Dan FOX Obituary

FOX, Dan

86, beloved husband of almost 61 years to June, died peacefully at home February 8, 2018 surrounded by his loved ones. Dan, a 20 year resident of Tarpon Springs, and more recently of New Port Richey, was born in New York City, and earned his Bachelor's and his Master's degrees at the Manhattan School of Music.

Dan had a long and varied career in the music business. At 12, he taught himself to play guitar. At 15, he started playing guitar and bass with various bands all over the New York City area and across the country. He was also as a studio musician. Some of his venues included the Roseland Ballroom, Johnny Walker's and Eddie Condon's Jazz Clubs. He played with the New York Mandolin Orchestra and his own Paradise Rooftop Garden Orchestra.

Locally, Dan established and led the Rhythm Kings Orchestra playing old jazz and swing music for the past 10 years. Dan completed more than 240 arrangements for the band, who continue to perform his music for audiences in the area. Dan only retired this past year after a stroke left him unable to continue.

Additionally, Dan Fox, wrote and sold more than 20 million popular music books including the Reader's Digest Songbooks and Alfred Music's The Greatest series. He wrote books for performers as varied as the Beatles, John Denver, Led Zeppelin, Billy Joel, Kenny Rogers, Luciano Pavarotti, and many others. Dan also wrote many original compositions including symphonies, fugues, and an opera, The Legend of Buddy Bolden about, the jazz great.

Besides his dear wife, he will be missed by his beloved children, Dori (and Bruce) Faust of San Jose, CA and Paul Fox of Holiday.His youngest daughter, Genevieve Haley, predeceased him in August 2014. Dan has five grandchildren whom he adored and was very proud of, Anna Fox, Jesilyn Faust, Alexandra Haley, Rebekah Faust, and Nicholas Haley. Dan was predeceased by his sister, Madeleine. He also leaves his dear niece, Valerie and nephew, Mitchell. He will also be missed by his many dear friends and neighbors in the music industry and beyond.

Services will be held Saturday, March 12, 1 pm, at Michels-Lundquist, 5228 Trouble Creek, New Port Richey. Members of Rhythm Kings Orchestra will be graciously providing music.

If desired, donations may be made to the Charcot Marie Tooth Association in Dan's name. Online condolences may be offered at www.internationalcremation.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Tampa Bay Times on Mar. 18, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Dan FOX

8 Entries

Ken Foy

September 29, 2025

I had the pleasure of working many gigs with Dan. He was a good musician who entertained audiences with his singing and banjo playing. I also had the opportunity to perform with his larger ensemble and loved playing in the group.
Dan was very knowledgeable about a great many subjects and I loved our conversations on the gigs.
Because of him, I have a credit for a variation of Mary Had A Little Lamb the I did. He liked it and had it published.
I miss Dan very much and wished he was still around to do gigs with.
He was a class act and heck of a nice guy. He and June were cool people.

Don H.

February 17, 2023

I loved his arrangements in the Readers Digest songbooks. I have many of them and his work has inspired me to continue playing piano for decades. It's amazing how one man's life can touch so many others. Thank you and RIP.

Dave Evans

November 5, 2021

Though I never had the opportunity to meet him, just a few days ago I was telling one of my nieces (encouraging her to develop her piano skills and horizon) that he was the best piano teacher I ever had. His musical arrangements in the Reader's Digest books helped me develop more than I ever would have otherwise. He certainly deserves great respect, in more ways, I'm sure, than I could know. My thanks go to him, and my respects as well. No doubt his family and friends carry many wonderful memories, and my heart goes out to them as well.

Scott McIntosh

June 24, 2020

I'm such a fan of of Dan's arranging and hoping to pick his brain on his process; researched him and phoned him not long ago. I was told by the woman who answered the phone that he had recently suffered a stroke and was not up to taking the call. His work for "Reader's Digest" was recommended as a great source for songs from the American songbook by my jazz improv teacher back in the eighties. His harmonies and arrangements are beautifully and intelligently done. I like to think that I approach arranging in a similar fashion and am saddened to have missed the opportunity of speaking with him. My condolences to all his family and friends, Scott McIntosh.

david ostwald

March 26, 2018

I have fond memories of playing with Dan, a warm and kind man who made a difference to a young musician.

Billie Poteat

March 20, 2018

My deepest sympathy. I guess he's met a lot of musicians in the afterlife by now. I worked for the Cultural Services, Tarpon Springs.

The Staff of Michels and Lundquist Funeral Home

March 20, 2018

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

Ray Pinto

March 19, 2018

He was a special person a real gentlemen with Talent, warmth, intellect and his great smile will be missed by all who new him.
My deepest condolence to JUNE and the family

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