Daniel Joseph Korman, Jr.

            Daniel Joseph Korman, Jr., surrounded by his family at home, said his final goodbyes on October 2nd, 2025, after an extended illness. He was 78 years old, born on September 2nd, 1947 in Richmond, VA, the eldest son of Daniel Joseph Korman, Sr. and Doris Myers Korman. Dan spent his early years and attended high school in Richmond, and then left for Blacksburg, VA, where he graduated from Virginia Tech with a degree in engineering. Upon graduation, he did his military service in the Army Reserves. Shortly thereafter, while serving in the National Guard, he attended the University of Richmond, where he earned his Master in Business Administration.

            Dan began his career in architectural engineering with the states of both Virginia and West Virginia, overseeing the building of community colleges and a stadium, respectively. He then became a partner with two architectural firms, Tag Architects in Charleston, W. VA., and subsequently, Telesis Ventures in Wilmington, NC. His next business venture was spearheading efforts to build a block plant in Wilmington, followed by a brief stint in commercial fishing. Finally, in 1990, he purchased Craft American Hardware. Not only was he responsible for the survival of the store but more importantly, he ensured that the store thrived under his leadership for 35 years. 

            Dan was a man’s man, who loved the outdoors and life in the country, hunting and fishing throughout his life. Tennis, however, was his favorite sport, as a player and a spectator. While he enjoyed the taste for the finer things that life had to offer, at heart, he was a simple man, a country boy who loved, more than anything, life on his farm with his family. 

            Dan was a man with “broad shoulders,” always willing to step up to the plate, never shying away from responsibility and accountability, personally and professionally. He prided himself on being tough, “strong like a bull,” but in spirit, he was a fun-loving guy with a loving soul. He was a loving and generous husband, who took great pride in his sons, a loyal companion to his friends, and a strong steward of his business and family of employees. Guided by a strong moral compass, he did his best, to give his best, not only to his family and friends, but also to his business, his employees, and his patrons. Giving his best in all that he undertook was how he gave back to his community. He had a fighting spirit, a “never say die spirit,” that stayed with him throughout his life. Being the true entrepreneur that he was, Dan trusted his instincts and best judgement. Never second guessing himself, he thrived on being in charge. In short, he was his own man, he was his father’s son, he was, simply and unequivocally, “Dan the Man.” That was his legacy.

            He is survived by his wife, Nancy Carr Korman; two brothers, David Dean Korman (Cyndy) of Bumpass, VA and Douglas Charles Korman (Linda) of Mechanicsville, VA; two sons, Eric Steven Korman (Elise) of Wilmington, NC and Benjamin Neil Korman (Patty) of Raleigh, NC; one sister-in-law, Elizabeth Carr Stallworth; one brother-in-law, Eugene Joseph Carr (Dian); one step-grandson, Kelsey Rocks Allen (Gigi); one step-great-grandchild, Kitt Luna Allen; three nieces, Olivia Korman Hamilton and Lindsay Myers Korman, both of Richmond, VA, and Addison Renee Korman of Durham, NC; and a large extended Korman family in Virginia.

           Funeral services will be held at St. James Episcopal Church in Wilmington on Monday, October 13th, 2025 at 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or Blood Cancer United.