Search by Name

Daniel Forkel Obituary

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.

Published by Coloradoan from Oct. 16 to Oct. 18, 2020.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

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

Memories and Condolences
for Daniel Forkel

Not sure what to say?





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

Showing 1 - 6 of 6 results

Make a Donation
in Daniel Forkel's name

Memorial Events
for Daniel Forkel

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Daniel's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Daniel Forkel's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more