Daniel Wayne Fry

Dan was born on April 5, 1962, in Buckeye, Arizona, to Clifton J. and Sharon G. Fry. The third son of six children, Dan had two older brothers, David and Ryan, a younger brother, Joe, and two sisters, Janice and Nancy. Moms aren’t supposed to have a favorite, but Dan was Sharon’s favorite, and everyone was ok with that. Weighing in at 11lbs, 2 ounces, he was a sweet chunky baby, who grew up to be a 6’5” sweet man, who brought dinner (and 3 Budweisers) to his parent’s house nearly every day until they both passed away earlier this year. If there’s beer in heaven (and there must be), they are having one with him now.

Dan loved his family and friends. His home was always open to visitors stopping by to watch the Redskins (he was happy to see them win last Sunday), watch a movie (usually one he’s seen 10 times) or share a good meal (steaks on the grill, old bay crabs and raw oysters). He also loved animals. Dogs gravitated to him and he spoiled the local birds with the finest seed and suet.

Dan had a warm heart, a big laugh and an optimistic outlook, but he also had strong opinions. The milk had to be whole, never skim (a full glass with every meal), orange juice had to be maximum pulp, and there’s only one way to burn a wood stove (with the damper wide open).

Dan was an electrician, talented at problem solving. He worked for the same company, Securitas, formerly Stanley Security and Honeywell, for 32 years. Although he could have retired, he was looking forward to returning after his cancer treatments. He didn’t love being on call but he enjoyed the challenges and had worked in almost every commercial building in the DC area.

Dan could also fix any motor (well, he could take any motor apart). He was equally proud to drive (when operable) his 1988 Chevy Van (Redskins Red including the shag carpet), his 1989 MotorHome (a gift from Mom and Dad), his beautiful classic convertible 1978 Mercedes or any one of his 5 jet skis.

After his diagnosis in September, Dan purchased an expensive amp and speakers to beef up his living room sound system, with some consternation from his family. But Dan had his opinions (see above) and speakers had to be wired (never bluetooth) and as large as possible. He said he wanted to go out with his ears ringing - and he did just that.

Dan is survived by his siblings, David (Cathy) Fry, Ryan (Cene) Fry, Joseph Fry, Janice (Mac) McGarity, and Nancy Loftus, along with numerous beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family. Dan is predeceased by his parents, Clifton Jones Fry, Jr. of Muncy, Pennsylvania, and Sharon Louise Goeppner of Jasper, Indiana, his sister-in-law, Dana McGilvary Fry, and his nephew, Reid McGarity.

A Celebration of Life for Dan will be held Friday, January 10, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Demaine Fairfax Funeral Home, 10565 Main St, Fairfax, Virginia 22030. Following the visitation will be a graveside internment at 1:00 PM at Fairfax City Cemetery, 10567 Main St, Fairfax, Virginia 22030. Immediately after the visitation, the family will host a reception at Patriots Pub and Grill, 10560 Main St., Fairfax.