the Town of Huntington's programs for individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and would go on trips to the circus. She also worked at the Teen Center and Bishop McDonnell Summer Camp. Her hard work and dedication paid off and she was eventually hired by the Town. Her friend, Kaye Argentine, was a passionate advocate and the two spent their time working and advocating for individuals unable to advocate for themselves. Cecilia brought love and joy into our lives as well as all the lives she touched on her journey. Friendships from the old Brooklyn neighborhoods lasted decades, especially the friendship with cherished neighbor Pauline DePalma and her children. Pauline was always a part of the family as well as a compassionate and trusted confidant. Nancy Brown, the daughter of the former owner of Open Gate Farm, would visit Ceil when she was in town. The ladies formed a bond and Nancy would write letters after her visits and tell Ceil stories about the previous owners of the place on Round Swamp Road. Nancy once wrote about the spectacular oak tree behind the house. She said the tree was planted from a seedling by the Strait Family and that the Danisi's were the forth owners of the 1889-year-old house. Cecilia’s kindness soothed the soul. She was a beautiful human being. We are so proud of her. A life well lived... Forever in our hearts, Mike, Michael, and Victoria

Cecilia E. Danisi

September 13, 1929 - July 1, 2022