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Donato A. "Dan" Iacobazzi

Donato Iacobazzi Obituary

IACOBAZZI
DONATO A. IACOBAZZI, "Dan"

On June 5, 2007 of Odenton, MD; beloved husband of Patricia Beaghan Iacobazzi; loving father of Catherine F. Andrade (Jeff); brother of Filomena and Frank Iacobazzi. Family will receive friends at the family-owned BEALL FUNERAL HOME, 6512 N.W. Crain Hwy., (Rt. 3-South), Bowie, MD on Friday, June 8, 2007 from 9 a.m. until time of service at 10 a.m. Interment Lakemont Memorial Gardens. Memorial donations may be made to Melwood, 5606 Dower House Rd., Upper Marlboro, MD 20772.

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

Published by The Washington Post on Jun. 6, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Donato Iacobazzi

25 Entries

Melinda Daniels

June 11, 2007

I have had the privilege of working for Dan for 8 years at CareFirst. One of my co-workers just said “Dan was not your average boss” and that is a tremendous understatement. Of course, I benefited from his broad knowledge of the healthcare industry as well as his ability to navigate through the inner workings CareFirst, but that is a small part of what I will miss about him.

I very much miss going into his office at the end of the workday to discuss a project, and ending up discussing the derivation of the word “fungible”, or the capital of some obscure country, or the symptoms of a rare disease that showed up on a claims report. I say this knowing it will reveal my inner “geek”. Dan seemed to know something about everything.

I will remember him referring to his hometown in Italy as located on “the heel”, and proudly showing off the photo of his daughter Catherine with President Bush. I will miss seeing new additions to his collection of free trinkets from health fairs and Consortium meetings. I will miss him saying “I am NOT old enough to be your father” on the rare occasion when one of us slipped and called him “Dad” instead of “Dan”. I will miss arguing with him when he said that jewelry was a waste of money and not a good gift for a wife (particularly since my husband also used to work at CareFirst).

My coworkers and I were hoping that he would beat his cancer, retire, and “ride off into the sunset”. We are devastated that we did not get our wish for him and for his family. Goodbye Dan. We miss you.

Sharon Kincer

June 11, 2007

I have known Dan for almost 20 years and have worked for him for about the last 12 years. Dan was such a gentleman; he was intelligent, witty and well respected. I'm guessing not many people can actually say they like their boss, but I know many of us felt that way. He was a great conversationalist and had a wealth of knowledge that he shared. He was a great teacher, especially of vocabulary, history and geography. How he knew some of the things he knew will always amaze me. I can remember us having to stop him in a middle of a conversation to get the definition of a word he'd used. It would always get us laughing. We had a name for Dan's philosophy on things, we called them 'Danisms'. Like, "you can only do what you can do" and the infamous "it is what it is".

Dan always talked about how he would like to vacation in a foreign country, such as Egypt, and vacation among the people and live like the people. He'd say that Pat would rather stay in a hotel. I always laughed and said, "I'm with Pat, it's a vacation, I'd want to be in a hotel too!" But that just demonstrated how much of a people person Dan really was. He didn't want to just watch life, he wanted to be a part of it.

Cathy, your Dad was very proud of you. He never talked about you without a gleam in his eye.

Pat, I never heard a man put such great thought into buying you a gift as Dan, that just told me how much he cared. (By the way, we always reassured him that women love jewelry.)

I will always be grateful for Dan's kindness and understanding when it comes to family. He would always ask about how my kids were and what activities they involved in. But what really showed me the depth of Dan's kindness was his support during my dad's illness. During my dad's 5 month battle with brain cancer, Dan was extremely understanding about the time I needed to be away from the office. No matter how busy we were, he always assured me that they would take care of things at the office, and that my dad's care should be my priority. Dan will never know the weight that was lifted from my shoulders from not having to worry about the pile of work at the office, or more importantly, my job security. I will be forever grateful for that.

Dan was, simply put, a good man. I feel I am a better person by knowing him. He will be truly missed.

Joan Poindexter

June 10, 2007

To the Iacobazzi Family:
I/we extend my/our deepest sympathy to you in your loss. I worked with Dan at Carefirst for many years, but I left there in 1993 after 22 years. Dan was always very pleasant and mild mannered. My husband and I saw Dan when he appeared on Jeopardy. (Only the highly intelligent take on that challenge). May his memories live forever in your hearts. Sincerely,
Joan & Bernard Poindexter

Jim Grazko

June 9, 2007

I worked with Dan in the "old days" of BCBSNCA in DC before the merger with MD. In Underwriting as with life, I learned much from Dan and admired his intellect, patience and mostly kindness greatly. Dan was someone to look up to for many reasons. My deepest sympathy to his family and friends. He will be missed.

Dwayne Lucado

June 7, 2007

I had the pleasure of eating lunch and working with Dan on many occasions over the last five years. I was always impressed with his intelligence and great attitude. He was a great guy and will be missed immensely. Please accept my deepest sympathy.

Erin Lamartina

June 7, 2007

I met Dan about 4 years ago when I started at CareFirst as an intern. He was not my boss but I was able to work with him a lot during that summer. Two years later he hired me into the position that I currently hold. Our department (Small Group Underwriting part of Underwriting Policies Procedures Systems & Training) has been going through an interesting time since almost the time that I started. Many times I had to be trained directly by Dan and I was fortunate because I learned a lot. Specifically what I learned from Dan is the following:

1. Fungible has nothing to do with fungus, but in fact all of the food in our 5th floor refrigerator is fungible. Look it up, it’s a good word.
2. Rome is the best series that either of us watched (at least the first season, I never had the pleasure of discussing the second and final season with him).
3. No matter what is going on in your life be thankful you have your health and your family is healthy. Dan always said that to me, he said that life was too short to get caught up by the little things.
4. Geography was a passion for Dan. He knew the capitals of countries that I had never even heard of. I could ask him what language the people of Chad spoke and he would immediately know the answer.
5. Twit is a perfectly acceptable word to describe someone. Its meaning is understood by all of his employees.
6. Patience is a virtue. Dan was a very patient teacher and tried to instill patience in me. I’m only sorry that he won’t have the chance to keep trying because I wasn’t a very good student.
7. If a program isn’t working, Dan touched it.
8. You can teach old dogs new tricks. It’s difficult, but it can be done.
9. There is no hiding from Bob when he wants a report.
10. An angry Dan was not a fun Dan and many times I was glad I was not the person on the other end of his phone.
11. When we would disagree about a situation, Dan was usually right (and that is hard for me to admit). Not always, though. He had a level head and didn’t let his feelings get in the way of his decision making ability.
12. Northern Italians are snobs.
13. The correct “Italian” pronunciation of Iacobazzi sounds nothing like it looks.
14. A pencil is a perfectly acceptable stirring utensil.

Dan, I will very much miss our late afternoon conversations about life, family, and philosophy. I will miss all of the things that you hadn’t yet had a chance to teach. I have learned in the last 6 months that you have been out sick that you were the glue that held our small department together. I learned that you had your hands in more pots than I knew existed in this company. Most importantly, that you were part of what made coming into work fun.

CareFirst has lost an amazing resource and his family has lost a good man. My condolences go out to his family and friends; I have never heard a man speak so fondly of his wife and daughter as Dan did about his. He was always asking us our opinion about gifts he was thinking of buying his wife, Pat. We tried to explain that jewelry was the best route but he firmly believed in electronics. He couldn’t believe that we (women) even wanted jewelry because it was a waste of money.

I think everyone who has been touched by Dan’s personality will remember him forever in their heart. He will be missed, but I know that he had the type of mindset to live life to the fullest everyday and he did.

CareFirst Cost Accounting Team - Randy Balin, Saundra Holloway, Bertha Kennedy, Pat Cannady,Stephanie Shrake

June 7, 2007

We would like to express our deepest sympathy for the loss of your loved one. The Cost Accounting Department at CareFirst has had the privilege of working with Dan for many years. He was very knowledgable and always welcomed the opportunity to provide assistance with a little touch of humor. Dan was always personable regardless of the nature of your conversation. He will be truly missed on a professional and personal level. May you find peace and comfort in knowing that he was well liked and respected by his co-workers and friends.

Linda Connelly

June 7, 2007

I reported to Dan at CareFirst in Owings Mills for the past 9 years. Dan was a director that truly cared about his people. We all worked really hard, but work seemed like fun in Dan’s department because he fostered such a supportive team environment. We all shared many laughs while working on our projects together.

Dan was always so interested in his employees and always asked questions about our families. When you came back from vacation, he wanted to know all the details about the trip. If there was a personal problem, he always was interested in taking the time to listen and give his perspective. Dan was always interested in hearing stories about raising teenagers. I am a nervous flyer and I laugh remembering Dan giving me the “flying pep talk” explaining in detail how airplanes stay in the air and even drawing diagrams on paper. We have all been saying that Dan was kind of like a “Dad” at work. I will always remember one of his sayings “Well, it is what it is.”

Dan practically had a photographic memory and seemed to recall anything he had ever read. We called him the walking data bank and his intelligence never ceased to amaze us.

Dan always spoke so affectionately about his wife Pat and daughter Cathy. He would always tell us when he was picking out a special anniversary gift for Pat. He would labor over making a decision on picking out just the right thing. Dan would beam ear to ear whenever he mentioned Cathy. You really got a sense that they were extremely close. It was fun to hear the “father of the bride” talk about the wedding planning.

I wish to extend my heartfelt sympathy to Pat and Cathy. The pain must be unbearable now, but I hope that over time you can find solace in the memories. Goodbye Dan. I’m glad I was able to work for you for so many years. You will be greatly missed.

Joyce Mann

June 7, 2007

I have worked with Dan at CareFirst for several years. He was a pleasure to work with. A great sense of humor. A walking encyclopedia of little known facts. Quick with a smile and a fast retort. Having gone through a similar experience several years ago, I felt a particular affinity with Dan when I learned of his diagnosis. I thought about him every day. Please accept my deepest sympathy on your family's loss.

Robert Wells

June 7, 2007

I worked for Dan and his staff at CareFirst beginning 2000, and came to appreciate Dan's good nature, intelligence, and exemplary work ethic. To Dan's family, and to all who knew him, I offer my wish for healing and for happy memories.

Gloria Baschke

June 7, 2007

I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Dan. My prayers are with his family. I worked with Dan at Carefirst BCBS in Owings Mills before retiring. He was truly a good and nice person to know - we joked many times and had some really deep problem solving conversations. Again - my prayers are with his family.

Christine Wan

June 7, 2007

Please accept my deepest sympathy. I knew Dan more than 20 years and worked for him about 15+ years. He was a great leader, very nice boss to work with, he care about his staffs, he was kind and patient, always explain & provide detail info. on projects, gave guidelines and made my job so much easier. He was a teacher to me, he taught me a lot including systems, programming and business concepts. Thanks so much to him for all the support he gave me during the past many years. Dan was so smart, he had great knowledge and techniques on both programming and business side and helped us completed so many wonderful projects in the department including Renewal (Rating analysis), Billing Automation, Gain & Loss Projections, Calculate Provider Discounts, Access database development… . He always happy to help people in different areas for their required/immediate needs. He was kind and gentle. I was so lucky to have him as my boss and it was my great pleasure to work for him in these many years. I am still having hard time to believe he's gone. I will miss him so much and he will always remain in my memories.

Monie Pinder

June 7, 2007

I have worked with and known Dan for several years here at CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield and I was so sorry to hear that Dan is no longer with us. Please find comfort in the fact that Dan was a wonderful person and was well liked. He will truly be missed.

Jamie Carter

June 7, 2007

Dan, Patricia and Cathy were our former neighbors in Bowie. Our daughters attened the same elementary and middle school. I had already missed seeing Dan work in the yard. He always had a smile and a wave for everyone. My prayers are for the family and know that he cared deeply for them.

Varneise Jones

June 7, 2007

My deepest sympathies go to you and your family during your loss. I have known Dan for many years. He has always been very kind and knowledgeable. A helping hand in resolving many issues. I will miss his friendly smile and kindness.

Sandra Tobias

June 7, 2007

I was so sorry to hear about Dan's passing. My prayers are with his family and I know G-d will give them the strength to continue without him.

Peggy Reineking

June 7, 2007

I have known Dan at CareFirst for 20 years. It was always a real pleasure to work on a project with him. He was a straight shooter, and so smart. He was generous with his knowledge and taught me a lot. I will miss being able to go to him with muy questions.

Paula Thistle

June 7, 2007

My deepest sympathy and prayers for Dan's family. I knew and worked with Dan in CareFirst's DC office over many years, and found him to be always positive with those around him. He will be missed.

Shane Kontir

June 6, 2007

Please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss. Dan was one of the nicest and most helpful people I had the pleasure to know and work with.

I met him over 10 years ago, when we still worked in DC. I had just started working at GHMSI and didn't know that many people outside of my section or have much knowledge of the business. I was lucky enough to be directed to him, as a contact for a graduate school project. Dan was extremely helpful. But most of all he was very patient and kind.

I will miss him and always remember him.

Doris Chacon

June 6, 2007

I was very saddened to hear of Dan’s passing. I met Dan many years ago at CareFirst and worked with him then. Even though I did not work with him recently, I was always very happy to see him and talked with him occasionally, when he worked at the DC office. He will most certainly be missed. My deepest sympathy to his family.

Larry Tarr

June 6, 2007

Please accept my deepest sympathies. I worked with Dan at CareFirst's Baltimore office.

edward o'neil

June 6, 2007

Dan's passing is a shock to all of us. We are all greatly saddened by the sudden onset of his medical condition and that he has passed so suddenly. Let me extend my heart-felt sympathy to Dan's immediate and extended family. And, let me tell you about how Dan's charm, friendliness, and cheerful approach to life improved living daily for all those fortunate to share part of our day with him.

For the last five years it was my pleasure to have lunch almost daily with Dan. Never during that time was Dan anything but happy and friendly. He thoroughly enjoyed his job, his friends and his family. With great joy and humor for example, he described his role as "father-of-the-bride" at his daughter's marriage. He was so proud and happy as he trimmed down and learned to dance. I smile even now just thinking of his descriptions of father of the bride.

For us Dan was also the source of "little known facts." Whenever , the lunch group needed to resolve a debate, we'd consult " the oracle. " Dan never failed to know the answer and always was ready to back up his knowledge with a bet. I learned the hardway what everyone at lunch already knew, .... don't bet against Dan.

Like the rest of Dan's friends. I will miss him greatly. He remains in my memory as a warm-hearted generous giving person whose companionship I miss and whose personality I'll never forget.

Edward O'Neil
Baltimore Md.

Brett Miller

June 6, 2007

I cannot express how sorry I am for the family. Dan was a warm vibrant caring individual. I am honored to have had the opportunity to work with him at CareFirst and to enjoy his company. He will be missed.

laurie siegel

June 6, 2007

i am so sorry to have heard of dan's passing. i have worked with him at carefirst for many years and always found him to be knowledgable, helpful and kind. i will miss him.

Gentry Israel

June 6, 2007

Penny and I would like to express our deepest sympathy at the loss of your loved one. We had the privelege of knowing Dan and working with at BlueCross BlueShield. We will miss him and his friendship over the years. May God bless and comfort each one of you, and keep you in His love.

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