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Daniel Kucij Obituary
Age: 73
Daniel Nicholas Kucij died unexpectedly on September 23, 2017 at the University of Vermont Medical Center as a result of a traumatic brain injury. He was 73 years old.
Dan, or Nick, as some called him, was born on January 30, 1944, in Queens, New York to Daniel and Rosalia Kucij, and grew up in Long Island. After completing his bachelor's degree at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, he served in Nepal as a U.S. Peace Corps volunteer. When he returned, he married the love of his life, Miriam Ruth Morrill, whom he had met on a blind date while she attended Russell Sage College. They moved with their daughter Sara to St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. There they taught elementary school and had a son, Nicholas Dorje, who died shortly after birth from delivery complications. Their daughter, Maya, was born a year later. In 1975, they moved to Vermont, where he completed his masters and doctoral degrees in Education at UVM. Dan worked as a Special Education administrator in the Franklin Central Supervisory Union until he retired in 2000. Afterward he did consulting work for the State of Vermont and was an adjunct professor at UVM.
Dan loved spending time with his children and grandchildren, taking photographs, operating his ham radio, birdwatching, and visiting Maine.
Dan was preceded in death by his wife, Mim, and his infant son Nicholas. He is survived by his daughters: Sara (Patrick) Filliettaz of Cape Elizabeth, ME and Maya Kucij (Walter Goettlich) of Warrensburg, MO; his four grandchildren: Emmet, Owen, Henry and Esther; his brothers: John (Lyn) Kucij of Schenectady, NY and Richard (Ruth) Kucij of Napierville, IL, as well as several nieces and nephews. He will be remembered by his friend, Kathy Archer, as well as the members of his long-standing Burlington men's group, and his many beloved friends and former colleagues.
A memorial service will be held at the First Unitarian Universalist Society of Burlington
at 152 Pearl Street on Sunday, October 1, at 3pm, followed by a reception in the Society's Parlor. Online condolences may be sent to www.gregorycremation.com. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to www.savethechildren.org, a cause both Dan and Mim cared deeply about.
Visit burlingtonfreepress.com/obituaries to Express condolences and sign the guest book.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Daniel Kucij
Martha Bonneau
September 21, 2023
Sarah, Maya and your families- love to you as you remember your Dad and Mom. They were such loving, compassionate people and touched the lives of so many, always with such respect and dignity. They are both dearly missed. Hoping the wonderful memories you have bring you peace.
istok kapov ico
August 28, 2023
I didnot have info about NICK, now find he was passed away 2017. Rest in peace dear radioamateur friend, KB1RVT. from Croatia , EU 9A2KI ico
Antonio Fernandez Sanchez
September 21, 2022
I remember Dan as on of my "US" hams into satellites when I was waiting for ham radio satellites in Europe. He was always a kind friend to me and I really felt sad when he passed ..
Thanks for yor time , Dan..
Antonio- EA1IW (ham radio)
Spain
Richard Schattman
September 21, 2022
It's hard to believe it's been five years. I continue to think of Dan often, miss him, and continue to learn from his example. He was one of the best!
Janet Moss Asiain
September 21, 2019
A loving and lovable friend, gone too soon. The Feast of All Souls/El Dia de los Muertos, the time to remember our departed friends and loved ones, approaches and I will remember Dan/Nick once again with fond appreciation. He is still with all whose lives he touched.
Linda Pike
October 2, 2017
Dear Sara, Maya, and Family,
My family would like to express our condolences. Dan was always so kind and respectful to us. I attended his lovely service yesterday but was unable to stay after.
Dan touched us in a special way. I worked at St. Albans City School. Our daughter Kim, who has Down syndrome, attended the school. When she became an adult, she came back to City to volunteer in kindergarten After a time, not long before he left St. Albans, Dan saw that she had grown in her ability to help her team and the children. He and several other special people went to the administration, school board, and union and convinced them all that Kim deserved to be treated as a contributing member of the staff. Because they took that extra step, Kim earned an off step salary, proving people with her condition can be part of the working community.
Kim worked there for 20 years, making many friends, before her health forced her to retire. Her retirement was a wonderful all-day affair that she still talks about. We will never forget how Dan went to bat for our daughter and made such a difference in her life.
Sincerely,
Linda, Kim, and Steve Pike
October 1, 2017
After spending time with Nick we always felt better. He was a bearer of sunshine, hope and kindness. Nick will be missed and remembered. God Bless and much love, Jane and Rocky Miller
Pat Mueller
October 1, 2017
Sara & Maya,
So sad to hear about your Dad. He was a well-loved member of the VT Special Education community and always donated to my annual Relay for Life in honor of your Mom. What a gentle soul!
My thoughts are with you and your families.
George Scribner
October 1, 2017
Hi Sara,
I was very sorry to hear about your Dad.
All my best,
George
Ron McGarvey
October 1, 2017
I met Dan through the Peace Corps and although we were stationed at different locations in Nepal I always enjoyed meeting and talking with him when we had gatherings in Kathmandu.
Dan was a very kind and thoughtful person. He cared very much for his school in Nepal and I'm sure they for him, too.
I'm grateful that I've had an opportunity to know Dan and although his life added much to others, he will be missed by many.
Richard Villa
October 1, 2017
Dan was a valued colleague, fellow student, and friend for more than 40 years, He was a true gentleman and advocate who will be greatly missed.
Stephen Kinney
September 29, 2017
Dan goes back with me many, many years in his work and my work as Vermont special education administrators.
Dan was most articulate and sharp in his sharing of his knowledge and expertise in the field. He was always quick to opinion and comment on relevant topics and raised questions.
He was always very professional in his manner, caring and had a good sense of humor.
He will be missed.
Steve Kinney
OSSD SPED Administrator
September 29, 2017
We are sorry to learn of the passing of Daniel, but grateful for his service to our nation with the Peace Corps in Nepal.
Our Condolences,
The National Peace Corps Association
September 29, 2017
Our sincere condolences to the entire Kucij family. Love from Lars and Connie
Alan & Sandra Luzzatto
September 29, 2017
Sara & Maya - We were so saddened upon learning of the loss of your father. He was such a special man. Know that he will always be with you.
Robert Stanton
September 28, 2017
Maya and Sara
I was so deeply saddened by the tragic news of Dan's passing. My heart felt feelings and prayers go out to all of you and to Dan's dear friend Kathy. I am so sorry for your loss
Dan was many things to me since we first met back in 1975 at UVM. He was my graduate school classmate, a thoughtful mentor and colleague and most importantly he was my dear friend.
I know he will be sorely missed by all our CT classmates who knew him as a very wise and gentleman, a scholar on many levels, and a dear friend to all of us. We were planning on celebrating our 40th reunion with him in early October. We still plan to gather in his honor and he will be with us in spirit.
We love you Dan and will always hold you close in our hearts.
Janet Moss Asiain
September 28, 2017
I met Dan in Peace Corps training over 50 years ago and was lucky to know him well during our two years of service in Nepal, as we were stationed near each other. Reconnecting with him two years ago at our group's reunion was poignant and lovely, and I was looking forward to spending more time with him, which was granted only last month when we met with a small group at our friend's camp in Maine. I'm feeling robbed of the chance I was given to get to know him again. What a big heart and loving presence he had. And a new name, or rather the name he was known by in childhood: Nick. I was really looking forward to spending more time with Nick. Now I'm going to have to imagine what wise words he might have offered as we old Peace Corps friends turn into full-on elders. I can only imagine the emptiness his passing is leaving in the lives of his children, siblings, and intimate friends. My heartbreak must be magnified many times in yours. It is a blessing to have had such a dear man in our lives.
Janet Moss Asiain
Antonio Fernandez
September 28, 2017
I really sorry. I will miss him throught ham satellites and skeds here, early in the morning.
R.I.P. Nick... Thanks for all.
Antonio (EA1IW)
Spain
Antonio Fernandez
September 28, 2017
Im really sorry. I feel like a near friend just speaking with him by means of ham satellites.
I will miss him ..
Antonio (EA1IW)
SPAIN
Joe EI5EV
September 28, 2017
We "met" many times on satellites and it was always nice to hear his voice. 73 For the last time Nick.
Mark Sustic
September 27, 2017
A friend I respect deeply, always, with a rare combination of heart and skill for the work and life we shared.
Merissa Bushey
September 27, 2017
Kathy, Sarah, Archer and Matt as well as Nick's family...I'm so sorry for your loss. He was a lovely man and we always enjoyed his company at our family gatherings. Peace be with you! Love and prayers to all of you.
Kristy Teele
September 27, 2017
I never met Mr.Kucij but, as a friend of his daughter Maya, knew of his kindness, generosity and beauty of spirit. This is evidenced by the many lives he touched and the gentle wise legacy he has left. Blessings.
Richard Schattman
September 27, 2017
I have known and loved Dan as a friend and colleague for almost 40 years. His passing brings such sadness as he was one of the kindest and most talented men I have known. Sara and Maya my thoughts are with you and your families. Rest assured that your Dad was loved by many and contributed through his work in a profound way. I will miss him deeply.
Marco
September 27, 2017
very sad to hear that. I had over summer this year some contact with him via mail and satellite. I remember him as a very nice and kind person.
all my best wishes to Nick's family.
September 27, 2017
R.I.P Nick
My last 73 to you
Zeljko 9A2EY, Croatia
September 27, 2017
I can only imagine what you are going through with the sudden death of you father. You are in my prayers. Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you.
Dawn Howard UCM
September 27, 2017
My condolences to all family from Spain, EC4TR, Luis
Carrie Clothier
September 27, 2017
Maya and family,
I am so sorry for your loss.
Thank your for sharing this little bit of your father with us. What a beautiful life.
God Bless.
Carrie
John Papay
September 27, 2017
My condolences to the family from one of Nick's many ham radio operator friends. We will miss hearing his voice on the amateur satellites.
John Papay K8YSE
North Royalton, Ohio
Frank E Griffin
September 27, 2017
To all of "Nick's" family, He will be missed by all of us in the "Ham" radio community. Our deepest sympathies go out to you all for your sudden loss. I, for one, will miss "Nick".
Amanda Bruchs Sheridan
September 27, 2017
Sara and Maya,
Your father was a good and kind man, friend, and neighbor. I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this sad time.
Martha Bonneau
September 26, 2017
Sara and Maya,
I am so sorry for your loss. Your dad was such a great person. May you find comfort knowing how many people are holding you in thought and prayer. Big hugs to each of you. Xo
Martha (Robie) Bonneau
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