Daniel J. Doody

1934 - 2015

Daniel John Doody was born September 21, 1934 in Roundup, Montana to Patrick and Mary Bridget Doody. Our beloved husband, father, grandfather and brother passed away peacefully and surrounded by family on July 14, 2015 in his Merced, California home.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Evelyn, of 58 years; daughter Gwen Doody; daughter Karen (Brett) Baker; daughter Laura (Steve) Taylor; and daughter Nancy (Bill) Gilardi; grandchildren Olivia Baker, Hunter Baker, Kallie Taylor, Jake Taylor, Kiara Gilardi, and William Gilardi; and his sister Mary Jo Hyde. He is preceded in death by his parents and his two brothers, Patrick and Andrew.

Dan was educated in Roundup schools and graduated from Powell County High School in Deer Lodge, Montana in 1952. He attended Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington and then transferred to the University of Montana, Missoula. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Education in 1957. He married his High School sweetheart and love of his life on June 16, 1957.

After a tour of duty with the U.S. Army, he began his teaching career in Calipatria, California. In 1960 he moved his family to Merced, California where he began teaching fifth grade at Charles Wright Elementary School. He achieved his Masters in Educational Administration, and in 1966 he was appointed Principal at John C. Fremont Elementary School. He later served as a Principal at both Chenoweth Elementary School and Tenaya Junior High School. In 1986 he was appointed Director of Personnel at Merced City School District. Dan was greatly admired by students, parents, and staff. He was a dedicated, fair, and supportive educator, as well as a trusted and inspiring instructional leader.

Upon retiring in 1992 after 32 years of service, he continued serving in education as a supervisor of student teachers for both California State University, Stanislaus and Chapman University. He trained and supported new teachers in Merced and Los Banos. In addition, he was selected to fill an open seat on the Merced County Board of Education in 1998. During his 10 year tenure on the Board, Dan was instrumental in overseeing the Virginia Smith Family Trust and its invaluable role in the opening of U.C. Merced.

Dan was a wonderful husband and a proud, loving father to his four girls. He treasured every moment spent with his wife, children and six grandchildren. He enjoyed traveling, reading, meeting his friends for coffee, and watching sports. He will be remembered for his incredible strength, kind spirit, photographic memory, and sweet Irish charm. We will carry him in our hearts forever, and we cherish the knowledge we will see him again someday.

Dan will be laid to rest in a private ceremony at the San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery in Santa Nella, California. A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, July 23, 2015 at 6:30 p.m. at 1690 E. Farmland Avenue in Merced, California. Family and friends are welcome to join us in honoring this very special man.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Merced Kiwanis College Scholarship Fund-Daniel Doody.