Daniel Anthony Luciano

1923 - 2025

Dan Luciano, Tiger, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, veteran, coach, and mentor, passed away peacefully on May 18, 2025, at the age of 101. Dan was born in Lodi, New Jersey, on September 9, 1923, to Mamie and Frank Luciano.

A gifted athlete from a young age, Dan lettered in football, wrestling, and baseball at Lodi High School and was crowned Diamond Gloves and Golden Gloves Boxing Champion in 1939. After graduating in 1942, he answered his country's call and served with honor in the United States Navy during World War II. Volunteering for submarine service, he was assigned as a radio and sonar operator aboard the USS "Sea Cat" until his honorable discharge in 1946.

Following his service, Dan attended Bergen Junior College in Teaneck, NJ, where he played football and baseball, receiving the Outstanding Athlete Award, and most importantly where he met Jean Porter of Bergenfield, the love of his life. Following his graduation from Bergen Junior College in 1948, Dan continued his education, earning a degree in Physical Education at Springfield College, Springfield Massachusetts. Dan and Jean were joyfully married June 30, 1951.

Dan began a distinguished 34-year career in education and coaching, first at Lodi High School, where he taught physical education and coached football and baseball. In 1957, he transitioned to Northern Valley Regional High School in Demarest, and later in 1962 to Northern Valley Regional High School at Old Tappan, as the founding Director of Athletics and Chairman of the Physical Education Department.

Dan's coaching legacy spanned generations and sports, but his greatest impact was in football and golf. He coached football at Lodi High School and in 1958 at Northern Valley High School Demarest. There, he inherited a struggling high school football team at Northern Valley and led them to a stunning Thanksgiving Day upset over a rival with a 17-0 game winning streak-considered one of the biggest upsets in New Jersey high school football history. In 1962, Dan was transferred to Northern Valley Old Tappan, where he coached golf for 23 years, achieving 262 wins, 11 league titles, five county championships, and two Star Ledger district titles.

Dan founded the Bergen County Scholastic Golf Tournament in 1971, giving young athletes the opportunity to compete private country club golf courses. In 1972, he instituted and organized the All-County Golf Selection Committee.

He was a pioneer for girls' interscholastic athletics in Bergen County. He also co-chaired the LPGA Chrysler Plymouth Classic in conjunction with the Youth Satellite Golf Tour.

Dan's accolades include:

•Coach of the Year - Bergen County Golf Coaches Association (1972, 1977, 1984)

•New Jersey State Coaches Association Hall of Fame (1974)

•New Jersey Director of Athletics Award (1976)

•YMCA of Bergen County Service to Youth Award (1981)

•Inductee, Northern Valley Old Tappan High School Hall of Fame (1994)

•Lodi High School Hall of Fame (1994)

•Bergen County Board of Freeholders Certificate of Commendation (1994)

In honor of his legacy, the Bergen County Golf Championship was renamed the Dan Luciano County Golf Championship upon his retirement in 1984-a title it proudly bears to this day.

That same year, Dan and Jean retired to Port Royal Plantation on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina where they became active members of the Port Royal Golf Club and Christ Lutheran Church. Dan continued to serve his community and his faith at Christ Lutheran Church after Jean's passing in 2014. Dan never forgot any of his neighbors on Hilton Head Island. Those in need were always welcomed by his smiling face, serving their meals at the Soup Kitchen.

Dan's greatest joys were time spent with family, especially his grandson Martin Catalioto, whom he cherished like a son. He took pride in every phone call, letter, and visit from the many athletes he mentored, always ready with a warm smile and steady guidance.

He is survived by his sister, Ann Longo of Lodi, New Jersey, his daughters, Debra Catalioto-Buzzelli (Andrew) Sandra Schrettner, and Amy Luciano-Heinrich (Gregor), grandchildren Martin Catalioto, Kimberly Schrettner and Daniella Castillo.

In 2022, Dan was honored by the National World War II Museum for his role in preserving the legacy of WWII veterans. His name is etched on the National World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in memory of Daniel Luciano to:

Christ Lutheran Church

829 William Hilton Parkway Hilton Head Island, SC 29928

Arrangements are entrusted to: The Island Funeral Home & Crematory

Dan Luciano's life was one of service, strength, and steadfast love. He leaves behind a legacy of character, coaching excellence, and family devotion that will continue to inspire all who knew him.