Daniel K. Shorey

Dateline: Burnt Hills, NY
Captain Daniel Kane Shorey, USCG (Ret.), age 83, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 31, 2025, at The Pines at Glens Falls, with his devoted wife and daughter lovingly by his side. Born on November 12, 1941, in Royal Oak, Michigan, Dan was the son of the late James W. and Catherine (White) Shorey. When he was young, his family returned to Burnt Hills to live on the beloved family homestead, land that has remained in the Shorey family since 1793. Dan grew up with a sparkle of mischief and a heart full of ambition. A proud graduate of Burnt Hills–Ballston Lake High School, he was known as a good-natured "hellraiser" who brought laughter wherever he went. He played football for the Spartans and served as co-captain during the infamous season when the team didn't win a single game, which was a story he retold often with a grin.
Following graduation, Dan charted his own course and joined the United States Coast Guard, graduating from the Academy at New London, Connecticut in 1963. He attended Navy Flight Training in Pensacola, FL. Following graduation from the Coast Guard Academy his brother liked to joke that Dan "led the top of the bottom third" of his class, but everyone knew his true strengths lay in his determination, charm, and unwavering character.
It was during this time that fate introduced him to the love of his life, the former Lynne Helriegel, on a blind date. The two courted mostly through letters and brief visits between his tours of duty tallying just 30 days together in person before marrying on December 18, 1965. Their marriage would become a loving lifelong adventure, spanning 60 years and countless air stations and headquarter tours.
Dan's distinguished Coast Guard career took the couple to Pensacola, FL; Salem, MA; Mobile, AL; Washington, DC; Little Rock, AR; Miami, FL; Springfield, VA; and finally, Clearwater Air Station in FL, where he proudly served as Commanding Officer. His years of service reflected his character, which was steady, honorable, and deeply committed to duty and country. His decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal and Air Medal.
After retiring from active duty in 1990, Dan continued to serve others by managing St. Petersburg's 911 system for several years and later working as a technical recruiter in the electronics field. Yet his heart always belonged to Burnt Hills, and in 2001, he returned home to build a new house on the historic Shorey family land, where he could once again walk the same fields that generations before him had tended.
Dan was a man of quiet strength and unshakable integrity. He led with kindness, never raised his voice, and earned the respect of everyone he met. He was patriotic to his core, humble in all his accomplishments, and endlessly generous with his time and wisdom. Whether he was working the land, swapping stories, or simply being with his beloved granddaughters, Dan radiated warmth and calm-the true mark of a gentleman and a leader.
He will be remembered not only for his service to his country but for the steady grace, humor, and love that anchored every chapter of his remarkable life.
He was the beloved husband of 60 years to Lynne (Helriegel) Shorey; father of Christina (David) Kay and the late Melissa R. "Missy" Shorey; grandfather of Charlotte Kay and Alena Kay; brother of the late Dr. James Shorey and Martha Gomersall. Dan is also survived by several nieces, nephews and loving friends.
A Mass will be held on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at 11 AM at Calvary Episcopal Church, 85 Lakehill Road, Burnt Hills, NY.
Interment with military honors will follow at Calvary Cemetery.
All are welcome to attend a reception that will immediately follow in the church fellowship hall.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306.