Daniel Balsamo

Dan Balsamo, 92, beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend, passed

away peacefully on December 7, 2025. After facing the challenges of memory loss in recent

years, Dan's final moments were gentle fitting for a man whose warmth, humor, and steady

grace shaped the lives of everyone who knew him.

Born on July 28, 1933, in Brooklyn, New York, Dan lived a life defined by hard work, and

honesty. Dan's work ethic was unmatched. With determination and skill, he built his own auto

body collision shop from the ground up, turning it into a respected and successful business. He

made sure every job was 100% perfect before he would allow a car to leave his shop. He

believed in doing things the right way-through honesty, top notch craftsmanship, and by

treating people with respect and kindness. Customers trusted him not just for his expertise but for

the integrity he brought to every job.

Beyond work, Dan's heart was always open. He was the kind of man who would drop everything

to lend a helping hand to anyone who needed it. He was always there for his family and his

selflessness did not go unnoticed. He exhibited unwavering love, generosity, and strength. He

was truly the patriarch of his family and was always the one family and friends turned to for

advice.

One of Dan's greatest joys was being on the water. A true boating enthusiast, he loved joining

his Bergan Beach Yacht Club buddies and their families on the annual 3 week "flotilla" every

August. "Captain Dan" would carefully and confidently plot each course with paper charts long

before GPS existed. Every year was a new adventure and Dan successfully led the procession

safely to each port. His boating buddies, (they called each other "Captain"), trusted him to guide

the boats safely to each new destination and adventures, and he did not disappoint. The great

memories created each summer on the boat trips will last forever in the hearts of his loved ones

and boating friends, and his leadership on the water became one of his trademarks-another

reflection of the way he guided those he loved through life itself.

Dan was also a passionate dancer. Whether it was a lively song or a slow tune, he was rarely the first to leave the dance floor. Even as his disease progressed and many abilities fell away, his love for dancing remained. His caretaker recognized his love for dancing and took every opportunity to get him up on his feet and dancing, even after most believed he was no longer capable. Carmen knew it was one of the few things he held onto and made sure he could dance as long as possible. The music reached him long after much else left, and his feet were always tapping, his body swaying, and his "old self" came through. Dancing was one of the last joys he held on to, and it was a window into the vibrant, loving man he had always been.

Dan is survived by his true love, Marge, who he was married to for 67 years, his children Andrea

(Julia) and Daniel Jr. (Terri), grandchildren Danny III, Max (Emerald), Dillon (Bianca), Noelle,

Dominique (Ryan), Devin and Dante, two new beautiful great-grandsons, Valentino and Henry,

his sisters, Mary (Vinny) and Arlene (Joe) and his brother, Frank (JoAnn), who will forever

cherish his stories, his generosity, and the guidance and leadership he offered in every season of

life. He was preceded in death by his parents, Aniello (Dan) and Rose Balsamo.

A service celebrating Dan's life will be held at St Leo the Great Catholic Church 28290 Beaumont Rd., Bonita Springs FL on January 9, 2026, at 11:00 AM. Friends and family are invited to gather, share memories, and honor a man who gave so much of himself

and asked for little in return.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Alzheimer's Association at alz.org/Donate in honor

of Dan's spirit of generosity and service.

His hands built a business, his heart built a family, and his laughter filled the spaces between. His

legacy will continue to guide us-just as he guided the boats-steady, sure, and full of love.