Dan was a lifelong resident of the Carmel area. After attending Mahopac High School and serving honorably as a Navy rescue diver during the Vietnam War, Dan “settled down” (so to speak—see below), with his wife Sandy and their two children, Danny and Erin, to become one of the most beloved individuals ever known in this little Hamlet. Anybody who met Dan once instantly became his best friend, enjoying Dan’s passion for life, childlike sense of humor and heart of gold. Whether during a chance meeting on the street, an organized celebration or a friendly dinner, Dan would always remind his company how good life was by pulling them aside and saying, “Hey, who has it better than us, huh?”
Certainly, Dan was not a passive individual who let life pass him by unnoticed. On any given weekend Dan would be off drag racing his Camaro at Lebanon Valley; water skiing with family and friends in Lake George; hosting parties in the family’s “man-lodge” (in name only) over the garage; or just driving around helping those in need.
Dan was also a physical fitness enthusiast who exercised with as much passion as he lived life. As a regular at Gold’s Gym Dan had a regimen that put people half his age to shame, and always encouraged everyone around him to reach his or her full individual potential. “Life is brief, and time’s a thief”, Dan would often say to his kids and others.
For sure, that’s true Dan, because time took you away from us far too soon. We know, however, that time never got the better of you—there were no wasted moments or idle days. We can honor your memory, but more importantly we can learn from your life. Thanks, Dan.
And by the way, who has it better than us, huh?