Daniel Mariniello, Class of 1953

Daniel Mariniello ‘53 died May 6, 2022. Born in Brooklyn, on October 7, 1931, Dr. Mariniello followed his dream of becoming a physician while attending Otterbein College in Westerville, Ohio, earning a bachelor of science degree in biology and chemistry. While at Otterbein, he was involved with the Eta Phi Mu (Jonda) fraternity and met his 1st wife Jean Thompson ’53, who predeceased him.

In 1959, Daniel attended the Medicine University of Bologna, Italy. Upon receiving his medical degree, he returned to the United States to reside in Clarence Center, and to practice as a physician certified by the American Board of OB/GYN. In 1964, he co-founded The Aurora Medical Group P.C., personally delivering over 4,000 babies into the world before retiring in 1996.
Other professional accomplishments include being named Teacher of the Year for the Department of OB/GYN at the University at Buffalo School of Health Sciences in 1982; Associate Professor University at Buffalo, School of Health Sciences in 1988; Head of the Department of OB/GYN at Buffalo General Hospital, 1987-90; and Honorary Staff at Buffalo General Hospital, 1998. He was also President of the Medical Union of Buffalo in 1989, President of Buffalo OB/GYN Society in 1989 and President of Medical & Dental Staff of Buffalo General Hospital.
Daniel continued his love of learning in the medical field to become a pioneer in the introduction of laser surgery into the women’s health care field. During the Blizzard of ‘77, he was famously known as the obstetrician who rode a snowmobile across East Aurora to home deliver a baby during the storm.

After his retirement, he actively volunteered with the American International Health Alliance U.S. Agency for International Development in Bosnia from 1997-to1998, working to establish a modern women’s health care system. He also volunteered with the American International Health Alliance U.S. Agency for the International Health Development in Ukraine in 1999, where he again worked to establish a modern women’s health care system.
Daniel published several medical articles in the State Journal of Medicine and the International Journal of GYN/OB.
Daniel’s interests included involvement with the East Aurora Rotary Club beginning in 1964, elected as president in 1968. He was a long-time member of Hammer and Tongs as well as the East Aurora Investment Club. His hobbies included golf, fishing, travel and being an avid Buffalo sports fan. He had a lifelong love of music, as well as live theater, which he supported and attended regularly. He took pride in speaking Italian fluently, which he learned while attending medical school in Italy, and spoke until the time of his passing.
Daniel married Patricia Packer Neilson ’53, in 2004, who survives along with eight children, 15 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.