Danio Frangella of Project Runway Canada Dies of Cancer at 34

by Terri Potratz | February 12, 2009 at 09:29 am

11376 views | 4 Recommendations | 13 comments

Project Runway Canada contender Danio Frangella passed away on February 10, 2009. Danio had had a long battle with Leukemia and made the decision to bow out of the competition on the first episode of season 2 after developing painful ulcers on his legs.

Within that first episode, the other designers were quick to make note of Danio's obvious skill and design capability, so it was incredibly sad to see him go before he had the opportunity to produce anything on the show. Brian Bailey had exclaimed at the potential of one design, so it was unfortunate that we did not see that realized.

The following notice was published on the Project Runway Canada website:

Danio Frangella, 1974 - 2009
It is with a heavy heart that we inform you that Danio Frangella, passed away on Tuesday February 10th. Danio had a wonderful spirit and incredibly positive attitude about life, and he was a man passionate about his art and his work. We all feel blessed to have known Danio for the short period of time that we did.

Danio had extensive experience in design, studying in both Toronto and in Italy before working in association with such labels as Balenciaga and Ungaro. After seemingly conquering his battle with cancer, he was hoping to bounce back and launch his own label in Canada.

His obituary also notes his contributions to the design world:

34 years of age on February 10, 2009 after a lengthy seven year battle with cancer surrounded by his loving family. Cherished son of Riccardo & Amelia. Loving brother of Sandra and Gianni. Sadly missed by many aunts, uncles and cousins residing in Italy. Danio worked in many countries around the world. He will be fondly remembered by his colleagues for his contribution to the fashion industry through his unique artistic talents. If you so desire, donations to the charity of one’s choice would be appreciated by the family. Visitation will be Thursday 3-5 & 7-9pm and Friday 2-5 & 7-9 pm with parish prayers Friday 8 pm. Funeral service will be held Saturday at 8:45 am from Families First Funeral Home & Tribute Centre (519-969-5841) 3260 Dougall Ave. to St. Angela Merici Church for mass of Christian burial at 9:30 am. Entombment Heavenly Rest Cemetery.

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nicole jj (not verified)

at 23:50 on February 12th, 2009

danio, was my fave even though he was only there for one episode ... he seemed so great and had such passion and i think thats all he wanted was to make others beaautiful just like he is beautiful, deep sorrow goes out to his family .god bless.

i think he would have won cause of his drive to do what he loved and he has wne in my heart...nikki

John Frangella (not verified)

at 05:24 on February 15th, 2009

Nicole

Thank You for Supporting my Brother Danio. Your Right he was a BEAUTIFUL Person who loved what he did , and all those around him.

I wish the world could take a glimps into his life , because he did make a difference.

Thank You

Gianni

K Mc (not verified)

at 04:47 on February 16th, 2009

Although Danio was shared with us for only minutes in time ,he was a beautiful person,it showed. The wrong people are taken from us .His departure from Project Runway Canada was felt strongly my heart went out to him . Only wish we could have seen a glimpse of his talent. . To Danios family.. thank you for sharing him for a brief moment in time ,thank you for Danio.

tessa, claudia and orsi (not verified)

at 10:52 on February 18th, 2009

we, tree of us, spent a lot of time with danio, these last 2 months. and just found out what happened today.

there's no word to describe our feeling, but since we don't know any member of the family, or have any contact,we wanted to wright to say that we really think of you.

for sure we, maybe didn't know danio for a long time, but we really loved him!!! he was a great friend, an incredible person. I've never met somebody who believed like him in human being, in good in each person. he was our everyday sunshine. we really miss him!!!

we learned a lot from him and are greatfull for this fabolous chance to get to know danio.

we will never forget him!!!!

laura lazzarin (not verified)

at 08:21 on February 19th, 2009

we spent magic moments together in Milan and in Turin.I'm so sorry I didn't have the chance to introduce you my little bright new son.I'll never forget you my sweet,big friend Danio.

I'll have you in my heart forever.

your laura

JanJan25 (not verified)

at 12:18 on February 22nd, 2009

My condolences to Danio´s family and friends. It was clear after only one episode of Project Runway Canada that his talent for fashion was way beyond that of his his competitors. He is dressing the angels in Heaven. Warm regards, JT from Barcelona, Spain

Boldizsar

at 13:36 on February 25th, 2009

i am just shocked, andi just cant say any word, but i really want to, so i am a guy from hungary, i met whit him, in there, in the last few monts.. i ma working like a waiter, and he was always eating with us,, and it is just really shocked me....so i just wanna say i am really missing u.. always come to speak his job, do best what he can, alwyas on the top, so i am really glad to know him, hope i can see something from him...it was a really good period, but i known him a bit, speaking and talking, always sunny and always the designin inhis had, so it was good to see him, day by day...he was the one who i asked, to should i be a modell, and he sugggested me this, he thought, i have to do this, do my best, so hope i can du it for u... i am really shocked,...never forget u

Millie (not verified)

at 11:57 on February 27th, 2009

Dearest Frangella Family please accept my condolences. I only know of Danio from Project Runway Canada. When I saw Danio and heard him describe his background he instantly became one of my favorites. His passion for his art was so evident and he was obviously in physical pain. I was sad to see him leave the show and knew he would have been someone to contend with. When they announced his passing, I was shocked. I prayed for his wellbeing and was sad to learn he is gone. I cannot imagine your pain but please know that his life has touched so many others, whether he knew it or not.

Chelsea G. (not verified)

at 11:48 on February 28th, 2009

What a tragic loss. Danio seemed to have such passion and talent on Project Runway. I was very sad to see him go - he seemed to have one of the most interesting viewpoints. Danio also struck me as a great individual, and I felt for him when he had to bow out of the show.

To the Frangella family, I am very sorry for your loss.

Vanessa Jane (not verified)

at 13:58 on March 2nd, 2009

I just heard about this tragic loss - it broke my heart. I also only knew him from Project Runway, but it was clear that he was an extremely talented designer and artist. My thoughts are with his family in this time of grief. Know that there are people, strangers, out there that have been touched by this story. Condolences.

gino (not verified)

at 11:20 on March 17th, 2009

i never know danio..but i know him sister and i am absolute sure

that danio was a very special man .

GOD bless Danio..

gino from italy

roberto covi (not verified)

at 04:48 on April 20th, 2009

Danio is my friend. I've been lucky to have spent so many days with him, to have shared so many dreams, so many smiles. I still feel his presence, I do talk with him, I still hear his voice calling me Jesus... Danio was magical, the most talented man I've ever met. He loved me and my wife Karin, we were a unique team. Now, things have changed, but I love to feel him by my side. We all, the entire world is proud of him. My beautiful friend Danio

Roberto & Karin