Daniel J. McCormick

VESTAL - Daniel J. McCormack, 82, of Vestal passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 29, 2021. He was predeceased by his parents, Leo and Helen McCormack; brother, Leo McCormack; brother-in-law Ted Reynolds and nephew Michael Reynolds. He is survived by his loving family; his sister, Ann Reynolds (McCormack); sister-in-law Maureen McCormack; nieces and nephews Patty and Eric Kelley, Maureen Reynolds, Christopher and Christie Reynolds, Daniel J. and Amy Reynolds, Matthew and Ann Marie Reynolds; Richard and Amy McCormack, Joe and Sherry McCormack, as well as numerous great nieces, great nephews and cousins and extended family. Dan was a self-motivated education enthusiast, beginning with the completion of his Bachelor’s Degree at Michigan State University and followed by his Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from Rutgers University. His commitment to education led him to a successful career of over 30 years at Binghamton University. His passion for education made him a natural fit to lead the TRIO/Veterans Programs at Binghamton University which focus on a commitment to providing educational opportunities for all individuals. These programs resonated with Dan, a natural problem solver, as he helped create a student focused environment built on mentoring, communication, and support. Dan inherently believed that an individual’s commitment, effort, and time were critical to a person’s success. Those core beliefs could be seen in every aspect of his life, including when Dan took on the additional challenge as Head Coach of the Men’s University Baseball team for over a decade. He was also heavily involved in coaching Women’s softball in our community for over a decade as well. He was extremely proud of those teams and the lifelong relationships he made with those he coached. As he grew professionally, his inherent pursuit of knowledge forged him into a prolific grant writer at Binghamton University, helping secure millions of dollars for vital programs that opened pathways to education for veterans, and low income or disadvantaged individuals. He went on to teach graduate level courses and workshops on the process of grant writing, with the goal of training the next generation of successful grant writers. Dan was an insightful listener that dedicated a large portion of his life to helping others achieve success. Although he was one to shun the spotlight, Dan could not escape recognition for his efforts to help others in 1996-1997, when he received the Chancellor’s and University Awards for Excellence in Professional Service. An avid sports fan, Dan could always be seen at University sporting events and others throughout the community. His love of horseracing was a generational tradition of honor that he passed on to his nieces and nephews. Dan could always be found with several newspapers under his arm, a grant that he was editing for someone or a book he was joyfully intending to read. Although he was always on the move, he made time to listen, help others, create lasting friendships, and have a positive impact on all the lives he touched. He will also be remembered for his good sense of humor and hysterical sports stories from his time coaching. He will be deeply missed. Family will receive friends on Friday at 9am at St. Patrick’s Church Binghamton, 9 Leroy St, Binghamton, NY 13905 and a funeral mass will be held 10am, with burial in Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Dan’s memory can be made to the Vestal Dollars for Scholars, https:// vestal.dollarsforscholars.org. Mailing address: Vestal Dollars for Scholars PO Box 959 Vestal, NY 13851-0959

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