Daniel Frank Nawrocki

August 14, 1934 - November 1, 2018

Daniel F. Nawrocki, age 84, of Gahanna, Ohio, passed away Thursday, November 1, 2018. Dan was born August 14, 1934 in Garfield Heights, beginning his musical career playing the trumpet, inspired by hearing Harry James perform. In high school he formed the dance band, "The Starlighters", which coincidently is how he met his wife Dorothy, playing at a high school dance. Dan first gradated from OSU with a BME in 1956; then a MM 1976; and was a lifelong member of the OSUMB Alumni. Dan and Dorothy were married in 1956. He taught first for Amity Schools just outside of Mt. Vernon, then moving to Reynoldsburg, Ohio in 1959. He was the band director for Reynoldsburg Schools for 26+ years and was a respected member of Ohio Music Educator's Association, Music Educator's National Conference and the American School Band Director's Association. After retirement, Dan worked at Farbers selling recreational vehicles. Married for 56 years until her passing in 2012, they often traveled in an RV and made many friends across the United States. When Dan and Dorothy were not at home in Reynoldsburg, they loved their winters on beaches, especially St. Augustine, Florida. After mom's passing, Dan continued to spend time in some of their favorite places in Florida. He met his good friend Joyce Lundgren Fene at a "LIVE Jazz Karaoke" in St. Augustine, where she asked him for a dance after singing her set. Traveling extensively across the US, they laughed and enjoyed time spent with family and friends.

Dan is survived by his children Marc, Dale (Christy), and Marla; Sister Arlene (Edward) Swick; Sister-in-law Marilyn (Frank) Giammaria; and by his grandsons Taylor, Joseph (MacKenzie), and Alex. Dan's nephews and nieces are Alan (Diedre) Swick; Karen (Steve) Ostanek and their children Kristen and Lauren; Mary Giammaria and her daughter Claire; Courtney (Nick) Milinovich and their children Jack and Gia; and Megan Giammaria. Dan was preceded in death by his parents Alex and Martha Nawrocki.

A memorial service will be held for Dan on Saturday, November 10, at 10 AM at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 1051 South Waggoner Road, Reynoldsburg, Ohio. A gathering in celebration of his life will be held at the Reynoldsburg High School, 6699 East Livingston Ave, immediately following his service.

Dan was a member of the marching band in 1952 and 1953. He played trumpet.