Daniel John Gorczyca

Indian Land, SC Daniel Gorczyca - devoted husband to Kathleen, father to Jen & Dan, father in law to Rob & Annie, grandfather to Jack, Luke, and Maggie - passed on Monday, April 21, in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Born in Cleveland, Ohio on Sept. 7, 1948 - just before the city's last World Series parade - to Rose and John. Dan and sister Rosemary were raised in the post-war boom of the industrial Midwest. Navy veteran John worked on the Ford manufacturing lines, and Rose - a literal wartime factory "Rosie" - was a homemaker and volunteered in their beloved Polish-American community of large extended family and friends.

Raised in Catholicism, Dan was an altar boy, and his talents and interests extended to playing baseball, football, and the accordion. He was an excellent student and his clever and funny personality reflected his family's. He attended St. Edward High School in Cleveland (Lakewood), where many formative friendships (and some shenanigans) began.

No relationship compared to the one he shared with his best friend and wife of 54 years, Kathleen Susan Dykin of Brooklyn, Ohio. The two met in high school, and their love is a shining example to all around them. The teens dated through the 1960s (blessed by Kathy's parents, Joseph & Eileen Margaret), and the two first-borns struck a pose: Dan's Elvis-inspired pompadour and Kathleen's whip smart intelligence and beauty gave a model to their younger siblings (Kathy to Joe, Karen, Jim) and ever-wider group of friends. They married on August 22, 1970.

Dan's career in accounting and finance began soon after graduating from the University of Akron. His father dissuaded Dan's interest to become a tool and die maker and off he went, beginning with Cleveland's Fasson and continuing over 25 years with Avery Dennison.

Career stability allowed a family to flourish: son Daniel Joseph was born in 1973 and Jennifer Ann followed in 1975. With Kathy's smarts, generous heart, and steady grounding, Dan found opportunities to advance. The young parents took a big swing to leave all they knew for southern California in 1980. Not everyone understood, but Dan and Kathy found community, success, and Fernandomania.

The family moved again in 1987 to suburban Toronto, Canada. Dan's position afforded the kids the gift of college (Jen's elite soccer skills also helped) and, whether the teens appreciated at the time, the opportunity to live in (technically) another country and form lifelong friendships.

As empty nesters, Dan and Kathy marched toward retirement with career stops in Buffalo, Boston and Tucson. Jen married Rob MacGregor in 2004, and proud grandparents were born in Charlotte with Jack (2009) and Luke (2011). Dan & Kathy made one last move in 2019 to Sun City, South Carolina to be near the family and boys. A step-grandkid Maggie (Jack's age) added to the joy, via Danny's fiancée Annie Tonsiengsom.

Dan took joy in extended family, music (singing like nobody was listening), dining, and golf. Except for on the links, Kathy was always with him, and making her laugh was his north star.

In lieu of flowers or a gift, Kathy asks those who have means to please donate to Lancaster Children's Home Women's Enrichment Center. http://www.womensenrichmentcenter.com/donate

Jerry Hartley Funeral Home 684 Hubbard Drive Lancaster, SC is taking care of Mr. Daniel John Gorczyca, and his family. PHONE # 803-285-8000