Daniel Leo Germond

The Germond family announces the passing of Daniel Leo Germond, born on January 6, 1946, and died on November 2, 2025. A dedicated patriot and community servant, Dan's life was marked by his unwavering commitment to his country and his fellow citizens.

Dan proudly served in America's lifesaving service, the U.S. Coast Guard, during the Vietnam era. His initial four years of service included time at Alameda Boot Camp, aboard the USCG Lightship 612 in San Francisco, and on the CG Cutters Dexter and Barataria. A notable moment during his service was the heroic efforts of his crewmates who saved the cutter Barataria after an explosion and fire near Unimak Pass.

After Dan's return from his first stint in service, he attended NAU, earning a Bachelor of Science in journalism, where he was a frequent contributor to the NAU magazine, Outlook. His weekly trips later in life remained the highlights of his week. Every Tuesday, he drove.to Flagstaff to visit the campus and to Williams, Arizona, to the Deer Lodge, and one of his favorite coffee shops,

A significant chapter of his life began when he met Lynda Lee Barrett. They married in June 1974 and were devoted to various causes. Together, they founded Revere America, an initiative honoring outstanding organizations and celebrating our nation. Dan often credited Lynda, a first-grade teacher in Maryvale, as his greatest reward and inspiration. He fondly recalled her deep admiration for their military friends, a sentiment that guided his own path.

Following his active military service, Dan remained in the Coast Guard reserves, which included several active-duty stints. He retired as a Lt. Commander. Dan embarked on a 40-year career in the insurance industry, inheriting his parents' insurance agency in Glendale, Northwest Insurance. However, he continued his close connection to the Coast Guard as a Director of Admissions of the Coast Guard Academy.

His commitment to service continued throughout his civilian life, where he contributed to several boards and commissions, including The Salvation Army. He was also a loyal member of his beloved Glendale Rotary Club, where he achieved 45 years of perfect attendance.

While Dan was on one of his customary backward runs along the canal to enjoy the beautiful Arizona sunset, he fell into the canal. He made the mistake of telling his father Andy about his tumble. His father, a practical joker, knew that Dan was a notoriously private person. Andy promptly informed Dan's Rotary Club of the incident, which earned him the Glendale Rotary's first Rubber Ducky Safety Award. So far, the club has not given out another such award. Dan studiously avoided serving as the Club's president; however, he received an award for the many memorable presentations and annual Club awards he created.

Following Lynda's passing in 2012, Dan dedicated himself to honoring her legacy by continuing their shared mission of supporting organizations they loved. In his final words, Dan shared his and Lynda's wish for friends and family to ""Enjoy Arizona – Revere America"" and to honor their own families.

Although never acknowledged in Dan's original drafting of his obituary (always the journalist), Dan's brother Tom, a Vietnam-era Merchant Marine, preceded him in death, as did his parents, Marge and Andy Germond, both insurance agents. Andy was a World War II combat veteran who served in the Navy's Pacific Theater aboard the Frank S. Knox.

One brother, Edward ""Ted,"" also a Coast Guard veteran who served during the Vietnam era, and his sister Nancy, who is employed in the insurance industry, survive Dan. Also surviving are his brother-in-law Perry Barrett, nieces Emily, Kiera and Audrey; his nephew Andy, and two grandnieces, Cora and Callie.

The Glendale Rotary Club will hold a private memorial for Dan in December.