Obituary of Steven Paul Dangler

Steven Paul Dangler 1954-2026 Steven Dangler, 72, passed away on June 27, 2026. He was a loving father, husband, brother, uncle, and friend to many. Born June 14, 1954 in Utica, N.Y. to Mary and James Dangler, he attended Sacred Heart Grammar School and Notre Dame High School in Utica. He attended Mohawk Valley Community College, graduated with a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Upper Division College in Utica (currently known as SUNY Polytechnic Institute), and graduated from the Syracuse Police Academy. He worked at the SUNY Cortland University Police Department (formerly Public Safety Department) for 40 years. He started as an officer in 1977 and was promoted to Lieutenant in 1983. As Lieutenant, he served dual roles as an investigator and supervisor. In 2003 he became Chief of University Police and held that position until his retirement in 2017. Among achievements that occurred under Steve's leadership were the department's accreditation by the New York State Department of Criminal Justice Services and its relocation to Whitaker Hall on campus, accompanied by significant technological upgrading. During his law enforcement career Steve enhanced partnerships with other law enforcement agencies. He nurtured collaborative relationships between University Police and other Cortland County agencies and was an active member of the Cortland County Drug Task Force for eight years. Steve served as a member of the executive board and held treasurer and vice- president positions in the SUNY Police Chief's Association, serving as its president in 2016. He co-authored the book "A History of the New York State University Police, 1968-2018." Steve is survived by Jamie, his wife of 42 years; his sons Luke and Adam; his uncle Fenton Moore; his brothers Jim, Jon (Edie), Mike (Linda), and Brian (Erin); his sister-in-law Sarina Stanford; his brother-in-law Michael Faricellia (Marilyn); and his nieces and nephews: Matt and Beck Dangler, Ryan and Jenna Dangler, Josie and Mitch Dangler, Kayla Mason (Brandon) and Jenna Loughran (Erik) and their children. Among the many things Steve will be remembered for were his great love for working outdoors, fixing and building new things in and around his home, helping his sons and other relatives with home renovations, Moose hunting with his brothers, searching for bargains with his auction buddy Mike, and many crazy bids playing pitch with Jamie, Doc, and Sue. A Celebration of Steve's Life will take place Sunday, July 26, 1-4 pm, at the Central New York Living History Center, 4386 U.S. Rte. 11, Cortland, N.Y. 13045. In lieu of flowers, Steve's family suggests a charitable gift made in Steve's name to support the SUNY Cortland University Police Department (checks made out to Cortland College Foundation, PO Box 2000, Cortland, NY 13045) or the Central New York Living History Center (PO Box 162, Homer, NY 13077). Please include "in Memory of Steve Dangler" in the memo portion of your check. To offer condolences online visit www.wright-beard.com