Daniel Mercaldo

August 9, 1939 - January 7, 2021

Daniel Mercaldo, 81, of Bonita Springs, FL passed away Thursday, January 7, 2021 at Naples Community Hospital. Formerly of Parlin, NJ, he had been a seasonal resident of Bonita Springs for the past 15 years before making it his permanent home last year. Dan was born August 9, 1939 in Brooklyn, NY a son of the late Isaac and Rose (Giangola) Mercaldo. As a young child he was cured of the polio disease through the power of prayer and decided to devote his life to Christ. He graduated from Central Bible College in Springfield, MO. In 1965, sixteen dedicated people joined Rev. Dr. Daniel Mercaldo, to establish an Interdenominational Bible Church in Staten Island, NY. He served as Senior Pastor at what is known today as Gateway Church for 55 years before retiring. Rev. Mercaldo served on The Legacy Imperative Board, the National Association of Evangelicals Board as well as many other missions boards. He was an avid reader and enjoyed golfing and shooting at the gun range. Survivors include his beloved wife of 62 years, Evangeline (Spencer) Mercaldo; loving children, Timothy (AnnMarie) Mercaldo of Fords, NJ Deborah (Liviu) Toderic of Fort Lauderdale, FL and ; siblings, Stephen (Florence) Mercaldo of Lancaster, PA, Andrew (Betty) Mercaldo of W. Chicago, IL and Mary (David) Hudson of Alpharetta, GA; sisters-in-law, Karen Mercaldo of Northport, NY and Linda Mercaldo of Wiconisco, PA; cherished grandchildren, Jenna, Gabrielle, Natalie, Erika, Christie and Evelyn; and adored great grandchildren, Elleanora, Jameson, Oliver, Allistair, Thaddeus, Grey and Emilia Rose. A memorial service will be celebrated on Sunday, January 24, 2021 at 2:00 PM at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 6926 Trail Blvd., Naples, FL 34108. Burial will follow in the church memorial garden. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be sent to Gateway Church, Staten Island NY (https://gcny.org/give) in memory of Rev. Dr. Daniel Mercaldo, Founding Pastor. Contributions can also be sent to The Daniel Mercaldo Legacy Fund | Legacy Imperative | 4200 Kensington High Street, Suite 202 | Naples, FL 34105, or can be made online at https://legacyimperative.org/donate/ [“Legacy Imperative wishes to honor its esteemed board member, Dr. Daniel Mercaldo, with this memorial fund to help recruit and mobilize 10 million grandparents to evangelize and disciple their grandchildren.”] If you would like to share any photos or memories you had with Pastor Mercaldo, please email them to [email protected] Arrangements are being handled by Shikany’s Bonita Funeral Home.