Daniel (Dan) Richard Ramsdell, Sr., Senior Chief Aviation Electronics Technician (ATCS), USN (Ret), age 82, passed away quietly on September 7, 2021. He was born in Albany, NY and moved with his parents to St. Petersburg, FL when he was 4 years old. He attended St. Paul’s Catholic Schools but transferred to Northeast High School so that he could participate in sports.
He attended Florida Community College Jacksonville (FCCJ) through the Navy Associate Degree Completion Program (ADCOP) program and later graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor Degree in Physical Education from the University of North Florida.
At the time of his death, Dan was residing at the Isle Health and Rehabilitation Center in Fleming Island, Fl. He is survived by his wife of 55+ years, Edna DeLand Ramsdell, his Daughter, Kelli Anne Ramsdell Knowles (Duane), and his son, Daniel Richard Ramsdell, Jr. (Mary G. Ramsdell). He has four grandchildren, Caitlin DeLand Knowles Healy (Jon), Austen Bass Knowles (Megan), Samantha K. Ramsdell and Daniel Richard Ramsdell, III. His Great Grandchildren, Caroline DeLand Healy and Mason Andrews Knowles, were the newest high-lights of his life.
Dan Ramsdell served in the United States Navy for a combined total of over 30 years. He enlisted in the Navy right out of high school in 1958 and was stationed in Norfolk, Virginia. After completing his first enlistment, he traveled around the country just enjoying life. He married Edna DeLand in 1966 in Folkston, GA. In 1963 he re-enlisted and served until retirement as a Senior Chief Aviation Electronics Technician (ATCS). He served in Air Patrol Squadrons VP-5 and VP-45 as a flight technician, and VP 30 as an instructor at the Naval Air Station in Jacksonville, FL. Dan also served a 3-year term at the Naval Bureau in Washington, D.C. as a “Detailer”. He was a proud Veteran having served during the Vietnam War. Dan was a member of the Fleet Reserve Association (FRA) and Disabled American Veterans (DAV).
Dan, as he was known to friends, coached T-Ball and Little League Baseball at the Mandarin Baseball Park where he became fondly known as “Coach Dan”. He attended E. 11th Street Baptist Church with his wife, Edna, and touched the hearts of all who knew him.
He was the epitome of a true gentleman and he will live in our hearts forever.
A Memorial Service will be held on October 9, 2021 at 2:30 p.m. at the East 11th Street Baptist Church, 1700 East 11th Street in Jacksonville, FL 32206. His ashes will be interred at the National Cemetery in Jacksonville, FL in a small private family ceremony at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that if you wish a donation may be made to your favorite charity or to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Arrangements by Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home of Mandarin, 11801 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, Florida 32223. (904) 288-0025.
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St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, TN 38105
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