Robert "Dan" Daniel Benz PhD.

Robert Daniel “Dan” Benz, PhD. Passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his wife and sons, on August 13, 2021 after three years of treatment for stage 4 esophageal cancer. Dan was the beloved husband of 52 years to his wife, Bernadette Ann Benz (nee Kuhn) Fantastic dad to his two sons: Zachary Oliver Benz (Anne) of New Mexico and Nicholas Joseph Benz of Maryland Adored Grandpa of Nathaniel Alexander Benz, and Dashiell Henry Benz, both of New Mexico Loved brother of John Andrew Benz, and P.D. Benz, both of Indiana Brother-in-law of Robert A. Kuhn (deceased) and Patricia Kuhn of Illinois, and of Carla and Ken Berg of Texas. Uncle of Mike Kuhn, Joe Kuhn, R.J. Benz, and Ollie Benz Dan was a graduate of the Latin School of Indianapolis, Illinois Institute of Technology, and University of California at Berkeley. He was the Station Manager of WIIT campus radio station for two years, while attending IIT in Chicago. He was a long-standing member and dedicated participant in three professional science organizations: The Association of Government Toxicologists (AGT), the Genetic Toxicology Association (GTA), and the Environmental Mutagen Society (EMS). Dan’s career as a research scientist focus on biology, biophysics, genetic toxicology, and structure-function database development was spent at: • York University; Toronto, Canada • UC Irvine; (adjunct at WPAFB in Ohio) • Brookhaven National Laboratory; Long Island, NY • Food and Drug Administration; DC area, for 25 years until retirement • Self-employment as a consultant   Besides his professional accomplishments, Dan had many other talents and interests: Loyal friend; avid game player; bed-time story teller; weekly swing and ballroom dancer; regular museum-goer; art lover; LEGO fan; train and public transit fan; Amtrak volunteer database archivist; world traveler; movie-goer; mentor; and enthusiastic teacher of many things. Dan led his life with kindness and hope. His brilliant mind, enthusiasm for big projects and fully-packed vacations, and loving care of his family will be forever missed. In lieu of flowers, donations to Glen Echo Park, and Smithsonian Museum, or any art museum, anywhere, would be welcomed.