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Dan Wagner Obituary
Dan started his career with Dan's Diving Den outside Chicago in 1958 where he also led the Cook County Underwater Search and Rescue Team. Longing to be closer to the wonders of the ocean, he moved his family to the Space Coast in 1963, becoming a well-respected teacher/instructor of scuba diving for the YMCA.
His underwater movies and photographs are highly decorated, having been used by Real Eight, Mel Fisher, National Geography, and the Cousteau Foundation. In 1974, Dan and a couple of close friends completed the construction of "The Impossible Dream", a dive boat running dive trips to the Bahamas. Possessing a profound love for all sea-life, Dan spent the final years of his life working to save their environment.
He is survived by his daughters, Michelle and Christine; and son, Samuel.
A memorial will be held at Spessard Holland South Beach Park in Melbourne Beach from 2 pm to 4 pm on Saturday, December 11, 2010. Arrangements are being made to have Dan's remains interred into a living reef.
Anyone wishing to contribute to his memorial can contact his daughter, Christine Snyder at 321-749-3143 or e-mail [email protected].
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Niki Roberts. (Garrotto)
August 21, 2025
Like so many others Dan taught me how to dive and I was in some of his movies. I will never forget him scratching the belly of a manatee at Crystal Springs. With a big scrub brush. He was way ahead of his time knowing that those gentle creatures needed to be protected He taught us more than just SCUBA He also taught us to love respect and care for the creatures we saw. He also taught us confidence. He even got me to hold and kiss a very scary river turtle with points all over its shell for one of his movies of a drift dive down the St John´s River I have known some wonderful and memorable people in my life and Dan will always be near the top of that list. Mahalo for this space to reflect on a very happy time in my life
J
June 16, 2024
I took a diving course 1974 from Dan Wagner at the high school in Satellite Beach with a friend named Ken Basile. He took us to Crystal River for our 1st check out dive. And then we went to the Bahamas for our deep water check out dive. good good times.
John Osborne
Renee Duncan
December 4, 2022
I learned a lot from Dan about creatures, treasure hunting and just enjoying life in and around the water. I think of him often.
Jessie
July 4, 2021
I never knew Dan or met him, but I have had a few of the videos he produced passed to me by friends and I am deeply saddened to hear of his passing. I and many others have enjoyed his work and I wish him the best wherever he is.
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Mark
August 9, 2017
I'm guessing this is Dan Junior who grew up in Palm Bay. His dad Dan Wagner gave diving lessons. When I was 12 his son and I were in his class and and took lessons in the pool about the place I remember at the casino or something like that. It was located at the end of Ocean Boulevard on the beach. Anyways kind of doesn't matter now. Any weight if I have the right person he would have been about mid-fifties when he died and about the same age I am. What I was looking for is the book is called the real 8. It's about to 1715 wrecks and when they were discovered quite a while ago. Mark and Sons.
Mary Prewitt
December 26, 2010
I knew Dan for many years and I knew his many kindnesses. He encouraged me to learn to dive and get certified and we took a few diving trips. He had a heart of gold. He was the kind of person who would drive out of his way to check on your house,that I had to evacuate, without even being asked, to see if it survived a hurricane. I have many fond memories of Dan. You will be missed.
Mary Prewitt
December 26, 2010
I knew Dan for many years and I knew his many kindnesses. He encouraged me to learn to dive and get certified and we took a few diving trips. He had a heart of gold. He was the kind of person who would drive out of his way to check on your house,that I had to evacuate, without even being asked, to see if it survived a hurricane. I have many fond memories of Dan. You will be missed.
Renee Duncan
December 13, 2010
I met Dan back in the early 1990s when, working for Underwater USA, I first learned to dive. Dan contributed to the publication often, and I found I learned something new and different about diving every time we talked and with each article he wrote. Those were the days of more phone calls and fewer emails. Through the years I've often enjoyed meeting up with him to discover what new project he was working on, moved always by his dedication and intensity to underwater life.
Rest in peace, Dan. We're all gonna miss you.
Spencer Slate
December 13, 2010
I called him Dan-The-Man, and have known him for over 30 years. What a great person he was to our underwater world and loved sharing it with the world, especially our children. As National Chairman of the YMCA Dan was a staunch supporter from the beginning of the Y program. He filmed me on my dive adventures many times and helped me in every way to grow my dive business. We and Mother Ocean will miss him. Thank you Dan-The-Man.
Dan Orr
December 13, 2010
Betty and I have known Dan for many years and have always been very proud to call him a friend. We have all truly benefitted from having known and learned from him and we are all diminished by his loss. Enjoy swimming through eternity wrapped in the arms of Mother Ocean, dear friend!
Thank You! For everything you've given back to us!
December 12, 2010
Wade Bevier
December 11, 2010
I met Dan in the 90's when I was able to dive and video tape for a week in Belize. He will be remembered for his enthusiasm and how much he enjoyed just being in the water and watching the reef.
Sue Parker
December 11, 2010
I only knew Dan by knowing his beloved daughter, Michelle. Her eyes sparkled when she talked about him. She loved him very much, so he must have been a great dad. When he met St. Peter at the Gates, I know he will be asked to come in because he can say, "Michelle loved me." I hope the entire family can think of him as happy in an eternal sea. God bless you all.
Jon Barber
December 10, 2010
Sam and Family,
I feel for your loss. I only met your dad once, not long enough to get to know him. From the obituary, he was a man that I would like to have known better. I will be with you in spirit as you celebrate his wonderfull life and commit him to his final resting place.
Larry Bankole
December 10, 2010
Rest in PEACE Buddy!
December 10, 2010
As well as being a protector of sea life, I appreciate that Dan always gave the Reale Eight divers credit for their 1715 treasure find.
My sympathy to the family. Jane Thompson
Karen Iamonico
December 10, 2010
Blessing your family and loved ones who will truly miss you.You left your mark. God speed.
Pat Scott
December 10, 2010
God Bless the family and friends who will miss you dearly! You will be missed by all...!! RIP in Jesus arms!
December 10, 2010
God bless Dan! Thanks for all you have done. Dive on!
Lloyd Behrendt
December 10, 2010
We shared Mother Ocean and video production across many years-- what a heart of gold... you will be missed -- Sail On, Dan
December 10, 2010
You will be missed Dan!! Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. Malinda & Marty Liatos
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