Daniel Patriarca Jr.
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Published in January 2025
Daniel Patriarca Jr., age 65, of New Jersey, passed away peacefully on January 4, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Born on November 27, 1959, to Theresa (nee Paris) Patriarca-Elliott and Daniel Patriarca Sr. Dan lived a life full of love, achievement, unwavering integrity – always devoted to those around him.
Dan is survived by his beloved wife of 40 years, Paula Patriarca; his son, Brian Patriarca and his wife Casey, their children Harper and Conner; his daughter, Valerie Patriarca McKiernan and her husband Eamonn, their children Liam and Colin. He is also survived by his cousin, June Wyatt-Krause, who was more like a sister to him, her husband Joe, her son Cody Collins and his wife Amber, brothers-in-law Bill Marchese (Judy), Bob Marchese (Laura) and sister in-law Rosana Marchese Downer (Scott), along with many beloved aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. Dan leaves behind countless friends who, while not related by blood, were embraced as family by choice. These friendships formed an extended network of love and connection that brought immense joy to his life. Dan’s boundless love and integrity were evident in every role he cherished—as a husband, father, Pop Pop, and friend.
Dan and Paula’s relationship was a true partnership and love story. They first met on Spring Break in Daytona Beach, Florida. Their connection was immediate. Paula felt that he was the kindest person she had ever met and shortly after, Paula transferred to the University of Dayton to be closer to him. Together, they built a beautiful life, raising their children, running the family business, and sharing countless adventures. From ensuring the family’s success to planning vacations where fun was guaranteed regardless of the weather, Dan and Paula’s love was the foundation of it all. Even on rainy vacations, the family found joy, creating games like “extreme ping pong” in the rain or kicking a rock dubbed “poop” down the beach, complete with its own song. Their bond and shared spirit of joy and resilience left an enduring example of love for all who knew them.
A proud alumnus of Holy Cross High School in Delran, New Jersey, Dan cherished the lifelong friendships he made during those formative years. At the University of Dayton, Dan began building the foundation for a remarkable career in aerospace. As the founder of Quantum Coating, Dan made a lasting impact on the industry. His company played a pivotal role coating the gold segments of the James Webb Space Telescope and millions of flat-panel display glasses for military and commercial aircrafts, leaving a legacy of innovation and excellence. Quantum Coating was more than just a business to Dan—it was a community he deeply valued, and anyone who worked for him felt like part of his family.
Dan’s passion for his family was evident in every aspect of his life. He had a unique way of connecting with his children by immersing himself in their interests. When Brian was in high school, Dan took up gaming and became a regular on Halo, sharing laughs and building memories with Brian and his friends. And when Brian was in college, he always made it down to visit for tailgate season. When Valerie began running marathons, Dan laced up his sneakers and joined her on the journey. Together, they ran 10 marathons across the country and even one in Canada – which Dan refused to finish due to the kilometer conversion—an adventure filled with determination, laughter, and only one memorable defeat to a walker. While his kids had started working at the company from a young age, they joined full time after college – which meant the entire family spent 10 hours a day with one another and yet still enjoyed time together as a family. Dan always found ways to make family memories at work – doing the crossword every morning with his kids, watching sitcom bloopers and comedians as they shared lunch or trying to figure out the knot brain teaser they had been working on for well over a decade – a true family business.
In his later years, Dan’s greatest joy was spending time with his grandchildren. Whether playing games, sharing stories, or simply basking in their company, he was the embodiment of love and support. Dan would stay up late into the night setting up elaborate domino mazes for his grandkids to wake up to. Each day, the mazes became more intricate, incorporating stairs and other household items that would topple in sequence.
Dan had a natural ability to make everyone he met feel valued and cherished. His warmth, kindness, and unwavering encouragement left an indelible mark on all who knew him. Dan’s memory will live on in the hearts of his family and friends, inspiring love, resilience, and a commitment to supporting one another. His life was a testament to the power of connection, and he will be deeply missed.
Paula and his children would like to extend a special thanks to all those who supported Dan throughout his fight with ALS. To them we are forever grateful.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Dan’s life on February 9th, 2025 at Laurel Creek Country Club. Go Birds! Please click here to RSVP to this event.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that you send donations in Dan’s honor to:
Compassionate Care ALS
The help and support they provided continually throughout this journey made it possible for his family to focus on living in the moment.
