The Honorable John C. Daniels, 78, former Mayor of the City of New Haven and State Senator of the 10th District, entered into eternal rest on March 14, 2015.
Born in Bibb County, GA, April 25, 1936, he was the son of the late John Daniels and Ludelia Huckaby Daniels.
Mr. Daniels graduated from Hillhouse High School in 1955. He received a B.S. in Economics from Villanova University in 1960; an M.A. in Urban Studies from Occidental College in 1972; and later received an Honorary Degree from the University of New Haven.
He was a collegiate football referee for over 20 years. Those games included a Citrus Bowl and Sugar Bowl.
Mr. Daniels was previously the co-owner of Enterprise Plumbing and Heating in New Haven; served as Alderman in the Dwight, Newhallville and Westville Wards; State Senator of the 10th District for 10 years; and was elected the City of New Haven’s first black Mayor, where he served two terms.
He was a member of the Dixwell Avenue Congregational United Church of Christ; Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity; East Rock Lodge 141; and Oriental Lodge Free and Accepted Masons Prince Hall.
Mr. Daniels is survived by a daughter, Lesley Riley and her husband, Roderick E. Riley; son, John K. Daniels; sister, Agnes Sessions; a brother, Robert Daniels; his grandchildren, Brittany, Jae and Alexandria Daniels and Jonathan Riley; his former wife, Bess Daniels; aunts, Sadie Holley and Agnes Williams; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.
He was predeceased by a brother, Melvin Daniels and a sister, Joyce Senior.
A celebration of Mr. Daniels’ life and legacy will be held Friday, March 20, 2015, at 11:00 A.M. at Battell Chapel, 400 College St., New Haven. Visitation will be held at the church from 10:00-11:00 A.M. Burial will be in Beaverdale Memorial Park.