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Daniel Richard Forkel
Daniel Richard Forkel, devoted husband, loving father, and beloved grandfather, passed away at age 86 right before midnight Sunday, August 23rd, 2020 in Naples, Florida.
Dan was born July 19, 1934 in New York to Daniel and Mary Forkel. On April 24th, 1955 he married Joan Elaine Rowland. After being drafted to the United States Army and serving for 2 years, Dan and Joan decided to start their family. In 1959 they welcomed their first child, a daughter, Kathleen; the following year delivered their first son, Thomas, and a year after that, they completed their bunch with another daughter, Susan. Dan worked for Eastman Kodak in the film division, which is what eventually moved the Forkel family from Hilton, New York to Fort Collins, Colorado in 1975. He retired from Kodak after 32 years in 1982. In 2003, after 48 years of marriage, Dan said goodbye to Joan after she lost her battle with colon cancer.
A family vacation to Cozumel, Mexico in 2005 introduced Dan to his second wife, Lucia D'agostino. Lucia infused Dan with new life and provided him so much happiness. Like him, her children and grandchildren meant the world to her. They were married February 17th, 2009. In their first years together, they split their time between Colorado, where Dan's family presided, and Canada, where Lucia's lived. They moved to Naples, Florida in 2016 to enjoy the warmer weather and year-round pool access.
Dan was larger than life. His greatest joy was to make people laugh and his knack for remembering jokes only rivalled his expansive trivia knowledge, which he brought out during every family meal. Dan made an impression wherever he went and never had trouble meeting new people. At one point, Dan couldn't even eat at one of his many favorite restaurants in Fort Collins without the owners coming out to visit with him. He enjoyed playing many games, but he exceled at bowling, tennis, and horseshoes. His other hobbies included swimming at the neighborhood pool, reading, and keeping his lawn pristine. However, Dan was most alive when he was with his family.
Dan is survived by his 3 children, Kathy, Tom, and Sue; four grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; his second wife, Lucia; and her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He will be missed immeasurably.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
6 Entries
I miss your funny stories and endless jokes. You were an awesome Dad and someone I always looked up to. I miss you so much.
Kath
Family
July 6, 2022
I enjoyed working with Dan at KCD. Always had a smile on his face. Good friend.
Ed Morphet
October 10, 2021
I moved to Colorado with Dan in 1974 on the base manufacturing project. I was in facilities and worked with Dan in the manufacturing of x-ray film. He was a pleasure to work with and always had that beaming smile. Sorry to hear of his passing.
Ed Morphet
Ed Morphet
Friend
October 23, 2020
Danny was a good friend and great work companion. He was always there when you needed him. Karen and I are very sorry for your loss.
Nick Yobbagy
Nick Yobbagy
Friend
October 22, 2020
Dan taught me value of family, the art of competitiveness with a smile and the vision of love life and happiness. Truly an incredibly energy that will never be forgotten. Love ya bud
Tim Rivers
Friend
October 18, 2020
The best grandpa in the entire world! I love you so much, Bappa! Give Meme a hug for me.
Brianna Rivers
Family
October 16, 2020
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