The Greek Orthodox community in New York is in mourning for Daniel Padovano, who passed away May 2. The cause of death was cardiac arrest brought on by COVID-19, according to John Paterakis, his friend and fellow parishioner at the Archdiocesan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity.

Daniel was an important fixture at the Cathedral for many years. He served as Treasurer and Vice President of the Cathedral Fellowship and was highly visible in the parish as an altar server and reader. Fr. John Vlahos, said that Daniel “was a faithful member of our Cathedral for over 25 years. He exuded calmness, goodness, and peace and many of us thought of him as a walking encyclopedia. He was a good friend and a faithful soul and we will truly miss him tremendously.” Paterakis, the lambadarios of the Cathedral, observed that “Daniel loved liturgy with a passion, and he loved the challenge of finding readers to beautify the service.”

Daniel Padovano was born in New York City on September 28, 1961, to Howard Gulack and Victoria Padovano. He earned his BA in from Concordia College, and an MA in American and Modern Middle Eastern History from Hunter College. He also held a Certificate in International Affairs and European Union Studies from New York University. An avid and skilled historian, he served as Adjunct Professor of History and American Government at Pace University, Iona College, and Metropolitan College of New York.

Among other duties, Daniel was Bursar Manager and Assistant Bursar at the City University of New York. Daniel often represented CUNY on the national stage at industry conferences, and was a member of the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators since 2002.  McIntyre lauded Daniel as “an exceptional colleague” who would “be truly missed.”

His many passions included astronomy and sharing the wonders of New York City with visitors.

Daniel was a key figure in organizing the New York City commemoration of the 25^th anniversary of IOCC. Marina Belessis Casoria, chair of the event, described Daniel as “passionate in his Orthodoxy.” A member of the Delphi Chapter 25 of the Order of AHEPA, as well as the Cathedral’s Greek Literature Book Club, Daniel was well regarded for his love of his adopted Hellenic culture. Theodore Klingos, Vice President of the Delphi Chapter, recalled that “Brother Daniel was dedicated to the ideals espoused by AHEPA towards his faith, Hellenism, and service.”

Daniel also cherished his Celtic heritage. He could always be seen at Tartan Day celebrations, and was a member of the St. David’s Society of New York, the Caledonian Club of New York, and the American branch of the Celtic League.

A trisagion was conducted at the Cathedral on Friday, May 8 on Daniel’s behalf. Many of Daniel’s friends and family participated via livestream on the Cathedral’s Facebook and YouTube channels. In addition to his mother Victoria, Daniel is survived by his half-sister, Veronica Kavanagh.