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O'Brien Funeral Home - Brick

505 Burnt Tavern Road @ Hwy. 70

Brick, New Jersey

DONALD DANIELS Obituary

Donald Michael Daniels Owner of Daniels Group, Inc., former Blue Cross chairman, leading spokesperson and architect of health care financing Donald Michael Daniels, 85, passed away on Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, at Ocean Medical Center in Brick, N.J. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 8, from 4 to 7:30 p.m. at O'Brien Funeral Home, 505 Burnt Tavern Rd., Brick. A Mass of Resurrection will be held on Thursday, Feb. 9, at 10 a.m. at Sacred Heart R.C. Church, Bay Head, N.J. Cremation is private. To send condolences, please go to obrienfuneralhome.com. Donald grew up in Newark, N.J., with his extended family of aunts, uncles and cousins. He graduated from Newark Central High School, where he excelled in his studies and played on the football team. He married the lovely Esther Daniels in 1951 and shortly thereafter was called to serve in the United States Army in Korea for two years. Donald began his career at Blue Cross of New Jersey (now Horizon BCBS), successfully working his way up through the ranks from mail clerk to chairman of the board. At the same time he attended Rutgers University at night, earning his bachelor's degree. He retired in 1991 to form the Daniel's Group Inc., an insurance brokerage and consulting firm specializing in serving the Catholic community. He was a leading spokesperson and architect of health care financing at both the state and national levels. Donald served on numerous boards of national and state organizations, including Seton Hall University, New Jersey State Chamber of Commerce, and the Newark Museum. He served as CEO of the former Cathedral Healthcare System, as chairman of the board for Saint Peter's Healthcare System in New Brunswick, N.J., and chairman of Catholic Community Services. He is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Esther; his children, Donald Jr., Kathleen O'Brien and David, and his six grandchildren, Kelly and Allie O'Brien, Caitlin, Brian, Kylie and Brynna Daniels. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Renew International, 1232 George St., Plainfield, N.J. 07062.

Published by The Star-Ledger on Feb. 7, 2017.
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Don ,chi and family. My deepest sympathy on the loss of your loved one .may he rest in peace.

Susan Onofrietto

February 7, 2017

I am so sorry for your lost. May you find comfort in the God of all comfort because he cares for you. 1Peter 5:6-7.

February 7, 2017

Esther,Donald,Kathy,David,We are sorry to hear about Donald. Please accept our condolences. I remember all the good times at the family gatherings. Danny,DannyBoy,Kim and Joseph.

February 7, 2017

a loved one

February 7, 2017

a loved one

February 7, 2017

Kathleen Passantino

February 7, 2017

Rest in Peace Don. You and your family are in my prayers. Thank you for all the support you gave to me when you were at Blue Cross.
Bob McKenna

February 7, 2017

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Memorial Events
for DONALD DANIELS

Feb

8

Visitation

4:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

O'Brien Funeral Home - Brick

505 Burnt Tavern Road @ Hwy. 70, Brick, NJ 08724

Feb

9

Funeral Mass

10:00 a.m.

Sacred Heart R.C. Church

Bay Head, NJ

Funeral services provided by:

O'Brien Funeral Home - Brick

505 Burnt Tavern Road @ Hwy. 70, Brick, NJ 08724

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