01/02/2016
Daniel J Sulger, 60 , of Walton, NY was welcomed into his eternal reward
on December 29, 2015. His beloved wife, Lori by his side.
Dan was born December 16, 1955 in Smith Hospital, Walton, NY the second son
of four boys born to William and Anna (Wood) Sulger, lifelong residents of Walton.
He was involved in rifle club and track while in high-school. He was a member of the
Walton Central School class of 1974 and attended most every class reunion since. He always
had wonderful stories to tell.
Dan worked various jobs throughout his life and made friends wherever he went. He was
quick to smile, fast to forgive and always had something encouraging or positive to say.
He often told stories of his time spent working at the Walton Bakery with George Rossomando,
Emma Howland and other special friends.
He attended SUNY Morrisville and graduated in 1977 with a degree in journalism. He worked
as a stock chaser at Delmet in Walton for awhile after graduation.
One of his most talked about jobs, was when he started working with Tom Earl,
at Sidney Favorite Printing in Sidney, NY. Tom took Dan under his wing and he learned much
about design, layout and printing. They became good friends.
About that same time he started a photography business which he ran from his parent’s
basement. He photographed weddings and beautiful portraits of many local people.
Dan went on to partner in a photography store and portrait business in Sidney; Sidney Photo.
When this business partnership dissolved, he went on to start his own portrait business in
Walton…. Daniel Photo-graphics was born in 1989. Dan has photographed thousands of
preschool children over the years and always had an amazing knack for getting even the most
shy or stubborn child to smile. His portraits have blessed many, many families in the area.
Daniel Photo-graphics will remain in operation by Dan’s devoted wife Lori Schmutzler-Sulger,
as a loving tribute to the amazing man that it is named after.
Throughout his life, Dan loved to tell stories and recount times that he spent with
his much loved family, including his nephew, Casey Sulger and nieces Rebecca
(Jason) Scofield, Brooke (Cliff ) Christman, and Sara Sulger. Many hours were
spent having rubber band and water balloon fights, hiding toys for the kids to find, taking their
portraits and of course, movie and popcorn nights… watching reels of Dan's home movies,
projected on the big screen, as well as, his favorites, “Laurel and Hardy” and
“The Little Rascals.”… “Yum, yum eat ‘em up YUM!” To the nieces and nephew on his side,
he was their beloved “Unkie” and he loved them greatly in return. He also enjoyed getting to
know his great nieces and nephews. Dan was always a big kid at heart. He loved and was well
loved by many nieces and nephews on his wife’s side of the family as well.
He spent many crazy nights playing Risk with friends and also enjoyed playing hearts online.
He liked to go bowling with friends and was also on the Farmer’s League in the 1990s. Dan was creative,
full of fun and had a zeal for life. He liked magic tricks, Calvin and Hobbes and had a great sense of humor.
Dan met the love of his life, Lori Schmutzler in 1997 through a shared love of photography. They dated
for only one month before they became engaged. After a one year courtship, they were married on
August 9, 1998 at the United Presbyterian church. When the fire whistle went off and sirens blared
outside during their vows, Dan leaned over and whispered to Lori, “that is how I feel inside…all bells
and whistles.” That was the type of intense love that they shared. Best friends through some of life’s
toughest and most beautiful moments. A love that endured until the very end.
In September of 2000, Dan met the second love of his life when his daughter, Emily arrived. Dan was
so in love with his baby girl. He was a devoted, loving, supportive, wonderful father and so very proud of
the amazing young lady he saw growing up before his eyes.
Dan was also very involved with his local church family at New Hope Community Church
in Walton. He was always available to help out with anything that needed doing. From mopping
the floors, making the bulletins, starting a recycling bin , to being head of the Men’s Ministry,
Dan was always helping others, often anonymously. If anyone needed help Dan was there and he never
sought praise or thanks. He, together with his daughter Emily, rededicated his life to Christ and was
baptized in the Summer of 2015. Dan had a strong faith in Jesus and wanted others to see God’s grace and
love alive in him. He remained true to that faith until the very end and God blessed him for that.
Dan is survived by his best friend and beloved wife, Lori and his cherished daughter, Emily, both of Walton.
His parents Bill (William) and Anna Sulger, brother, Will (Karina) Sulger of Walton, brother Bruce (Jane)
Sulger of Greene, many nieces and nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles.
He was predeceased by a brother, Mark.
Friends and family are invited to calling hours on Monday, January 4, 2016 from 11am-1pm at
New Hope Community Church, 45 Stockton Ave. Walton, NY
A Celebration of Life service, will be held Monday January 4, 2016 at 1pm at New Hope Community
Church, Walton, NY Pastor Larry Light officiating.
Burial at Walton Cemetery.
Donations in Dan’s memory can be made to Emily’s college fund and sent to:
Lori Sulger, PO Box 282, Walton, NY 13856
