Richard A. Danly, age 94, of Holland passed away peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday, August 5, 2025.
Dick was born in Chicago, Il to George and Harriett (Lamberson) Danly on October 20, 1930.
He grew up in Elmhurst, Il attending York Community High School where he met his first wife Darlene Baumgart. Dick maintained his friends from high school for many years. Following their marriage and while raising a family He proudly served in the US Navy. Dick flew off aircraft carriers, flew the F8 Crusader, and was one of the first to fly over 1,000 miles an hour. After retirement from the US Navy, they raised their family in Glen Ellen, IL. Dick worked in sales at the Danly Machine Corporation for many years. Following Darlene’s death, he was a very involved single dad for more than 15 years.
Past Commodore Danly joined the Great Lakes Cruising Club in 1978 where he received an Award of Merit and was recognized as an active member with extraordinary service. He loved sailing and raced in over 25 Chicago to Mackinac races.
Once all his kids married and were having families of their own, Dick met Patricia Moeke at the Macatawa Bay Yacht club. Later he moved to Holland, Michigan and they were married. Dick and Pat enjoyed many years together and because of their love of sailing they accomplished quite a feat by sailing the Great Circle Loop twice in their trawler.
He was preceded in death by his first wife Darlene (Baumgart) Danly, brother and sister-in-law George (Dorothy) Danly and daughter-in-law Mary Kelley.
He is survived by his wife Patricia (Moeke) Danly and children: Connie (Tom) Petersen , Mark (Pat) Danly, Dave (Theresa) Danly, Craig (Nancy) Danly, and Keith (Laurie) Danly; 12 Grand Children, 11 Great Grand Children, 2 Step grandchildren and 1 step great grandchild; step children: Steve Moeke, Bob Moeke, George (Jodi) Moeke, Jeanne (Steve) Windemuller; 5 step grandchildren.
A visitation will be from 6-8 pm, Thursday, August 7, 2025, at Dykstra Funeral Homes – Northwood Chapel, 295 Douglas Avenue in Holland.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am, Monday, August 11, 2025, at the chapel at Elm Lawn Cemetery, 401 East Lake Street, Elmhurst, IL 60126. Visitation will be from 10 am – 11 am prior to the service at the cemetery chapel. Burial will be immediately following the service. Contributions in Dick’s honor may be given to a charity of one’s choice. Arrangements are by Dykstra Funeral Homes – Northwood Chapel.
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