Daniel M. DiNicola

Dan DiNicola, the 3 time Emmy-Award winning reporter for CBS at WRGB (Capitol District in New York) passed away on March 25th at his son's home in East Walpole. He was surrounded by his family. DiNicola is also known to many in the Capital Region for his film criticism, which appeared in print in the Schenectady Gazette. DiNicola, 68, was diagnosed with a brain tumor in November 2008. Dan DiNicola parleyed his love for teaching into a career in journalism that spanned over 38 years; 28 of which were spent on air at WRGB. He is one of the few journalists in the history of New York State to receive Associated Press Awards both as a writer and as a television reporter. Recently he was identified as an inductee to the New York State Broadcaster's Hall of Fame.

Born in Pittsfield Massachusetts, Dan earned his BA and a Master's Degree from Siena College. As a high school teacher he was noted for introducing new curriculum; including courses in Russian literature, British literature and cinema. Dan launched a community film festival that became one of the best attended film festivals in New York State; capturing the attention and support of the New York State Council on the Arts. Based on his vision, Dan was later asked to be an advisor to the Council.

Recognizing his gift for writing and knowledge of film and theater, the Schenectady Gazette hired Dan as their arts critic and weekly columnist. In this capacity, he earned numerous awards from the Associated Press. In 1978 he began reviewing films for WRGB and remained on the air with the station for the next 28 years. In his capacity as a film critic he regularly traveled to Hollywood and New York to interview actors, producers, writers and directors. Not content to be pigeonholed as "just a Film Critic," Dan established himself as a features reporter and commentator for WRGB and drew on his background in literature, education and entertainment to create original programming for viewers in the Capital District. He demonstrated a knack for spotting trends and presenting stories in an intelligent manner that captured the attention of his audiences. His work resulted in a number of Emmy nominations and he received three Emmy Awards: Best Documentary for "Letters from the Heart." (which chronicled the correspondence between men and women during World War II); Best Commentary and Best Half-Hour Feature for his series, "At Home in New York, Montreal and Boston." WRGB established a special section on its web site WRGB.com, which contains several of Dan's award winning segments. He is also credited with launching the career of TV personality Rachael Ray.

Throughout his career Dan has served the Capital District community in a variety of ways through lending his support and attention to fund raising events and on a more personal level through involvement with his students, readers and viewers. As a tribute to his mother, who suffered with Alzheimer's Disease for over 20 years, Dan became a strong supporter and participant in many Alzheimer's causes and also served on the Board of Directors of the New York State Mental Health Foundation.

Father of Anne E. DiNicola and Shigeki Yamamoto of Hamamatsu, Japan, Jeffrey D. and his wife Kimberly S. DiNicola of E. Walpole, Roy D. and his wife Holly E. DiNicola of Hopkinton. Cherished grandfather of David and Daniel DiNicola both of E. Walpole, Ryan, Casey, and Owen DiNicola all of Hopkinton. Nephew of Angelina DiNicola of Pittsfield.

A private service will be held at St. Joseph's cemetery in Pittsfield. A public memorial celebration will be held at the Gudeon Putnam Resort in Saratoga Springs, New York on April 25th at 1:00. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the "Dan DiNicola Charitable Gift Fund Unit 517 18 Division Street Saratoga Springs, New York 12866" The Dan DiNicola Charitable Gift Fund will make donations to charities and scholarships in his name.