Daniel Leo Gereb

Daniel Leo Gereb - 05/15/1929 - 04/27/2025

It is with profound sadness and deep love that we announce the passing of the patriarch of our family, Daniel Leo Gereb, who left us peacefully just shy of his 96th birthday.

A devoted father, cherished grandfather, and lifelong lover of classical music and opera, Daniel was also a proud University of Michigan alumnus and fan. He found deep joy in attending performances at Lincoln Center, where he surrendered to the music of the New York Philharmonic and the Metropolitan Opera, institutions he supported throughout his life.

His passion for music began at age thirteen, when his father took him to a standing-room-only performance at the New York Philharmonic. From that moment, music became a lifelong source of nourishment. He often joked that he could drive to Lincoln Center with his eyes closed—though, in his own words, he was more likely to get lost on the winding roads of his beloved New Jersey suburb.

Sharing with us the magic that shaped his own life, he introduced his children and grandchildren to the vast cultural richness near his home—Broadway shows, museums, and all the treasures New York City had to offer.

Rooted in Closter, New Jersey, for over 60 years, Daniel took as much pride in his community as he did in his cultural pursuits. He delighted in discovering fellow longtime residents and always found connection in shared history and place. Closter wasn’t just where he lived—it was part of who he was, a town he loved and never wished to leave.

A man of simple pleasures, Daniel took satisfaction in having the greenest lawn on the block and watching his University of Michigan flag wave in the breeze.

He was a man of few words but deep loyalties. His calm and consistency were our strength. He lived with quiet dignity, finding joy in the presence of those he loved and offering comfort simply by being there, steady and gentle.

Predeceased by his beloved wife, Sheila, Daniel is survived by his children—Mark, Marjorie, and David; his grandchildren, Joshua and Noah; and his daughters-in-law, Alena and Cindy.

Though he lived humbly, Daniel’s quiet strength and deep love will live on in all of us. And in true Daniel fashion, we’ll honor him with the simplest of tributes: Go Blue!