Daniel D. Mahaney, Died July 2, 2020

Daniel D. Mahaney

On a beautiful sunny summer day, July 2^nd, Daniel Mahaney left peacefully at home for his greatest adventure.  Seeing new things, whether taking a side road that he had never traveled or flying in his plane to Costa Rica to explore that country, was something he always enjoyed.  On the day prior to his passing he had his morning yogurt with his little girl kitty, Sonia, in his lap since she knew he would give her a couple of licks as he had each morning for nine years.  Later that day he enjoyed his favorite treat....a big bowl of vanilla bean ice cream with wonderful Bardenhagen Berries strawberries.

Daniel received a 4 year scholastic scholarship to Michigan State University and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Marketing and took post-graduate courses in Foreign Trade.  He also studied Foreign Trade and Spanish at the University of America's in Mexico City, Mexico.  He was a member of the National Honor Society and a member of Delta Sigma Pi International Business Fraternity-Mexico City Chapter.

His careers included Assistant R&E Laboratory Manager at Parsons Corporation, Assistant Project Engineer at North American Rockwell Corporation and Contract Coordinator at General Dynamics Corporation.  During that time he was responsible for the Apollo Simulation Group management coordination and direction for the Apollo Space Program.  He was responsible for the completion and presentation of a program plan and cost for the Apollo Simulation Program at Pisga Crater area and presented the program plan to NASA in Houston.  He assisted in preparation and presentation of the Apollo Simulator sub-contractor source selection justification to NASA in Houston.  He was appointed as a special representative for the Apollo Engineering Department on recruiting trips to staff the Apollo Lunar Landing Program.

He later was Marketing Manager of Special Projects at Lear Siegler-Telemetrics Division, Western Regional Manager at Multitone Electronic Inc.-13 western states including Alaska and Hawaii, was a management consultant and business manager for a medical clinic, was broker-owner of a real estate firm and broker with an investment banking firm.

Daniel held a private pilot’s license and was past president of a 4 aircraft, 46 member flying club in California and owned a number of aircraft, including a Mooney and Cessna.  While working on the Apollo Program he held a secret clearance by the Air Force and Navy.

Daniel is survived by his soulmate, best friend and wife of 35 years, Lillian, children Jeff (Patty) and Cindy, grandchildren Danielle, Jeffrey (Rita), Troy and Hailey, and great-grandchildren (triplets) Miles, Sawyer and Elliott.  He also has many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews and wonderful friends.  Daniel loved interacting with people and was always ready to make them laugh with his incredible Irish sense of humor.  He loved to read, particularly biographical and historical novels.  He was always willing to help anyone in need, even if it was just a kind word.

Daniel loved all creatures and had many rescued animals during his lifetime.  In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to help the animals at Cherryland Humane Society, 1750 Ahlberg Drive, Traverse City, MI  49696-8914.

A celebration of his life will be held at a future date.  The family wishes to thank the wonderful care of his many physicians and their staff and every member of Munson Hospice, especially Connie, who was holding his one hand while  Lillian held his other hand until he passed on.  His little girl kitty, Sonia, was snuggled on his lap.

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