Past Commodore Richard A. ‘Dick’ Danly, 94

Richard A. Danly, 94, of Holland, Mich., passed away peacefully in his sleep Aug. 5, 2025.

Dick was born in Chicago, Ill., to George and Harriett (Lamberson) Danly on Oct. 20, 1930. He grew up in Elmhurst, Ill., attending York Community High School where he met his first wife, Darlene Baumgart.

Dick maintained his friends from high school for many years. Following their marriage and while raising a family, he served in the US Navy. Dick flew off aircraft carriers, flew the F8 Crusader, and was one of the first to fly over 1,000 miles an hour. After retirement from the US Navy, Dick and Darlene raised their family in Glen Ellen, Ill. Dick worked in sales at the Danly Machine Corp. for many years. Following Darlene’s death, he was a very involved single dad for more than 15 years.

Once all his kids married and were having families of their own, Dick met Patricia Moeke at the Macatawa Bay Yacht Club. He later moved to Holland, Mich., and he and Pat were married. Dick and Pat enjoyed many years sailing the Great Lakes and traveling. They cruised the Great Circle Loop twice in their trawler.

Dick joined the Great Lakes Cruising Club in 1978 where he received an Award of Merit and was recognized as an active member with extraordinary service. Dick was involved in all things GLCC and served as Director from 1990-1992, Vice Commodore from 1993-1994 and Commodore from 1995-1996. He loved sailing and racing and reached the coveted “GOAT” title ( i.e., raced in more than 25 Chicago-to-Mackinac Island races).

He was preceded in death by his first wife Darlene (Baumgart) Danly, brother and sister-in-law George (Dorothy) Danly, and daughter-in-law Mary Kelley. He is survived by his wife, Patricia (Moeke) Danly, and children: Connie (Tom) Petersen, Mark (Pat) Danly, Dave (Theresa) Danly, Craig (Nancy) Danly, and Keith (Laurie) Danly; 12 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, two step-grandchildren and one step-great grandchild; step children: Steve Moeke, Bob Moeke, George (Jodi) Moeke, Jeanne (Steve) Windemuller; 5 step-grandchildren; 4 step-great grandchildren.

Funeral services and burial were Aug. 11 at Elm Lawn Cemetery, Elmhurst, Ill. Contributions in Dick’s honor may be given to a charity of one’s choice.