DANIEL GERSON Obituary

GERSON--Daniel R.,

died peacefully on February 6 at his home in Los Angeles after battling brain cancer. He was 49 years old. Raised on the Upper West Side, Dan was a third generation New Yorker. He grew up with a love of tap dancing and drumming throughout his childhood, and starred in musical theater performances at his high school, Ethical Culture Fieldston School in the Bronx and at Cornell University. After graduating from Cornell, he received an MFA from NYU film school and ultimately chose writing as his vocation. Daniel began his career as a staff writer for the former NBC sitcom, Something So Right. He then transitioned from television to feature films, co-writing the screenplay for the highly successful Pixar Animation Studios movie, Monsters, Inc., as well as the prequel, Monsters University, followed by Walt Disney Animation Studio's Big Hero 6, which won the Oscar for Best Animated Feature Film in 2015. Daniel expressed a unique zest for life, its big and little moments, and brought that spirit to all of his loved ones. His sense of humor was exceptional. Beyond his creative talents, what distinguished Daniel was a profound commitment to honesty, fairness and concern for the less fortunate. He was a fiercely loyal, loving and caring human being. The humanity, humor, and compassion that he brought to his writing, he brought to his family and friends in equal measure. The heart of his life was his family, his deep love for his wife of 20 years, Beau Stacom, his two children, Claire and Asher, his parents, Mary-Joan and Charles Gerson, his sister, Jessica Gerson, and her children, Daisy and Henry, as well as nieces and nephews. Daniel was a remarkable father, who enriched his children's lives at every opportunity and enabled them to believe the best about themselves. Anyone whose life he touched benefitted from his love, his honesty and his wit. Services will be held in Los Angeles. Donations in Daniel's memory may be made to: Dr. Linda Liau, Brain Tumor Program at UCLA, https://giving.ucla.edu/Campaign/Donate.aspx?SiteNum =203&fund=603580

Published by New York Times on Feb. 8, 2016.
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Memories and Condolences
for DANIEL GERSON

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I would like to offer my sincerest condolences to the family and friends of mr. Daniel Gerson'he was a great writer and he will sorely be missed may the God of tender mercies grant him peace

March 4, 2020

Valenda Newell

November 16, 2016

Mis mas sinceras condolencias para familiares de daniel tenemos una gran esperanza expresada en la biblia en revelación 21:3,4 donde dios nos asegura que todas estas cosas tristes serán cosas del pasado y la muerte dejará de existir excelentes palabras de esperanza y consuelo

jokabel sanchez

September 30, 2016

Sincere condolences.

Gail

May 4, 2016

I knew Daniel when he was a little boy in New York. I brought him to tap dance class and we watched The filming of "Three Days of the Condor" together. Though we parted many years ago, I've held him in deep affection since then. I grieve with you for the loss of such a good, fine, talented young man.

Patricia Gallagher

February 28, 2016

Matthew McGuire

February 19, 2016

I send my condolences. May God give you peace during your time of loss.

Mia A

February 18, 2016

So sad

Charlene Romanski

February 17, 2016

Gerson's Family,

So very sorry to learn of the passing of your precious loved one. The family is in our prayers. May the God who gives peace be with all of you.

February 16, 2016

I am so sorry for the Gerson's family loss. May all have comfort and strength from God during this difficult time. Such a loss for all of us!

Robyn

February 14, 2016

I am so sorry for your loss. Daniel Gerson was a talented and creative person. May the God of all comfort be with his family and friends during this difficult time.

February 13, 2016

To the Gerson Family,

It's so sad to hear about your loss, for I too like many others, is a big fan of Daniel's work in regards to the Disney movies such as Big Hero 6 and Up to name a few. And I know it's a difficult time for you to deal with but I hope you can use this time to draw ever closer to God in prayer and he will draw closer to you to help you endure. (James 4:8) With sympathy,

Chanell

February 13, 2016

God please you Daniel for bringing such wonderful stories to children of all ages. rest in peace

joan schiffhauer

February 12, 2016

May our heavenly father, the God of comfort and tender mercies be with your family.

February 11, 2016

My heartfelt condolences, I am sorry for your loss. I also lost someone to cancer recently. However please now that God "does not take pleasure in the death of anyone" (Ezekiel 18:32) What's more he has made a provision for us to be reunited with our loved ones, (Hebrews 2:9/ Mark 10:45)

February 11, 2016

Cancer take some so quickly they are gone before the fight begins and others fight a lifetime; yet this deadly disease leaves in its wake, pain undiminished. God knows your suffering and the emptiness of your heart. May you find peace in prayer to the God of all comfort. He is your refuge in times of distress. ~Psalms 9:9

Mj

February 10, 2016

We have lost a wonderful remarkable talent. Daniel will be missed by many people. May the God of all comfort be with your family during this sad time in your lives.

February 10, 2016

May family friends and fans keep the fond memories and good times close in their hearts and minds at this time of deep sorrow.. God love and care for you.

February 10, 2016

We are so incredibly sorry about your loss. Dan was truly one of a kind. Our prayers our with you Beau, Asher, Claire and family.

Pamela and Shawn Haynes

February 10, 2016

Such a great talent. May you be comforted and strengthened by God during this difficult time (Matthew 11:25).

February 9, 2016

A "Passage" glared up at me from Seattle Times today. And I had a flashback of a smiling kid tap dancing at a PS 40 talent show. He was always smiling. Best wishes in this difficult time.

David Partikian

February 9, 2016

God bless you and your loved ones ~ Rest in peace.

Jane Dowling

February 9, 2016

Our hearts go out to Beau, Claire, Asher and the entire Gerson family. Dan will always hold a special place in our
hearts. We know he is at peace.
Steve, Tami, Ethan & Joshua

Tami Guttman

February 9, 2016

So sorry for the loss of Daniel Gerson. May God grant the family peace at this sad time. I really did enjoy Big Hero 6 and I am 64 yrs young.

February 9, 2016

It can be so hard to face the first year without your loved one, but the love of family and friends can carry you through.

T. Wilson

February 9, 2016

What a terrible loss. My condolences to his family.

February 9, 2016

Through the movies and his works was showed that Gerson's talent and imaginations was extraordinary. He used to put a smile on others people faces, regardless of the age. My sincere condolences to his wife and children for the loss of his beloved father and husband. In these times of sadness, we suffer in different ways, however, our Heavenly Father understands what we are going through, and He promises to help you endure.

February 9, 2016

When one possesses a God given talent and shares it with others this demonstrates wisdom (to appreciate where the gift came from) and knowledge (knowing how to share that gift). Daniel used his talents to entertain others - a wonderful way to give back what was freely bestowed on him. Enjoy your memories of him and trust in the love of God, friends and family to assist you through your grief.
-SJ

February 9, 2016

I am so sorry for your loss of such a young and talented man. May it bring you comfort in knowing his work brought such joy and happiness into peoples lives. I loved all of the movies he contributed to. He will be missed.

Cheryl

February 9, 2016

In God's care, rest in peace.

Dwayne Bickham,Sr.

February 9, 2016

Please accept my condolences on the loss of your love one.

February 9, 2016

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

RT

February 9, 2016

My deepest sympathy to the family, friends and colleagues of Dan Gerson. I have been in awe of his talent. His passing is a big loss to the film industry but his work will always be a legacy.

February 9, 2016

In Gods care.

Sheila

February 9, 2016

Beau, my deepest condolences. My thoughts are with you and your children.

Sherry Schnell

February 8, 2016

Thank you for entertaining us, and to the family...thank you for sharing :)

rob pollock

February 8, 2016

I had a dream on that day it was about storm troopers vs Hero and I was part of it where humans were used for actor's kinda like Roger rabbit filming anyway my part was getting lost in a science room like a maze where the troopers were looking for us and hero appears and asked me to follow him it was a dream like an unfinished movie my condolences to the family RIP

Jasmine Alfani

February 8, 2016

My deep condolences to the Gerson family. May the scriptures be an aide in helping you to ease the pain your family is experiencing at this time of loss. Isaiah33:24. He was an exceptional young talent, that will be remembered through his work.

D Tyler

February 8, 2016

I don't know you but I know your pain. My wonderful husband died of brain cancer last year. It seems it's the best ones that are taken first. My heart cries for your loss and I encourage you in your struggle to move forward.

Vera Mcgill

February 8, 2016

I want to express my deepest condolences on your loss. Please find comfort in knowing that one day soon the loss of our loved ones will be a thing of the past, no more tears or pain!(1Cor 15:26)

Amber

February 8, 2016

Sorry for your loss. May the "Peace of God"(Phillipians 4:6,7) be with you as you cope with such sorrow.

February 8, 2016

Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.

Harry Simpson

February 8, 2016

I am truly sorry for your loss. May the God of comfort give you peace and strength. Psalms 29:11

February 8, 2016

Beau, I'm so very sorry. Dan was one of the greatest characters I've ever known, and our ludicrous study sessions--for classes as different as classical music appreciation and the history of American foreign policy--were among my most enjoyable college memories.

Chris Pavone

February 8, 2016

rip

michelle plakas-kaiser

February 8, 2016

Danny kept me cracking up during rehearsals for Merrily at Cornell, where he did a bang up performance in the lead roll. Later I did some location scouting with him in Westchester, and casting for an NYU project. Might I say working with him was a breeze. Danny brought a great listening ear to life, and had an unforgettable voice and laugh. What a big funny heart is Danny. I am sorry I did not get a chance to reconnect with Danny. My deepest condolences to his family.We lost a great one.

Cheryl Giuliano Rubinstein

February 8, 2016

Offering my deepest sympathies to family and friends in the loss of Daniel. May the peace that the God of tender mercies provide comfort and encourage you during the time of grief.

February 8, 2016

Please accept my Deepest Sympathies

Scott Chamberland

February 8, 2016

Beau, Claire and Asher, our deepest condolences to you and the rest of your family during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. I know that Claire was extremely proud of her Dad and would happily talk about his past and current projects with her friends, always with a smile on her face. May you find comfort in the fantastic memories that you will always have of times shared together.

Natalie and Sophie Newman

February 8, 2016

We'll miss you !

Adrian Barnette

February 8, 2016

I met Daniel Gerson nearly 33 years ago studying summer theater, then only once (or twice) by chance at Cornell, where were separated by a couple of years.
But, he was never forgotten, over the years in theater or work or life you meet people who know for a brief moment, work with, become friends with, and circumstances dictate that you just don't keep in contact. But there are those people whose influence and humanity stay with you. That first summer of theater was a great influence in my life, and I try to think back to the others there, and I can only remember a name or two, and not only was he one of the few names, I fondly remember the times, the jokes, the meals. I regret I never re-connected with him but glad that he was able to share that with others.

David Ressel

February 8, 2016

Danny and I became close friends at sleepaway camp back in the early 80s. My memories of our inside jokes and my weekend trips to visit him in Manhattan are some of the most cherished of my life. His overwhelming charisma, confidence, intelligence, warmth, and sense of humor, and his generosity with these gifts made me a better and happier person. I am terribly saddened at the news of his passing. Danny was one of the best people I have even known. He enriched my perspective of the world immeasurably. I will always be thankful for the time that we were friends. I wish to offer his Family my deepest condolences.

Marc Berglass

February 8, 2016

So sorry for your loss. The few times I got to speak to Dan he was very, very funny. He had a lot of friends here and will be missed.

Michael Johnson

February 8, 2016

Love your work. You will be missed.

Stan

February 8, 2016

During this very difficult time your family is in my prayers. Continue to meditate on the beautiful promises found in God's word! Very soon God's Kingdom will bring all of these about!

February 8, 2016

Monsters Inc. is one of my most favorite movies. I send sympathy to his family and friends. So many brilliant lives being cut short that it breaks my heart. My hope is that you find solace in your memories.

Annie Unwin

February 8, 2016

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Elizabeth Hanford

February 8, 2016

I was so blessed to have known Dan as a colleague. So blessed to have laughed at his jokes, marveled at his wit, and be humbled by his love for his family. Here's to that great and future day when all tears will be dried and all that is left is boundless love... and dinner at Tony's Mexican Grill.

Ben Hoppe

February 8, 2016

So deeply saddened by this news about such a beloved, profoundly funny man. Many fond memories of work and fun back in the day at NYU film school where we were classmates and worked together. Such very memorable shoots and hilarious writing right by Dan from the start -- and he was always such a fine person in a sometimes not-so-nice business. Our condolences from my family to his.

Carl Casinghino

February 8, 2016

We are all so much poorer for his passing, but so much richer for his life. Thank you so much for having shared so much of Daniel with all of us. May the memory of his deep love for you and joy in his work bring you much comfort now, and happiness in times to come.

Tony

February 8, 2016

To Beau, Claire, Asher, Mary-Joan, Charles,to all of Dan's family and his many loved ones, our hearts go out to you for the loss of such a wonderful man. Rest in Peace, Dan.
from Karen Baird and Hayley, Jeremy and André Touchburn

February 8, 2016

Our lives were enriched by knowing this incredible man. Our thoughts and prayers are with Beau and the entire Gerson family.

Kerry & Brian Katz

February 8, 2016

So deeply saddened by this tragic news and the loss of a generous, funny and caring soul. Sending our love to your family.

Josh & Lisa Hofheimer

February 8, 2016

Very, very sorry for your loss--and the world's.

As is often said, "May his memory be as a blessing," and I would add, "May you find comfort in knowing how many hearts were touched, and how many people have been blessed with memories made by Daniel through his work."

Reb Mark Schwartz

February 8, 2016

Dan was a great person and he was like my second father.
- James Cabral

James Cabral

February 8, 2016

So very sorry for your loss, may Daniel rest in peace, and may your memories shared together bring you comfort, until that new day when we see our love ones again, when God grants the gift of eternal life made possible through his son's sacrifice. John:3:16

Michael

February 8, 2016

A good, loving, funny man. He and Asher went with me and my boys to Medieval Times in Los Angeles. We joked and laughed and I thought he was a great guy. I will miss him.

Steven Weber

February 8, 2016

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