Daniel Ash Obituary
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Dan was a proud graduate of Flaget High School and the University of Louisville where he received a degree in Chemical Engineering from the JB Speed School in 1959. Following graduation Dan enjoyed a successful career in the Chemical industry including 26 years at the Rohm and Haas Company. He retired from Rohm and Haas in 1991 as the President of Rohm and Haas Kentucky, Inc. Following his time at Rohm and Haas, Dan provided consulting services to companies related to business and management leadership.
Throughout his career Dan was involved in countless community and professional associations which included numerous leadership and Board positions. He was a member and onetime chair of the University of Louisville Board of Overseers, Past President of the UofL National Alumni Association, and a Member of the Pritchard Committee for Education Improvement in Kentucky. Dan was also involved with Junior Achievement, the Louisville Chamber of Commerce and the St. Patrick School foundation.
Dan was preceded in death by his first wife Carole, his daughter Debra, and his second wife Julie. He and Carole were happily married for 43 years, and they had three other children: David (Sheila), Steven (Lisa), and Patrick (Becky Johnson) and between those families there are 7 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. Dan married Julie in 2001 and that added another wonderful group of children, grandchildren and great grandchildren to his extended family. He and Julie had 20 great years together and they enjoyed splitting their time between Louisville and St. Pete Beach in Florida.
Dan was an avid tennis player and he loved to travel the world whether it was for one of his civic organizations or with family. He was a big fan of UofL sports, especially the men's basketball team. He was a devout Catholic and was active in the St. Patrick Catholic community for many years.
Family and Friends are invited to call on Friday May 20th from 4pm to 8pm at Ratterman Funeral Home at 3800 Bardstown Road Louisville, KY. A Catholic Burial Service will be held at 10am on Saturday 21st at 10am in the Chapel at Ratterman's Funeral Home. A private Interment at Cave Hill Cemetery will occur at a later date.
In lieu of flowers Dan requested that contributions be made to the Kentucky Special Olympics.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Steve & MarySandra Foster
May 12, 2023
Dan will never be forgotten in our house. He was the best of 7 plant managers I worked for in 3 companies. He was honest, supportive, and motivating. Known as "...the little general", he inspired us. Once, an employee made a million dollar mistake, and the higher ups in the corporation wanted to fire him. Dan refused to do that. He knew the guy was a long service employee who had run into some difficulties off-the-job. Dan's decision rankled the higher-ups, but his decision to retain the employee stood. He was loyal. He could also laugh at himself. Once, we in Personnel wanted to rename the plant newsletter. One anonymous employee suggested "...the Ash Can". (We ditched that one, and named it plainly: "Rohm and Haas Kentucky Newsletter"). I think Dan got a good laugh out of it, though.
MarySandra and I will say the Rosary for Dan, his family, and all who love him today. May Our Lady, Notre Dame, keep our brother, Dan, always in her loving care! All our love and prayers to Dan's Family, Steve & MarySandra Foster, Friendswood, Texas
Joe Scanlan
May 11, 2023
Dan was one of the brightest in our class of 54. Joe Scanlan
Tom E Elpers
May 20, 2022
Dave and Shelia you know I feel your loss, and I will remember your Dad in prayer God Bless. Tom E.
Stephen Foster
May 19, 2022
I had the utmost respect for Dan. I was new to the Company and worried about selling my house in Delaware. Dan told me: "Don't worry- believe it, or not, I kept getting transferred in a short period of time and actually was stuck with THREE (3) houses at the same time". I laughed, and stopped worrying. Dan was a great coach as was my boss, Allen Rose. This morning as I prayed for Dan, a beautiful Biblical passage came into view. I think it fits Dan perfectly: "The righteous man walks in his integrity. His sons are happy after him." (Proverbs 20:7). Steve Foster, Friendswood, Texas
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Steven D Burton
May 18, 2022
Dan was a mentor and supporter during my career at Rohm and Haas. His leadership and friendship was priceless.
Ronald Goode
May 18, 2022
Dan was a great boss and person. I first met him when I was hired as a temporary employee during the strike in 1980, considered him as a friend for many years. Oddly enough, my wife lived around the corner from Dan, and went to school with his son David. Prayers for the family, may be rest in peace.
Joseph Scanlan
May 18, 2022
Dan was a classmate of mine at Flaget. He was always at the top of the class. I am sure he was proud of his high school education.
Stephen Foster
May 18, 2022
In my career, I worked for 7 plant managers in 3 companies. Dan was, unquestionably, the best. He was known as "...the little general". He was courageous, and loyal. Once, a plant employee made a huge mistake that cost the company dearly. It was a long service, excellent, employee who was going through some tough times in his personal life. Higher-ups in the corporate headquarters told Dan to fire the employee. He refused, and his decision as plant manager prevailed. He was loyal, and a real leader. May God bless his great family, and may the Blessed Mother bring him safely home. We plan to say the Rosary for Dan and all his family. All our love and prayers, Stev & MarySandra Foster, Friendswood, Texas
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3800 Bardstown Road, Louisville, KY 40218
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