07/25/2026
Danielle DeStefano Bleecher passed away peacefully with her family by her side on July 23,2026. loving wife of Michael Bleecher, beloved mother of Marella Belle Bleecher (20), Neil Michael Bleecher (17), Nicholas Beckett Bleecher (15), Daughter of Eugene DeStefano and the late Carol DeStefano (Belletieri), Sister of Gino DeStefano (Mandy DeStefano) and Nicole DeStefano-Stone (Greg Stone); loving aunt of; Margaret Stone, Josephine Stone, Carmella DeStefano, Anothony DeStefano, Kennedy Bleecher and Regan Bleecher. Daughter in law of Ginny and Dale Bleecher and sister in law of Mark and Tricia Bleecher.
Anyone who knew Danielle was blessed. She had a heart of gold and welcomed everyone, always believing “the more, the merrier.” From a young age, Danielle loved being the center of attention. Our parents called her the next "Connie Chung" because of her outgoing personality and charisma. She had a natural gift for connecting with others. Danielle grew up in the small town of Hazleton, Pennsylvania, where she graduated from Hazleton Area High School. Our family created countless memories there. Our parents built a safe, beautiful home on a cul-de-sac on Randon Lane, where family and friends gathered often. We spent summer nights having pool parties, playing basketball in the driveway, walking around the neighborhood, and many Sunday dinners. The DeStefano household was the place to be. Holidays were especially meaningful; on Christmas Eve, our home was filled with neighbors who became extended family, bringing fun, laughter, and love.
From our mother, Danielle learned the value of friendship; from our father, she learned the meaning of hard work. She had that work ethic from a young age and always held a job, whether it was a playground instructor in Hazleton or a waitress. It was no surprise when Danielle started College at Mansfield University where she earned a bachelor’s degree in mass communications; she instantly found an on- campus job in the Admissions Office as a student tour guide. This experience led to her first career as a college admissions counselor. This opportunity brought her to Brockport College, where Daneille spent her 30s building lasting friendships and creating a home and life of her own. While Danielle lived in Rochester, she met her husband, Mike, in 1998, they married in 2004 and moved to Hamburg, NY. Together, Danielle and Mike built a beautiful life with their three children: Marella, Neil, and Nicholas. Danielle’s children are the most important part of her life. She was often found at the field cheering on Neil and Nicholas or spending time with her daughter Marella who attends John Carroll University in Ohio. One of Danielle’s greatest gifts is building relationships, and she has nurtured a special bond with each of her children. She made time for one-on-one moments with them and truly recognizes the unique gifts each of them holds. Their bond is strong, and she has taught them to love life, along with many lessons they will carry with them forever. Danielle is so proud of the young adults they are becoming and loves them with all her heart. Danielle and her family love to travel throughout the years; the five of them created so many memories of vacationing all over. Danielle made those vacations happen. This past December, she and Mike surprised the children with a Christmas trip to France. Danielle described the trip as magical; all she wanted was to spend meaningful time with her family and create lasting memories—and that is exactly what she did.
Danielle was an accomplished educational sales consultant at Gale Cengage, where she worked for 23 years and achieved her sales goals in 21 of those years and earned top sale representative of the year in 2025. She partnered with librarians to provide supplemental instructional resources, build strong relationships, and share her deep knowledge of educational textbooks and their benefits. Danielle was a valued asset and a true leader.
Danielle always said she wanted to create the same childhood for her children that she experienced, and that is just what she did. Danielle and Mike built an extended family in Hamburg through the many special friendships she formed. Friendship was always at the heart of who she was. She was the life of the party—someone who could talk to anyone and make people instantly want to know her. In Hamburg, Danielle could often be found enjoying dinner with friends, shopping with her girlfriends, listening to live music, or spending time at her beautiful home with family and friends. Danielle’s home is the favorite gathering place for her children and friends; a place they made countless memories and will continue to carry those memories forward.
Danielle had a special relationship with her siblings. She loved her brother, Gino, and was so proud of the father and husband he is. Danielle and her sister, Nicole, were not only siblings but also best friends. They have the most special bond and are lucky to have the same amazing friend group in Hamburg. Nicole and Danielle continue family Sunday dinners, and that will never change.
Danielle was a fighter with an unwaveringly positive outlook. She was a doer who advocated fiercely for herself and for those she loved, guided by remarkable strength and determination. Although we have lost many loved ones over the years, we believe in our hearts that Danielle is now with those we miss so dearly and right by our mother's side. She will be deeply missed, but her family is grateful for the gift of having had her in their lives. Her memory and presence will live on through all of us.
Friends and family may visit Monday July 27th 4:00pm from 8:00pm at the JAMES W. CANNAN FUNERAL HOME INC. 3155 Orchard Park Rd. 716-675-9027. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday July 28th at 11:00 AM at Saint Bernadette Church 5930 S. Abbott Road Orchard Park, NY. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Roswell Park Breast Clinic or Hospice Buffalo.
