Daniel Michael Coate, beloved husband, father, brother, son grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, and friend, passed away peacefully on October 23, 2026, at the age of 83, after a brief time in hospice care. His passing leaves a profound sadness in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. Dan touched the lives of many throughout his years and will be dearly missed by his family, friends, and all those fortunate enough to have known him.

Dan is survived by his loving wife, Brenda, with whom he shared 59 wonderful years of marriage, his children, and many other relatives and dear friends. The love he shared with those around him and the memories he created will forever remain in the hearts of those he leaves behind.

Dan grew up in Hamilton, New Jersey. Due to his height (he was 6’ 4” tall), he was voted “Mr. Altitude” at Hamilton High School. A high school sports star, his favorite sport was baseball and he was a great first baseman. He was also the quarterback of the football team, and he played basketball. He graduated from Ryder College and then enlisted in the United States Air Force.

While in the Air Force, he was stationed in San Antonio, Texas, where he met his wife. After his time in the Air Force, he pursued his true love of driving, first becoming a long-haul truck driver for Mrs. Smith’s Pies. He eventually became a bus driver, driving for Trailways and then Greyhound for 32 years. During that time, he had many adventures taking tour groups all over America. His family also has many wonderful memories of road trip vacations over the years. After retiring as a bus driver, he and Brenda continued their road trip adventures delivering RVs throughout the country.

Dan was also an avid chess player throughout his life. Before the internet, he enjoyed competing in chess tournaments in person. He also played a great deal of postal chess, ultimately achieving the rating of Expert. Once he discovered online chess, his favorite pastime was playing speed chess online.

Dan also had a lifelong love of reading. He especially loved mysteries. He loved anything by Stephen King or C.J. Box, but Sherlock Holmes stories were probably his all-time favorites.

Dan was preceded in death by his parents, Daniel and Eleanor Coate, and his two brothers Terrence and Theodore Coate. He is survived by his wife Brenda, daughters Tanya (Chaney) and Traci (Hale), grandchildren Florsilvestre Hernandez, Mia Chaney, and Dylan Chaney, and great-granddaughter Haven Martin, along with nieces and other family members.

Dan’s greatest wish in life was to be a decent person, but in fact he was a great one.

Service details will be provided at a later date.