Daniel DeGroat

Daniel DeGroat passed away peacefully on June 11, 2025. He was 87 years old.

Born on June 29, 1937 in Suffern, New York to Loomis DeGroat Sr. and Hannah Conklin, Daniel was affectionately known as “Dan the man” by many who knew him. He worked as a foreman at Cedar Park Cemetery in Paramus, New Jersey for over 53 years. He was a kind and gentle soul, a loving father to his children, and the best Pop-Pop his grandchildren could have ever asked for.

Dan is predeceased by his parents and his siblings Loomis “Bud” DeGroat Jr., Wesley “Wes” DeGroat, Eleanor “Sue” Pilon, Marjorie “Marge” Gaynor, Madeline “Peggy” Vary, Alice Vanasse, and Norma “Jane” Russell. He is survived by his sister Carol Greenwell; his children Daniel DeGroat Jr. and Sandra Mirque (Kevin Rose); his grandchildren Dana, Elisa, Matt (Claire), Deanna, Daniel, Ashley (Tim), Michelle, Victoria, and Joseph; his great-grandchildren Derek, Brandan, Kyle, and Briana; and his many nieces and nephews.

Dan had a love for Westerns, classic cars, the 1950’s, Elvis Presley’s music, and shopping at the local K-Mart during his lunch breaks. He had a talent for sketching any object put in front of him and he had a deep appreciation for his Native American heritage, something cemented even more when the annual RCC Pow Wow rolled around that he enjoyed attending. He was a quiet man who loved his family dearly and never missed a birthday, holiday, or major life event, and his trusty camera was always at the ready to capture all of life’s moments. True to his generous nature, he was also happy to help those around him, whether friend or stranger. In his spare time, he would do crossword puzzles or a deck of cards was always at the ready for any who would challenge him to a game of 500 Rummy. Dan’s smile could light up a room and his laughter was infectious; he was incredibly wise and had quite a sense of humor. He leaves behind a legacy of family, showing unconditional love and care for one another, a strong work ethic, determination, taking time to enjoy the small things, and unfailing kindness.

Visitation will be held at Millspaugh Funeral Home in Walden, New York, on July 2nd from 2 to 4 PM with a memorial service at 3:00 PM. There will be a private burial at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family humbly requests that donations be made to the MRSA Survivors Network, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing support for MRSA survivors.

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