Daniel Polino

Our loving dad and husband, Dan, passed away in the early morning of August 21, 2015, in Simi Valley, California. He lived an action-packed 92 years, accomplished much, and touched hundreds of lives via his many passions and gifts. Dan was born to Mary and Anthony Polino, Italian immigrants. He was one of ten children and loved to tell stories of his childhood. He fondly recalls Sunday dinners with his aunt and uncle and their ten children. He said it looked like an Italian restaurant, with 20 kids and 4 adults at the long tables stretched together. Dan shared stories of walking 2 miles to school in deep snow, which was actually true while living in up-state New York. Having been raised in the big city it wasn’t uncommon to find yourself at age 18 never having driven an automobile, which was Dan’s situation. He enlisted in the US Navy during WWII, earned a commission as an ensign, and wore the coveted wings of gold. This was one of his proudest achievements. He learned to fly a plane before learning to drive a car! He flew every type of aircraft the Navy had, under conditions including night carrier landings, and was proud of the fact that he never damaged an aircraft. His absolute favorite aircraft was the Corsair. In the year after the war ended, Dan flew double engine transports from Hawaii to the mainland, ferrying military personnel home from the Pacific Theater. He continued to serve in the Naval reserves for a total of seventeen years. He left the Navy as a Lieutenant Senior Grade. When the Lord handed out talents, Dan received quadruple blessings. He was gifted in so many ways. He was an incredible artist, pianist, craftsman, athlete, writer, cook, engineer, and a semi-professional singer. He received his degree in mechanical engineering and worked in the aerospace industry. He was involved in the production of the rocket that propelled our astronauts to the first lunar landing. Dan had a beautiful tenor voice and sang for many friends. After graduating with his engineering degree he auditioned for one of the areas finest vocal coaches. After hearing him sing, the vocal coach told him to leave his new engineering position and immediately enroll in the Julliard School of Music. Unfortunately, having little income, newly married, and just beginning his career, he did not pursue this dream. Dan met his wife, Cathy, through an international folk-dance troupe. They enjoyed competing and performed traditional folk dances from around the world. Dan was quite an athlete and could demonstrate the famous Russian squat with high leg split jumps. During this time they developed life long friendships and their love of international cuisine. Dan and Cathy celebrated 64 years of marriage this year. Dan had many passions that he enjoyed sharing with friends and family. He was assistant Boy Scout master for his son’s troop. He convinced other fathers to join in the numerous campouts and backpack trips by preparing mouth-watering meals including chili and peach cobbler over the fire. He loved to cook and shared his giant pots of spaghetti sauce and other creations. Neighbors, friends, and family will especially miss his award winning chili, minestrone soup and homemade pomegranate wine. Dan was also active in the local chapter of the Association of Naval Aviation and served as editor of the newsletter. His mission was to publish as many stories from Veterans as he could to preserve their accomplishments and contributions to our great country. Dan’s greatest passion was his family. He demonstrated selfless devotion to his children and grandchildren. Dan is survived by his wife Cathy, son David and wife Loretta, daughter Lisa and husband Randy, and daughter Tina and fiancé’ Armando. They were blessed with six beautiful grandchildren: Daniel Polino, Christopher Polino, Erika Kruse Berry and husband Chris, Brent Kruse, Evan Connor, and Kerry Connor. His sister Josephine, many nieces, nephews, cousins in Italy, and friends also survive him. We celebrate a life well lived by a good and faithful servant of our Lord Jesus Christ. We look forward to a most joyous reunion in our heavenly Father’s house one day soon. There will be a Funeral Mass on Wednesday, September 2, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Peter Claver Catholic Church in Simi Valley.