Daniel Edward Aloi

Age 66, passed away at his home on Thursday, May 28, 2026, in Horseheads, NY. Dan was born on September 15, 1959, in Elmira, New York, and lived most of his life in the area. Like his mother Patricia Ann (McCarty) Aloi, he was a gifted writer and musician. Like his father Daniel Anthony Aloi, he was hard working and resourceful, and loved vintage clothing. Like both his parents, he was kind, generous, had a great sense of humor, was deeply connected to nature, and loved dogs.

Just after he graduated high school, Dan won a scholarship to Outward Bound Southwest in an essay contest for the Dallas Morning News. Following this life-changing experience, which instilled a life-long love of hiking and camping, Dan dove deeper into journalism, becoming editor in chief of The Crier at Corning Community College where he was a student. Dan also studied at Elmira College, and got his first writing and editing job for the Evening Leader in Corning in 1987. He started writing for the Star Gazette in 1990, and in 1992 was promoted to Arts and Entertainment Editor. Dan wrote lively, informed arts reviews, but was perhaps most passionate as a music critic. His acoustic band Thee True Deceivers played at the Ithaca Porch Fest and other local venues. He loved attending live shows and festivals, jamming with friends, and sharing newly-discovered music with everyone, including listeners of his eclectic radio show on WRFI in Ithaca. In 2005, Dan was hired as a Staff Writer and Editor for the Cornell Chronicle, Cornell University's alumni magazine, writing on the arts and humanities until retiring in 2020. Dan's curious mind defined his life: he was an avid reader, collected music albums, memorabilia, and guitars, and was a thoughtful activist for many social causes. Dan is survived by his former wife, Marilyn; daughter, Nicole (and granddaughter Julianna); son, Michael (Amanda); his sister, Debra (Mike Sokira); nephew, Daniel John Pierri; sister, Margaret (Peg); brother, Robert (Julie Aloi); along with several aunts, uncles, and cousins, and many friends, who will lovingly remember his kindness, intelligence, sensitivity, and artistic spirit.

Dan’s Celebration of Life will be held at Ferenbaugh Campground on Sunday, June 7, 2026 at 1:00 pm. Ferenbaugh is north of Corning, at 4248 State Route 414. There will be live music, stories, pictures and food. It will be in the pavilion to the left of the big Rec Hall. When you come down the main road from 414 and cross the railroad tracks, you will take the first left to the pavilion of off of the parking lot. Please bring your musical instruments, stories and photos of Dan to share. All are welcome to attend.

Dan has been entrusted to the Walter Kent Funeral Home. Please feel encouraged to honor Dan if you wish with a charitable donation to the American Cancer Society, the American Diabetes Association, or an animal rescue charity of your choice.