Daniel Jacoff

Daniel Adam Jacoff, 76, died Wednesday in his beloved Upper West Side apartment surrounded by the family, books, and stories that he cherished. Daniel grew up in Great Neck, NY. After graduating from Williams College he moved to New York City and completed a Masters in Plasma Physics at Columbia University before joining his father in the family business, Great Neck Saw Manufacturers. There he eventually took over as President of the company (although the grandiosity of that title always bothered him). Those early years were full of adventure: canoe trips in Maine, hiking in the Alps, biking trips across the country. His most adventurous journeys, though, were those of the mind. He thought deeply and richly about everything worth thinking about: the aesthetics of mathematical proofs; the films of Ingmar Bergman; the hazards of childhood; the imperative to put one's ethics into action; the correct way to meander through Central Park (hint: follow your nose). Dan helped Great Neck Saw prosper in an economic era during which many gave up manufacturing in the US. He deeply valued his professional relationships and thrived on the constant problem-solving that his job required. To truly know Dan, you could ask him which bus was best (M5), which pizza slice was best (Sal and Carmine's), or how to organize a sprawling personal library (by subject, but don't go nuts). To truly know Dan, you could take a walk with him through his neighborhood so that he could point out for the umpteenth time which building is angled oddly to make room for an aqueduct that no longer exists, or which once contained its own grocery store so the tenants would never have to leave. Most of all, Dan loved being a father and grandfather. Daniel is survived by his brother Michael (Jeanne), his sons Ben (Emma) and Sam (Orawan), and his cherished grandchildren Alice and Eli. In lieu of flowers, contributions to City Harvest would be appreciated. A memorial for Dan will be held on Sat. May 13th at 2:00 PM. For information please reach out to [email protected]