J. Joseph “Joe” Danyo, MD passed away on July 21, 2023, at age 89. Joe will be greatly missed by so many people whose lives he touched. He was a man who went above and beyond to show his abounding love, generosity and genuine interest in his rich group of family, friends, the many patients he took care of and really all people who came into his path. His vibrancy and humor brightened so many lives and the lessons he taught us about life will never be forgotten. Joe is survived by his five children and 17 grandchildren: Lucinda “Cindy” Danyo Hammaker of Phoenixville, PA with husband Mark Hammaker and children, Daniel, Thomas, Sarah and James Hammaker ; J. Joseph Danyo Jr., MD of Kennett Square, PA with partner, Katina Tsaganos and his children, Chloe, Lilly and Ben Danyo; Daniel Danyo, MD of Alpharetta, GA with his wife, Becky Danyo and children, Hayden, Evan and Ella Danyo; Timothy Danyo of Missoula, MT with his wife, Misty Danyo and their children Hannah, Saidee, Elsie and Nathan Danyo; and Robert Danyo of Landenberg, PA with wife Reetie Danyo and their children Ruth, Wade and Owen Danyo.
Born August 24th, 1933, he was predeceased by parents Andrew Danyo and Mary (Lasichak) Danyo and three brothers and three sisters – Anne, Olga, Helen, John, Michael, and Nicholas and also by his wife, Sally (Little) Danyo whom he married in 1960 until her passing in 2002. He was remarried to Lynn (Phaflin) Danyo from 2004 to 2019.
He is also survived by nieces Dr. Marlene Kocan of Columbus, OH and Renee Danyo Coupland of Philadelphia, PA and cousins Lydia Lasichak of W Bloomfield, MI, Diane Lasichak of Seattle, WA, Andrea Lasichak of Ann Arbor, MI, Renee Lasichak of Dearborn, MI and Ruth Ann and John Lasichak of Jermyn, PA.
Joe graduated from Jermyn High School, the University of Scranton with honors and Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia. He became a medical officer in the US Navy in 1960-1962. Upon discharge from the Navy, he entered an orthopedic residency at Jefferson Hospital and became Board Certified. Next, he completed a hand surgery fellowship at Grace Hospital in Detroit, MI. In 1967, he came to York where he resided until 2019. In 1967, he began practicing orthopedics with Dr. John Kruper. The practice became KDV Orthopedics with the addition of Dr. Peter Van Giesen, Dr. Stephen Triantafyllou, and Dr. Michael Sicaranza. Joe was highly respected as a strong leader in medicine in York and was a well-loved orthopedic surgeon throughout his years practicing medicine. He not only changed lives as he applied his brilliant medical knowledge, operating skill and acumen to every one of his patients, he focused on connecting with his patients to make them feel heard and uplifted in the midst of their illness. Joe’s love for practicing medicine carried through the rest of his life as he maintained his medical license and relished in offering his medical advice and consultation to those who came to him in need. In addition, he was proud to serve as president of the PA Medical Society (in 1989) and also board chairman. Joe was especially proud of his role as founder and first president of the American Association for Hand Surgery (AAHS) which he began in 1970 and has grown into a thriving organization providing and supporting care to people world-wide. He maintained an active membership through the years in AAHS and enjoyed the annual meetings. Joe was also a shrewd businessman who was instrumental in growing his medical practice and he sought to constantly learn and analyze business ideas; and following retirement in 2000, he felt great satisfaction in helping new entrepreneurs as an advisor for SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives) until 2019. Also, Joe was heavily involved in and contributed to the success of York Sports Night for many years. Joe enjoyed his latter retired years in the warmer weather in Ocala, FL since 2019.
Throughout his adult life, Joe was a voracious learner. He was constantly reading books, news articles, etc and his family and friends were deeply enriched with his knowledge that he loved to share with them. His informative emails, anecdotes and jokes will be greatly missed. He especially loved imparting his words of wisdom to his kids and grandkids which had a great impact on the successful course of their lives. Joe had such a brilliant, sharp mind with an ingenious memory, and all were amazed by his expansive storytelling, joke-telling and deep conversations even about things in the distant past. There was a spark of mindful, charismatic energy about Joe that lit up everyone in his path. He lived with great focus and intention and demonstrated his love for all people as he went above and beyond to show interest and respect to all while giving generously in many ways. When people think of Joe, they remember a great, influential, passionate person who made them smile and who brought a high point to their day. He changed lives and taught us so much about how to truly live life to the fullest. Joe is someone to strive to emulate and his powerful legacy will continue to shine brightly for eternity.
A viewing will be held from 5:00-7:00 PM Friday, July 28, 2023, at Kuhner Associates Funeral Directors, Inc., 863 South George Street, York. A parastas (Trisagion) service will begin at 6:45 PM, given by The Very Rev. John Kowalczyk. Funeral services are scheduled for 10:00 AM Saturday, August 12, 2023, at Saint John Chrysostom Orthodox Church, 2397 North Sherman Street, York, with Father Peter Pier officiating. Burial will be in Prospect Hill Cemetery. A reception will follow at the Country Club of York.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Cancer Patient Help Fund, 2500 South George Street, York, PA 17403.