Daniel "Dan" Martin

January 3, 1952 – May 19, 2025

Dan Martin peacefully “rode his final wave” on May 19, 2025, at his cherished Cocoa Beach home—just a few steps from the surf he loved so dearly.

Born in Hamilton, Ohio on January 3, 1952, Dan’s journey truly began when his family moved to the Conway area of Orlando, Florida. He was a proud alum of Conway Elementary, Cherokee Junior High, and Boone High School (Class of ‘69), where he was known for his drumsticks, his surfboard, and his quick smile. He marched to his own beat—literally—and that rhythm would carry him through an extraordinary life.

Dan pursued his passion for engineering and service at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, NY, one of the nation’s five federal service academies, graduating with the Class of ‘73 with a degree in engineering. He went on to earn his Masters Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Cornell University and became a licensed Professional Engineer (PE). His career spanned aeronautics, combustion, energy, and aquatics design engineering, leading innovation teams at companies like Garrett, Club Car, Ingersoll Rand and with his brother Ken, Martin Aquatic Design & Engineering.

Dan never put down his drumsticks, playing in high school rock bands (Sandpiper, Him and the Others), making his sister Pam so proud of her cool brother when he played at the Youth Center and local radio. He performed with drum and bugle corps through both high school and his academy years as well. Music, like surfing and engineering, was part of his core.

In 2023, Dan suffered post-surgical brain trauma and faced an uphill battle in his recovery. He fought bravely, with the same determination and grit that fueled his entire life. He climbed many mountains in his journey—some physical, some emotional—all of them marked by courage, humor, and heart. Even as his health declined, his spirit, sense of humor, and love for ice cream never wavered.

Dan was an avid surfer and fisherman in his younger years, a passionate coin collector and sharp financial investor throughout his life. He loved the beach, loved hiking, loved the sunshine, loved tinkering with ideas—and above all else, he loved his family deeply.

He is survived by his wife, Susan; his daughters Vanessa Blackmore (husband Bryan, and their daughters Ryley, Reagan, Reese, and Rosemary) of Petaluma, CA; Erica Gonzalez (husband Philip, and their daughter McKenna) of Carrollwood, TX; Holly Landry and her sons Clay and Alex of Elkin, NC; and Heidi Koski (husband Kevin, and their daughters Kennedy and Senia) of Chesapeake, VA.

Dan will also be remembered with love by his siblings Ken Martin (wife Pat) and Pam (Martin) Smith, both of Orlando; by many cherished nieces and nephews; and by his amazing Hensley Family, who brought laughter, strength, powerful prayer and joy to every chapter of his life. He was preceded in death by his parents, Matt and Mae Martin, and his brothers Wayne, Shelby, Elmer and Bill.

Dan Martin lived life with an engineer’s precision, a surfer’s spirit, and a drummer’s soul. He believed in hard work, sunny days, clever solutions, and strong coffee. He leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and an ocean of memories that will ripple on forever.

May the surf be smooth, the music loud, and the skies always clear.

Rock on, Dan.

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A celebration of Dan’s incredible life will be held Sunday, May 25, at 11:00 am at Baldwin Fairchild Goldenrod/Winter Park, followed by a service at Glen Haven Memorial Park.