Danny DiLiberto, the legendary American pool player known as “Buffalo Danny,” passed away on February 11, 2024, just eight days shy of his 90th birthday.
DiLiberto carved an extraordinary legacy across multiple sports, but his greatest impact came in the world of pocket billiards, where he excelled as both a player and commentator.
Highlights
- DiLiberto passed away peacefully at 3:43 AM on February 11, 2024, just eight days before what would have been his 90th birthday, with his daughter Jeanette Fletcher by his side during his final hours.
- His death was preceded by a challenging year and a half of health issues, during which his daughter Jeanette served as his primary caregiver, sharing special moments like his love for Boston cream donuts and storytelling with his grandson.
- Following his death, his daughter initiated a GoFundMe campaign to arrange a proper funeral and viewing before cremation.
Before making his mark in billiards, he pursued a promising boxing career from 1957 to 1959.
Fighting under the name Danny “Kid” Torriani, he maintained an impressive undefeated record of 14-0-1, with 12 knockouts.
The legendary trainer Angelo Dundee praised DiLiberto’s potential, stating he could have been a champion if not for his brittle hands.
Four hand injuries ultimately forced him to retire from boxing, leading to his later induction into Buffalo’s Boxing Hall of Fame in 2006.
His sporting excellence also included reaching the AA level in minor league baseball and achieving a perfect 300 game in bowling when such feats were rare.
However, it was in pocket billiards where DiLiberto truly found his calling and built a legacy spanning over four decades.
DiLiberto’s pool career began with early victories in the New York City and State 14.1 Championships in the early 1960s.
He achieved a significant milestone in 1972 by winning both the Johnston City Straight Pool Championship and the All-Around Championship.
His versatility shone through as he captured major titles in four different disciplines of professional pocket billiards: straight pool, one pocket, 8-ball, and 9-ball.
Among his most memorable victories was the 1981 BCA National Eight-Ball Championship, where he defeated Nick Varner in a thrilling final.
He continued to collect titles throughout the 1980s, including the 1983 World One-Pocket title and the 1984 Classic Cup National 9-Ball Championship.
DiLiberto’s contributions to pool extended beyond playing.
From 1989 to 2020, he served as a respected commentator for Accu-Stats Video Productions, where he partnered with Billy Incardona to form one of the sport’s iconic commentary duos.
His insightful analysis and clever commentary helped educate and entertain a new generation of pool enthusiasts.
Danny DiLiberto’s Death Leaves a Lasting Legacy in the Billiards World
On February 10, DiLiberto’s daughter, Jeanette Fletcher, shared the heartbreaking news of her father’s declining health on Facebook.
She remained by his side during his final hours, sharing precious moments and conversations. DiLiberto passed away peacefully at 3:43 AM on February 11, 2024.
Through her father’s Facebook, she wrote,
“This morning at 3:43 my dad took his last breath. He went peacefully. It hurts so bad. You are never ready for something like this even though you know it was going to happen. I have done everything I could to take care of him. I talked to him for hours yesterday. He always bounces back but this time was different. I just knew. Everything happened so fast. I’m not sure what I’m going to do yet. I will let everyone know soon. Thank you for all the love and support!”
Facebook
In the aftermath of his passing, the pool community has rallied to support his family.
Jeanette created a GoFundMe page to help fund a funeral and celebration of life before his cremation.
She shared touching memories of their time together, recalling how he would light up when she entered his room and his love for Boston cream donuts.
The billiards community has responded with an outpouring of tributes.
Mary Kenniston, a longtime friend, remembered DiLiberto as someone who exemplified both skill and character, noting his generosity with time and knowledge.
His passing marks the end of an era in pool history, but his legacy lives on through the four halls of fame that recognized his achievements: the BCA Hall of Fame (2011), One-Pocket Hall of Fame (2004), Buffalo Boxing Hall of Fame (2006), and Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame (2017).
Danny DiLiberto’s remarkable journey from the boxing ring to the pool table, and finally to the commentary booth, showcases a life dedicated to sporting excellence and sharing his passion with others.
Additional Information
- He published a biography titled “Road Player, the Danny DiLiberto Story,” written by pool journalist Jerry Forsyth.
- DiLiberto achieved international success late in his career, winning the French National Nine Ball Tournament in consecutive years (1997 and 1998).
- He was an active member of the International Pool Tour and won several state-level championships, particularly dominating the Florida State 14.1 Championship with multiple victories (1965, 1966, 1968, and 1974).
