Peter Danziger

Peter Danziger, 72, passed away peacefully at his home in Slingerlands, NY on Friday July 16th, 2021, surrounded by his loving family. Born in New York City on January 5th, 1949, he was the son of Eleanor (Rosner) Danziger and the late Herbert Danziger. He graduated from Hewlett High School in 1966, received his B.A. from University of Vermont in 1970, J.D. from Albany Law School of Union University in 1973, and M.S. in Education Psychology and Statistics from State University of New York at Albany in 1977.

Peter met Joanie, his beloved wife of 51 years, on a blind date in 1968 in Troy, NY and they were married in 1970. They have resided in their cherished home for 45 years. He was a devoted father to his three girls, their husbands, and his six grandchildren. He was an avid skier, who taught many friends and family to ski. He loved to ride the ocean waves, sail in the Cape Cod bay, and watch his grandkids at the beach and in the pool. He appreciated nature and especially enjoyed hikes at Thatcher Park collecting fossils. Peter was known for his witty sense of humor and his fun spirit; it was contagious to everyone around him. He was the kindest, most generous, and patient son, brother, uncle, husband, father, grandfather, and friend, always giving unconditional love, guidance, and support. He was loved and adored by all who knew him. Spending time with his family was his greatest joy. On multiple occasions he said, “I am the luckiest man in the world, we had a great life and I have no regrets.”

While in law school, Peter was a member of the Albany Law Review. For 10 years, he taught a graduate course in law for Psychologists, Counselors and Special Education Teachers at the University at Albany. He was a dedicated, accomplished, and respected lawyer and practiced in various legal realms over a successful 40-year career.  As a partner at one of Albany’s oldest law firms, O’Connell and Aronowitz, he served in various roles before his retirement from the practice of law in 2012 to focus on being a grandfather.

Peter was a litigator and lobbyist throughout his career and served as general counsel to numerous state associations. Prior to his retirement, he was one of the leading lawyers in lead litigation in the area. He had extensive experience representing injured children and adults and was a dedicated advocate for children with special needs. Peter often presented on topics he was passionate about, including environmental injuries to children, lead poisoning prevention, psychology and the law, special education law, long-term care insurance, privacy, and confidentiality.

Peter was creator and co-editor of the New York State Bar publication “Representing People with Disabilities” and co-authored the chapter on Special Education Litigation.  He also originated and authored Legal Line, a state-wide syndicated newspaper column.

He was predeceased by his father, Herbert Danziger, and his younger brother, Michael Danziger.

In addition to his mother, Peter is survived by his wife, Joan (Nelick) Danziger of Slingerlands, NY; his children and grandchildren including three daughters and sons-in-law, Lisa and Jason Metz of Slingerlands, NY, Carrie and Brian Rasizer of Slingerlands, NY, and Beth and Justin Ferrentino of Mont Vernon, NH; his sister and brother-in law Kathy and Jerry Fortier of Milwaukee, WI, and sister in-law Rebecca Danziger of Bryn Mawr, PA; his grandchildren, David and Sara Metz, Julia and Alex Rasizer, and Emma and Eric Ferrentino. He is also survived by his loving extended family, including sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, and nephews.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, July 19th at noon at Congregation Beth Emeth, 100 Academy Road, in Albany, NY.  Masks are required for those attending. 

The service will be streamed live for those who cannot be there in person -  https://www.bethemethalbany.org/worship/live-stream/. The family will be observing Shiva privately.

Many thanks to all our family and friends, for their outpouring of love and support during the past year and always.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to remember Pete in a special way may make a donation to charities which were special to him: The Brain Injury Association of New York State - https://bianys.org/donate/.  or Jewish Family Services of Northeastern NY - https://www.jfsneny.org/donate/donate-now-to-jfs/.

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Peter Danziger, please visit our Tree Store.