Daniel S. Jennings

Daniel S. Jennings, 47, of Birdsall Street, passed away unexpectedly at his residence on Thursday, February 4, 2022.

Born in Norwich on January 30, 1975, Daniel was the son of David L. and Georgeanna (Palmitier) Jennings, who raised their three children at the family home on Merrill Street, in Norwich. Daniel was a member of the Norwich High School graduating class of 1993, where he was known around the community as a fierce athlete both on the football field and the wrestling mat. In his time as a high school athlete, Daniel achieved several accomplishments, including back-to-back Class B championships (’92 & ’93) in football, back-to-back top three finishes in the state finals for wrestling, and the induction of his 1990-1991 wrestling team into the Norwich High School Sports Hall of Fame in 2014. Daniel was a life-long athlete: from attending Central Connecticut State University on a wrestling scholarship, to coaching wrestling at Unadilla Valley Central School, to training community members at the local YMCA, and his brief stint in the world of MMA. A man not known for his lack of talents, behind Daniel’s rough and tough exterior was a beautiful singing voice. Perhaps his most well-known performance in the community comes from his rendition of Boyz II Men’s “It’s So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday” at his 1993 graduation closing ceremony, and “Amazing Grace” at his father David’s funeral. Daniel worked in several positions throughout his life, but the one he enjoyed most was his position at ProTel, of Norwich, where he had the opportunity to travel across the US with his older brother David for several years. Prior to his death, Daniel was working with Barnes Bluestone, of Norwich, where he was able to apply his strength and athleticism in a different way.

Daniel was predeceased by both of his parents. He is survived by his older brother David P. Jennings, of Norwich; younger sister Tasha Jennings, of Florida; his nine children: Tyler Holland, of Virginia; Savannah Moore, of Ohio; Kiana (Christopher) Lee, of Endicott; Marley Jennings, of Norwich; Elainna Jennings, of Norwich; Marcus Jennings, of Norwich; Arrington Jennings, of Norwich; Janae Jennings, of Norwich; and Connor Jennings, of Norwich. Daniel is also survived by many aunts/uncles, cousins, friends, and teammates who all loved and adored him. Daniel placed an emphasis on the importance of family (instilled in him by his father David) and found family in people all throughout the community who now share in this tragic and heavy loss.

Friends are invited to call at the Wilson Funeral Home, in Norwich, NY from 6:00pm - 7:30pm on Monday, February 14, 2022. Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family. Contributions in Daniel’s memory may be made to the Norwich High School Wrestling Program, 89 Midland Dr., Norwich, NY 13815.