Daniel Francis Gaynor, age 86, of Ocean City, NJ passed away on December 22, 2025. Born in Philadelphia, PA, he was the son of the late William M. and Ella Gaynor (nee Gottman).
Dan graduated from Wildwood Catholic High School in 1956 and entered the Air Force where he trained as a draftsman. His service stations included Okinawa, Japan and Seoul, Korea. In 1960 he began his studies in Fine Arts at Glassboro State College, where he met his future bride, then Nola Dunham. Upon graduation, he started his career as a much-loved and inspirational art teacher at Millville Senior High School (MSHS). Dan also went on to earn his Master’s Degree from Glassboro while teaching. Dan and Nola eloped in 1966 and were married by her brother Dick at his church in Chestnut Level, PA, after which they spent their honeymoon in Ireland. Their daughter Mary Kate was born in 1968.
After living in Millville during the early years of their marriage, Dan and Nola relocated to their beloved Ocean City (and later to a larger home in nearby Palermo). Time spent sitting and walking on the beach was central to their enjoyment of life together and with family. Dan and Nola moved to The Shores in Ocean City in 2023, saying goodbye to their Palermo home of 50 years. We are incredibly grateful for the attentive care and outpouring of love from everyone at The Shores that helped to make his final days at home peaceful and comfortable. Dan’s unfailingly positive and patient demeanor reflected the quiet and steady faith that he carried every day through all aspects of his life.
Dan is survived by his wife Nola (nee Dunham), daughter Mary Kathleen “Kate” Gaynor (Laurent Ducom), brother-in-law Robert Dunham (Joan), and brother-in-law Walter Dunham (Don Killian). He was predeceased by brother William M. Gaynor Jr. (Eileen), brother Martin W. Gaynor (Dorothy), brother-in-law Richard Dunham (Lois), sister-in-law Elizabeth “Betty” Smith (Larry), and brother-in-law John Dunham (Jane).
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Atlantic City Rescue Mission (https://acrescuemission.org/make-a-donation-in-memory). A private burial service is being conducted by the immediate family.
Arrangements are by The Godfrey Funeral Home. For condolences to the family, visit www.godfreyfuneralhome.com
