Final Salute

Ilion – Herkimer native Daniel A. (Danny) Beran, 94, a longtime Ilion resident, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at Wynn Hospital, Utica, NY with his devoted family by his side.

He was born on May 3, 1931, in Fort Herkimer, NY, the son of the late Anton and Susan (Bachorik) Beran, who immigrated to the United States from what is now considered the Czech Republic to build a better life for their family.  Danny often spoke of his days peddling papers on the Southside of Herkimer, hanging out with his friends John Brandano and Bill Zaffarano, and was a 1949 graduate of Herkimer High School.  He proudly served his country in the United States Navy Seabees during the Korean War, alongside the 1st Battalion, 1st Marines unit in Pohang-si, South Korea. He was honorably discharged on December 6, 1953, and was a member of the VFW Post 502 of Frankfort, NY. He was employed at the former Union Fork & Hoe Company in Frankfort, as 1 of only 3 master heavy fork rollers in the United States, retiring after 40 years.

He was of the Catholic faith and on September 2, 1961, he was united in marriage to the former Carolyn A. Capes at Annunciation Church in Ilion, NY, by the late Reverend Joseph Connelly. They shared 64 years of marriage. Tradition was important to Danny, and the family holds close memories of yard projects, summer trips to Alex Bay and Old Forge, and the traditional Czech Christmas Eve dinner of fish, barley & mushrooms, the Sauternes wine toast, and finding a lucky penny under the dinner plate. Always followed by watching “It’s A Wonderful Life” and being reminded of its powerful message.

Danny’s pride and joy was his wife and daughters and the home he built brick by brick, through hard work and determination, by reading, learning, and calculating how to do something new. Over the years he and his special brother-in-law, “Jr.” embarked on many different projects and shared a lot of good times.  If he wasn’t working in the garden or working on a project, he could be found ‘up the hill’ at Rudy’s or ‘down the hill’ at Stan or Rogers.  He was especially proud of his fruit tree orchard and dappled in grafting different types of fruits on the same trees.  He set high expectations, did things his own way, and believed in doing the right thing, the right way.

Danny is survived by his loving wife, Carolyn of Ilion, NY; two daughters, Dana Ann Beran Guernsey and her husband Dennis of Ilion, NY and Daytona Beach, FL; and Lynda Marie Beran of Micco FL. He also leaves 4 grandsons, Aaron James Rathbun of Herkimer, Jesse John Rathbun of Frankfort Center, Lee Gregory Johnson of Central Square, and John Louis Barnekow of Rome, and 9 great-grandchildren, Aaliyah Lynn and Anthony Leon Johnson, Miranda Marie Winslow, Darcie Elizabeth and Ava Karen Rathbun, Melody Rose and John Malcolm Rathbun, and Jamison Michael and Easton Myles Barnekow.

He is also survived by nieces and nephews, John Latella Jr., Jim Stegich, Renee (Stegich) Jones, Danielle (Latella) Bernard, Carol (Beran) Kapala, and Michael Beran; and sisters-in-law, Judy Capes Bennett Tinkler, Joann Capes Richards, and Nancy Kempe-Capes and their families, as well as many great-nieces, nephews, and cousins. Daniel also leaves his longtime good friends, Rudy Gadziala, Dale P. Christie, and Ralph Erickson whom he served with in Korea.

Danny was predeceased by all 7 siblings, infants Ludmilla & Anthony Beran, brother Frank Beran, sisters Anne (Anna) Stegich, Mary Latrieille, Helen Latella, and Lydia Pointing.  He was also predeceased by several sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, good friends, and neighbors on Barringer Road.

A graveside service will take place in the spring at Armory Hill Cemetery, Ilion, NY. There are no calling hours. Arrangements are under the caring guidance of the locally owned and family operated, Vincent A. Enea Funeral Service (next to Hannaford Markets), 527 E. Albany St., Herkimer, NY.

The family would like to send special thanks to Bonnie Coniguliaro, Rudy Gadziala, Dianne Reed, and Joe Urtz for their support and assistance over the past few years.  Also to the Rome VA team including his nurse Cathy Dunham, Bill Wolff, NP, Steve Williams of Podiatry and Dr. Allam, his rheumatologist, for the outstanding care he received; and to Vincent Enea and Michael Beran for their assistance and compassion.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Daniel A. Beran, please visit our floral store.