Biography: Daniel Bicensio Wani (1970-2025)
Personal Information
Daniel Wani (Jubie) was born on April 9, 1970, in Khartoum,
Sudan, and passed away on December 25, 2025, in
Manchester, New Hampshire. He was the son of Bicensio
Wani, from Pitiyi, Jebel Ladu, of the Bunuk clan, and Natalina
Kaku, from Nyuwa, Jebel Ladu, of the Laie clan.
Cause of Death
Daniel was ill for a long period of time but showed improvement
and was discharged on December 22, 2025. According to the
autopsy report, his cause of death was Respiratory MD.
Daniel had seven siblings, five boys and three girls from the
same mother:
Hon. Mary Bicensio Wani
Dr. John Bicensio Wani
Moulana Augustino Bicensio Wani
Gabriel Bicensio Wani
Edward Bicensio Wani
Lilian Bicensio Wani
Adreena Bicensio Wani
And brothers and sisters from the same father:
Jackson Bicensio Wani
Jackleen Bicensio Wani
Emmanuel Bicensio Wani
Efon Bicensio Wani
In 2011, he married Mariam Yahia Ibrahim Ishag, and together they had two children, Martin and Maya. He was a devoted father who always put his family first. Daniel was a source of support and encouragement to his brothers and sisters and the entire family and especially to his children. He loved attending his children’s school activities, games, and events, creating cherished memories along the way. He was not only a father but also a mentor and role model, teaching his children the importance of integrity, hard work, and kindness, while sharing his love for knowledge and appreciation for nature.
Early life and Education
Daniel was driven by education and self-development from an early age. He attended primary school at Al-Ushara in Khartoum, middle school at Tejaria in Juba, and completed his high school at Mougrant High School in Khartoum. He earned a scholarship to study in Egypt, attending Cairo University’s School of Law, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Law.
In 1998, Daniel immigrated to the United States, and despite living with a physical disability, he never allowed limitations to define him. He believed deeply in progress, perseverance, and education. He worked diligently to earn a second bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of New Hampshire, and later completed a Master of Law at Regent University in Virginia.
Career and Achievements
Daniel Wani served as a professional translator for the state of New Hampshire, working with undocumented immigrants and notarizing official documents. In 2005 to 2007, he was elected President of the South Sudanese Community in New Hampshire. After completing his term, he was appointed as the head of the Board of Directors for the term of 2007 to 2009.
Daniel was a co-founder, advisor, and Deputy Chair of the Nyerkenyi Foundation, a humanitarian organization established in 2010. He made invaluable contributions to the foundation, both financially and intellectually, and consistently encouraged the sons and daughters of Nyerkenyi in the diaspora to invest in and help build the foundation.Daniel deeply valued heritage and identity. He firmly opposed the sale of indigenous land and strongly advocated for its responsible and sustainable use for the benefit of future generations. His vision extended beyond the present—he longed to see peace prevail in South Sudan so that all people could live in harmony and one day return home. A true cornerstone of the Nyerkenyi Foundation, Daniel was passionately committed to nurturing future leaders and strengthening the community. His legacy of service, wisdom, and dedication will continue to guide and inspire us.
Personal life
Daniel was kind and soft-spoken, yet firm when the situation required. He had a natural ability to connect with youth and the wider community, devoting himself to mentoring and encouraging young people to pursue education, leadership, and service. He was an active member of St. Anne/St. Augustine Church in Manchester, New Hampshire.
In 2013, he bravely fought to save his wife from unjust imprisonment in Khartoum, taking his fight to the international stage and ultimately achieving justice. In 2014, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs in Italy, personally traveled with a private jet to Sudan to relocate Daniel and his family to Rome, Italy, where they stayed in the Vatican and were blessed to spend time with Pope Francis before returning to Manchester. Daniel faced challenges fearlessly, and his courage and determination left a lasting impact on all who knew him. He enjoyed the simple things in life, like going to the park, visiting the library, and watching New England Patriots games.
Values and Beliefs
Daniel Wani lived an extraordinary and inspiring life. He was a source of strength, wisdom, motivation, influence and hope to many, guided by his strong beliefs. His life stands as a powerful testimony of resilience and purpose, shaped by strong principles and unwavering beliefs. Despite his physical disability, Daniel consistently demonstrated a willingness to help others creating a positive change in their lives. He was admired for his strong work ethic, kind heart, and warm sense of humor, leaving a lasting impression on all who knew him.
Daniel’s legacy and memories are one of love, resilience, and generosity. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and community, as well as by all who had the privilege of knowing him. His memory and the values he lived by will continue to inspire those whose lives he touched.
Calling hours will be held on Friday, January 9, 2026 from 4 to 7 pm in J. N. Boufford & Sons Funeral Home, 110 Bridge St.
A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Saturday, January 10, 2026 in St. Anne- St. Augustin Church, Beech St. at 10 am. An hour of calling will be from 9 am to 10 am in the church.
Burial will follow in St. Augustin Cemetery.
For more information and online guestbook please visit www.bouffordfuneralhome.com.
I have fought the good fight,
I have finished the race,
I have kept the faith
(2 Timothy 4:7)