Daniel Reader Lacey

Memorial trees planted for:

Daniel Reader Lacey

<p>On December 26th, 2024 Daniel (Dan) Reader Lacey, loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather passed away at the age 78.</p><p><br></p><p>Dan was born in Lynn, Massachusetts on May 18, 1946 to Mary Patricia Lacey and Adelbert William Lacey. He had one brother Thomas Lacey. In 1952, the family moved to Denville, NJ.</p><p><br></p><p>Dan enlisted in the Navy in July 1965 and served through June 1969. He earned the National Defense Service Medal and the Viet Nam Service Medal. During his tenure in the Navy, Dan served on the USS Hornet out of Long Beach, CA.</p><p><br></p><p>He attended the University of Central Florida and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering in 1977.</p><p><br></p><p>The following year, he landed a job with Rockwell International and began his career working on the Shuttle Program. He worked in various positions throughout his 32 year career in Aerospace including Technical Writer, PRSD Systems Engineer and a Payloads Processing Engineer. In 1983, he married the Love of his life, Carol and in 1984 they moved to California with Rockwell International. He worked in Payload Processing until his return to Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in September 1988. Shortly after returning to the Space Coast, Dan joined the management team at Boeing as Manager, Systems Integration and closed out his career as Site Director for Boeing Engineering at the Kennedy Space Center. He retired from the Space Program in August 2011 and was proud that he had the opportunity to work his dream job on the Shuttle Program.</p><p><br></p><p>After retiring, Dan had more time for the other things he loved such as fishing, camping, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. There were many travels following his retirement including travels here and abroad. His home on the river was his dream as he was always ready to either be fishing or spending time on the water. Fishing was a big part of his life, and early on he fished the river with his family ensuring they were all avid fishermen. He loved entertaining his children, grandchildren, and nieces and nephews by towing them behind the boat on the water device of choice and was referred to by many as “Captain Dan.” Dan once said that the house on the water with the boat and his family was all he could ever ask for. Many days were spent at the local islands chilling and grilling and enjoying Island Life.</p><p><br></p><p>Dan was preceded in death by his parents Patricia and Adelbert Lacey. He is survived by his wife of 41 years Carol, his children Autumn (Don) Johnson, Heather (Dirk) Sampselle, Christopher Lacey and grandchildren Summer Kendall, Chyanne Johnson, Hailey Johnson, Beau Hammond-Lacey, Sophie Grace Sampselle, and Great Grandchildren Reader Kendall and Emma Kendall as well as his brother Thomas (Sylvia) Lacey and the many cousins, nieces and nephews. Dan was witty, loving, adventurous, and loved life. He will be missed by all that knew him.</p><p><br></p><p>A Celebration of Life will be held at East Coast Christian Center Chapel, 85 Richland Avenue, Merritt Island, FL on Saturday, March 15th at 1:00 pm.</p>
May 18, 1946 - December 26, 202405/18/194612/26/2024
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Daniel Reader Lacey
Daniel Reader Lacey
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Bruce

March 15, 2025

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Daniel Reader Lacey has been arranged by Bruce. Plant a tree
You will be Missed my friend. It was always there!
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Anonymous

March 14, 2025

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Daniel Reader Lacey has been arranged by Anonymous. Plant a tree
Your absence has left us all missing someone very charming, special and comforting in our lives! We love you and miss you ever so much Uncle Dan
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Anonymous

March 14, 2025

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Daniel Reader Lacey has been arranged by Anonymous. Plant a tree
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Anonymous

March 13, 2025

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Daniel Reader Lacey has been arranged by Anonymous. Plant a tree
Dan was an incredible person who always knew how to make people feel loved. Beau and I will miss him dearly. Love, Jordan
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Stan & Cathy Bird

March 08, 2025

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Daniel Reader Lacey has been arranged by Stan & Cathy Bird. Plant a tree
Until we are travel buddies again, we will love you forever! What a blessing to have had you as our brother. Love all of you, Cathy and Stan
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Anonymous

March 06, 2025

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Daniel Reader Lacey has been arranged by Anonymous. Plant a tree
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. All our love,