Daniel was born in Houston, Texas on the 2nd of November 1979.
Daniel had a large circle of devoted friends across the United States, and touched many lives in a lasting and profound way. He was affectionately referred to as “Big Dan” for his 6’4” stature and had an infectious smile that would light up a room. A man of many talents with a wonderful sense of humor, Daniel was an avid sports enthusiast and enjoyed boating and sailing. His interests were wide and his reading varied, including world history, science, econometrics and fiction; he possessed encyclopedic knowledge of baseball statistics, had a love and passion for movies, and won recognition as an accomplished musician who played many instruments. Daniel was a successful professional in his chosen field of energy trading.
Daniel graduated from Freehold Township High School in New Jersey in 1997, where he was selected to the New Jersey All Shore and New Jersey State bands. Daniel attended Ithaca College in Ithaca, NY and graduated with a BA degree in Economics in 2005. While at Ithaca Dan performed with the school’s Symphonic and Concert Bands.
After graduation from college Daniel worked for firms active in natural gas trading at the New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX). In 2008 he relocated to Chicago, Il. and worked first for Hanley Group, LP and then INTL FCStone Inc., where he started a natural gas trading desk with his business partner and was the respected and successful head of the firm’s proprietary energy trading operations until 2014.
Daniel’s greatest legacy is his devotion and commitment to family and friends, his genuine warmth, and a cheerful nature that endeared him to all those lucky enough to know him.
He was preceded in death by grandparents, C. Richard and Isabelle Applegate of Freehold, New Jersey; and Michael and Louise DeStefano of Eastchester, New York. He is survived by his parents, Edward R. DeStefano of Houston, Texas and Lois Applegate DeStefano of Leonardo, New Jersey, and by his loving and devoted brothers Alexander Cook DeStefano and John Paul DeStefano, of Houston, Texas. His uncles Michael DeStefano of Utica, New York, and Anthony DeStefano of Englewood, New Jersey, as well as his aunt Susan DeStefano of Englewood, New Jersey also survive him.
Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from six o’clock until nine o’clock in the evening on Wednesday, the 9th of July, in the library and grand foyer of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston.
The Mass of Christian Burial is to be offered at ten o’clock in the morning on Thursday, the 10th of July, at St. Michael Catholic Church, 1701 Sage Road in Houston, where the Rev. Msgr. Frank H. Rossi is to serve as celebrant.
The Rite of Committal is to follow, via an escorted cortege, at Memorial oaks Cemetery in Houston.
In lieu of flowers, you may make a donation to Meals on Wheels for Greater Houston, or the charity of one’s choice in his name.
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