Daniel Francis Laura, 86, of Ormond Beach, FL passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 5th, 2023. He fought fearlessly against his ailments of Parkinson’s & Dementia. Known simply as Dan or Danny… he was born in Manhattan, NY on March 3, 1937 to Thomas John Laura and Auguste Ingeburg Mathilde Agnes Widdecke. He grew up in Flushing, Queens, NY and was the youngest of 7 children. He graduated Forest Hills High School in 1954. He then went off to Fordham University in The Bronx, NY. He graduated with his bachelor’s degree in 1958. Following college, he served in the U.S. Army and then married Joyce Arlene Lawson in 1960. They had 2 children; Lisa Joyce Laura & John Michael Laura with the latter not surviving childbirth. They divorced in 1969. He followed the career footprints of much of his family and worked for the New York Times on W. 42nd Street in Manhattan since the mid-1950’s. He also served admirably at the New York Times’ sister-facilities in Whitestone, NY and Edison, NJ.

In 1970, Dan had remarried. His 2nd wife being Christine Ruth Blanchard. They had 4 children; June Ruth Laura, Thomas John Laura, Scott Andrew Laura, & Glen Howard Laura. They divorced in 1982. A true example of discipline and hard work to provide for his family, he then established a 2nd career working within the City University of New York’s higher education system. He worked for Queensborough Community College in Bayside, Queens and Herbert H. Lehman College in The Bronx, NY. He worked for the college’s Office of Financial Operations as one of their lead Bursars. He worked his days at the colleges, then many overnights for the New York Times. He was a strong follower of faith and followed the path of Roman Catholicism, which he used to instill core principle values of virtue, respect, and even humility into his children’s development. He always found the time to bring his children to Mass services each Sunday even after working those arduous overnight shifts for the New York Times.

If you knew Dan, you knew that he was an outstanding dancer having won many trophies. He was also an amazing whistler and would love to entertain his company with various tunes. Furthermore, Dan loved to travel. He strived to learn different cultures, eating their cuisine, and… yes, learning their style of dance. Most of these passions were shared with the love of his life; Janet Stellato. Dan Laura would frequently propose marriage to Janet, but her reply was “City Hall is closed that day”. They dated from 2000 until her passing in 2022. When asked “How are you feeling Dan?” … he always replied… “With my hands”. Dan Laura was always quick with remarks like that. He has now gone to his Heavenly home, but the impression that he has left will live on through all the lives he has touched. Dan is survived by his 5 children: Lisa, June, Thomas, Scott, & Glen and 8 beautiful grandchildren.