Daniel J. Along

YARMOUTHPORT -

Daniel Joseph Along, 50, of Yarmouthport died early Sunday, July 17, 2016, of sudden heart failure - medical, not spiritual.

Born on the Travis Air Force base in Fairfield, CA on Dec. 18, 1965 to an Air Force officer and his teacher spouse, Daniel spent his early childhood in Okinawa, Japan and Ridgefield, Connecticut. He graduated from Dennis-Yarmouth High School in 1984, after distinguishing himself in the marching (saxophone) and concert (bassoon) bands. He enrolled in University of Detroit to study architecture, then transferred to the University of New Hampshire where he graduated in 1989 with a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy. It was at UNH where he began to study judo, which evolved into a lifelong pursuit which culminated in a black belt and the title of sensei to many grateful students.

In addition to being quick on his feet, Daniel was enormously talented with his hands. He earned his first adult job at the Volkswagen dealership in Hyannis after driving in his Volkswagen Golf, disassembling the engine in front of the staff, and reassembling it again correctly the same afternoon. After several years as a mechanic there, he mastered computer hardware, cell phone technology, and a broad range of industrial machinery in a series of training careers that put him in the role he played best: teacher and mentor.

In addition to inspiring others and reverse engineering household items, Daniel enjoyed scuba diving, fine food, good wine, large dogs, and rock ’n roll you can drive fast to. He utterly crushed cancer a decade ago. Airline passengers who crowd the gate too soon irritated him to no end. He passed on his love for sunsets at Breakwater Beach to his family, including his wife Lisa and their children: William, Emma, Nicholas, and Meredith. Additional survivors include his mother, Elinor of Yarmouthport; sister Julie Kathryn (spouse Scott) of Fairfield, Connecticut; brother Thomas (spouse Betsy) of Phoenix, Arizona; and brother Anthony (spouse MaryJanice) of Hastings, Minnesota. Nieces and nephews include Anthony D., Gabriela, Joseph, Christina, William D., and Samuel.

He picked up many friends in a short fifty years, all of whom are precious to his family for their generous spirit and love for Daniel.

Visitation is available Saturday, July 30 from 11am - 12:30pm at Doane Beal & Ames Funeral Home, 729 Rt 134 in S Dennis. At 12:30pm, there will be a brief service and celebration of Daniel's life. His express wish was for no black clothing; suits are unnecessary.

In lieu of flowers, interested parties may donate to the Fund for William and Emma Along, c/o Merchants Bank, 1525 Vermillion Street, Hastings, MN 55033.