John Moncure Daniel Jr.

John Moncure Daniel Jr., a veteran leader of air pollution control in Virginia, died April 1, 2006, at the age of 78. He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Joy Daniel; daughter, Anne Daniel; son, John M. Daniel III, M.D. and his wife, Princess Daniel; and two grandsons, John M. Daniel IV and Alex Daniel, all of Richmond. Mr. Daniel was a true product of Virginia. He grew up on the campus of Episcopal High School in Alexandria, Virginia, where his father, John Moncure Daniel, taught history for 50 years. After finishing at EHS he "lived on the Lawn" at the University of Virginia. While at Virginia he joined the Navy ROTC and graduated with a degree in chemical engineering in 1949. He received his master's degree in industrial management from Georgia Tech in 1952. Mr. Daniel served in the U.S. Navy from 1951 to 1954. He was the disbursing officer on the USS Cadmus, the supply officer on the USS Roberts, and the assistant officer in charge of the Navy Purchasing Office at the Norfolk Naval Supply Center. At the end of active duty in the Navy, he worked for the Virginia Carolina Chemical Company in Richmond and later for the Mobil Chemical Company. In 1970, Mr. Daniel became one of the first employees of a new Virginia State Agency, the Agency for Air Pollution Control that is now the Department of Environmental Quality. He retired from that agency in March 2006 after 36 years of distinguished service. Mr. Daniel was a registered professional engineer (P.E.) and a member of the Tau Beta Pi, the honorary engineering society. He was the past chairman of the South Atlantic Section of the Air and Waste Management Association as well as past chairman and co-founder of the Old Dominion Chapter of that Association. He served several terms on their Board of Directors. He was a member of the American Institute of Chemical Engineering and Diplomate for the American Academy of Environmental Engineers. The family is most grateful for the many cards, letters, and visits from friends and co-workers that Mr. Daniel received during his illness and again at his retirement. He enjoyed every day of his 36 years at the Department of Environmental Quality and he retired only when his illness became insurmountable. In keeping with his wishes, he will have a private internment at Hollywood Cemetery in Richmond, Virginia. There will be a memorial service at St. James Episcopal Church at 1205 West Franklin St. on April 6, at noon. A reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, it was Mr. Daniel's request that contributions be sent to Episcopal High School, 1200 N. Quaker Lane, Alexandria, Va. 22302 or The Collegiate School, N. Mooreland Rd., Richmond, Va.