Daniel Edwin Floryan

Daniel Edwin Floryan was taken to his heavenly reward on February 12, 2026. He was 80 years old. Dan was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on November 22, 1945. He grew up in West Hartford Connecticut alongside his eight siblings. At the age of 10, his father bought a sailboat. Dan and his brothers learned how to sail from devouring every library book they could find on the subject. It became his passion.

Dan graduated from the College of Holy Cross in 1967 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Chemistry. He began a distinguished career in research and materials science, contributing decades of innovation to the field of industrial polymers.

He joined General Electric working in plastics and polymer research and materials design in Schenectady, New York, and Pittsfield, Massachusetts, where he met his first wife Annie who predeceased him in 1996. During his years at GE, Dan became a recognized innovator in high-performance engineering plastics. He was named as co-inventor on numerous U.S. patents, reflecting his creativity, technical expertise, and lasting impact on polymer science. Among his most significant achievements was his work associated with Ultem, a pioneering polyetherimide material widely used in aerospace, medical, and industrial applications.

Later in his career, Dan served as Vice President of Product Research and Development Technology at Phelps Dodge in Fort Wayne, Indiana, guiding copper wire product development initiatives and technology strategy. He was a lifelong chemist and longtime member of the American Chemical Society, marking more than five decades of professional commitment. Dan also owned Trails End Enterprises, a former Christmas Tree Farm in the Adirondack Mountains of New York where he spent many years in that business until it was sold. He maintained hundreds of acres and created a subdivision called Balsam Woods in Merrillsville, New York.

Dan retired in 2003 and moved to St. Augustine, Florida in 2004. Since 2006, he became an active member of the St Augustine Yacht Club. He served two terms as Commodore of the Yacht Club and served many years in various roles and responsibilities on the boards of both the Yacht Club and the newer St. Augustine Yacht Club Sailing Center along with various committees. He contributed generously to the building fund of the new Sailing Center. Weekends and Wednesdays he would be captaining his 38-foot sailboat, Ariel, (The Blue Shark) in numerous races, and did whatever he could to help foster a strong, vibrant sailing community. He won often in cruising class and despite fierce competition would enjoy every moment. He helped establish and was Chair for the annual St Augustine Race Week, a sailing regatta including and benefiting Junior Sailing programs throughout NE Florida through the First Coast Sailing Association. 2026 will be the tenth anniversary of St. Augustine Race Week. He was always a huge advocate for young sailors to experience the challenges and life skills of learning to sail. His grandson Theisen, with the help of his father Peter, is following in his footsteps.

Beyond his professional and sailing pursuits, Dan loved watching football and tracking his favorite teams, a pastime he enjoyed with the same enthusiasm and devotion he brought to every part of his life. He was last seen enjoying Super Bowl LX at the Yacht Club with his friends. He was also known for his generosity, strong Catholic faith, and leadership in the Church community. Dan once served as Past Grand Knight of Knights of Columbus Council 7121.

Dan was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Virginia (Sindorf) Floryan; his sister, Catharine; and his first wife, Annie Seidenspinner. Dan had no children of his own. He is survived by his former wife of 22 years, Kathleen Hackett; Dan was an amazing stepfather to her two sons, Peter (Geri) Larsen and Matthew (Dayna) Larsen; Survived also by Peter's son Theisen Larsen; and Matthew's children Micah, Brynlee, and Maelynn Larsen. He is also survived by his 7 siblings: Richard (Lorraine), Lawrence (Maureen), Kenneth, Michael (Paula), Kristine, Monica (Stephen) Armstrong, and Judith (Robert) Rodriguez, along with many nieces and nephews.

Dan will be remembered for his intellect, integrity, generosity, quiet strength, and faith, as well as the enduring legacy of his work, passions, and dedication to family, friends, and community.

In lieu of Flower's please donate to The St Augustine Yacht Club Sailing Center or a charity of your choosing in Dan's memory. Rest in eternal peace Dan.

Visitation and Funeral Mass date and time to be determined.