The Yonkers community lost a 50 year legend on McLean Avenue with the passing of Danny Venterola, owner of County Cycle Center Bicycles, on Dec. 13 at the age of 86. Danny was a beloved member of the community. Some of the posts from those whose life he touched include:
Every bike I’ve owned in my life excluding one was purchased from Danny.For years I would pop into his store hell bent that I was going to get a new bike and he refused to sell me a new bike saying “the one you have is a great bike for you.”Eventually the materials became much lighter and Danny relinquished and sold me a new bike. Danny steered me away from the high end brand names and whispered “this bike is the same material as the others but will save you money.”A true gentleman and a neighborhood institution.
I remember all the McLean Ave old timers meeting up there daily to hang out, Danny had a row of chairs where they would sit and talk for hours. He was a great neighborhood guy.
To Danny Venterola, Jr: Dan, your father was always warm and friendly and inviting. After my Pop retired he would often sit with other McLean stalwarts on your Dad’s bench. We all offer our condolences to your family during this time of loss. Our last family purchase at the Cycle Center was a bicycle that my sister Maureen (your year at Barnabas) wanted to help her in her recovery from cancer surgery. Unfortunately she succumbed to complications last October just 5 days after her 63rd birthday. All hail and God’s blessings to the Venterola family for a father’s life well lived.
Danny also had a close bond with the Yonkers Police Department. The YPD posted, “The City of Yonkers and #YonkersPD lost a dear friend Monday.Daniel “Danny” Ventarola, longtime owner of County Cycle Center on McLean Avenue, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family.For many years, County Cycle Center would refurbish the bicycles donated to the Yonkers Police as part of Mayor Mike Spano’s bike donation program run by our Community Affairs Division – and he never charged us a dime. Hundreds of kids today are riding donated bikes that passed through Danny’s hands.To his family and friends, and the Yonkers community at large, our deepest condolences. Thank you Danny for all your service to the people of Yonkers.From Ruggiero & Sons Funeral
Home:https://www.frswfh.com/obituaries/Daniel-R.–Ventarola…Daniel R. Ventarola, a resident of the Bronx, NY passed away peacefully surrounded by his family, after a brief illness.Daniel was born in the Bronx to the late Dominick & Mae Ventarola. He owned County Cycle Center for 55 years and loved being on McLean Avenue, talking with everyone who came into the bike store. He was a father figure to many and loved his late wife, Marie and his family.He was the loving husband of the late Marie (nee Maddalena). Devoted father of Daniel (Marylou), Marie Martell, Michael and Eugene (Kevin Cote). Cherished grandfather of 9 and great grandfather of 3. He is also survived by his brothers John & Nick.In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.The family will be present on Thursday, December 16, 2021 from 4 to 8 pm at Ruggiero & Sons, Inc. Funeral Home – 732 Yonkers Avenue – Yonkers, NY 10704 (914) 375-1400. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, December 17, 2021 at 10:45 AM at St. Barnabas Church – E. 241st Street & Marth Avenue – Bronx, NY 10470. Following the Mass, Daniel will be laid to rest at Gate of Heaven Cemetery – 10 W. Stevens Avenue – Hawthorne, NY 10532.
In 2016, Yonkers Rising reporter Phil Foley wrote about the 50th Anniversary of Danny’s Bike Shop, County Cycle Center. To many it was known as Danny’s Bike Shop on McLean.
Foley writes, Danny Ventarola Recognized for His Bike Shop Celebrating 50 Years on McLean Ave.
By Phil Foley
Tuesday November 1st was designated Danny Ventarola Day in the City of Yonkers by Mayor Mike Spano.In a wonderful ceremony put together by Danny’s loving daughter Marie and the members of the McLean Avenue Merchants Association it was a total surprise for Danny.
Many of his relatives and friends from all his years on the Avenue came to honor him. Deputy Mayor Steve Levy presented Danny with a Proclamation from the Mayor. He also received awards from Liam McLaughlin and the City Council. ( Those awards were presented to him by Councilman Dennis Shepherd).
Danny first opened his bike shop on November 1, 1966. He has served the Avenue well as the co-founder of the annual Christmas Lights Display each holiday season. For many years he was the head of the Merchant’s Association as a forerunner of MOMA today .He was also an aide to the Grand Marshall of the annual St Patrick’s Day Parade in 2015
One of the things that Danny is most proud of is his involvement with the Mayor’s Bicycle Program which delivers good used bikes to children who would otherwise not have one. He repairs all donated bikes so that they are in good working order when received by each child in the program.
