Daniel "Dan" Longaker III
March 12, 1936 - August 3, 2023
Daniel Norman Longaker III died unexpectedly on Thursday, August 3, 2023. The Longaker family lost a loving husband, father and grandfather. Dan was a resident of Petaluma for 61 years, moving to Petaluma with his wife, Joanne, and one-year old son, Daniel IV, in 1962.

Dan was born to Daniel and Louise (Meeks) in Berkeley, CA on March 12, 1936. He graduated from Berkeley High School in 1954 and went on to achieve his undergraduate degree from San Francisco State University and a Master's in Education from Stanford University.

Dan is predeceased by his brother, David, and survived by his wife of 62 years, Joanne Longaker (Carothers), and his six children, Daniel IV, Tom (Lisa), Robert, Scott (Nicki), Mike (Sarah), and Kathleen (Daniel) Fanucchi. He was blessed with ten grandchildren: Casey, Annalee, Sophia, Rocco, Alyssa, Luke, Jack, Ben, Drew, and Tess.

Dan served as a school principal and teacher in the Old Adobe Union School District for 37 years. He also thoroughly enjoyed a second career in the Viansa winery tasting room for another 28 years, finally retiring for good in 2020.

Dan was an avid woodworker and loved to spend time in his shop working on wood projects for family or to donate to various charities. If you really needed to find him, the first place you would look was in his workshop!

He was also an active member of the Petaluma Park and Recreation department as well as volunteer with the Petaluma Swim Club, Petaluma Boys & Girls Club, Petaluma National Little League, St. Vincent CYO Basketball, and Petaluma High School Boosters Club for many years. Later in life he enjoyed volunteering for both the St. Vincent church and the Meals on Wheels organizations.

Dan especially loved his grandchildren, never missing a single event. He would travel all over California to attend baseball games, dance recitals, musical concerts and many other activities that his grandchildren were involved in.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Mass on Friday, August 18 at 1:00 pm at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Petaluma.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Dan's favorite charity, Buckelew Programs (buckelew.org), or your favorite charity.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Press Democrat on Aug. 13, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Daniel Longaker

Sponsored by Parent-Sorensen Mortuary and Crematory - Petaluma.

8 Entries

Anne Hoffman

September 21, 2023

How awful for you and your family, Joanne! I didn't know Dan very well, but any father of six must've done something great...please know that he and you and your whole family are in my prayers and always will be. Love and prayers, Anne Hoffman

Gary A Hoffman

September 20, 2023

Prayers to my 2nd Cousin Joanne and the Longaker family on behalf of the Hoffman Families. Dan was a wonderful husband full of life and joy whenever we got together. His loss will be felt by us all. God Bless.

Nancy McGunagle

September 5, 2023

The last time we visited with Dan (years ago), he seemed in his element at his new job at the Viansa Winery. Prior to that we had happy memories of enjoying the company and lively contributions of both Dan and Joanne in a S.V. Church related, couples discussion group. Our son Dan and their son, Dan, attended school together and were good buddies for a long time. Both of our families were closely aligned then at various church and sports related events and, yes, Dan (and Joanne) could always be seen cheering on their children and supporting their teams with gusto and love. An inspiring couple indeed!
Loving sympathy from our family to yours, Joanne. We think of you often.

In Christ,
Nancy (and Bill) McGunagle & family
Bigfork, Montana

Karen Accornero

August 22, 2023

So sorry for your loss. I have so many great, wonderful memories from St Vincent's CYO. I am sending you all prayer and hugs he was a amazing and wonderful man, I know Glenn really like him a lot! May he rest in peace!
Karen Accornero and family

Ruth Wright

August 21, 2023

Mr. Longaker was the principal at B.E. Eldridge school when my kids were there. He was a great principal and a great asset for the school. The kids loved him.

Dixie DeGraffenreid

August 17, 2023

I went to school with Tom and swam in the Petaluma swim club, which is where I remember Dan supporting the team and cheering us on. My thoughts and prayers to the family, sorry for your loss.

Melody Packett-Souza and family

August 15, 2023

Sending prayers to all of the Longaker family. Rest in peace Mr. Longaker.

Bunny Robinson

August 13, 2023

I went to BHS with Dan, but really didn´t know him. However, I have always remembered him with admiration because his then girlfriend made them matching shirts and he wore his to school. Somehow I was touched by this and have always remembered it. Love to his family.

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