Daniel F. Duncan

Daniel F. Duncan, known affectionately to family and friends as Dan, of Ellicott City, Maryland, passed away on April 16, 2026, after a long battle with cancer. He was born July 31, 1960, in Chicago, Illinois, to Frank Duncan and Dolores Balcerak.

Dan was the beloved husband of Audrey A. Duncan and the proud father of Dominic K. Duncan. He is also survived by his siblings Tom, Mike, Bob, Nancy, Denise, and Cheryl, and by longtime family friends Peter and Vera Doan — friends who became part of the family when their sons met in kindergarten and who remained close through every chapter of life.

A mechanic at heart, Dan earned an Associate Degree in Auto and Diesel Mechanics — a perfect fit for a man who was both handy and patient. He loved old cars, riding his motorcycle, and family vacations that became a wealth of small, treasured stories. He served his country with honor for 13 years in the U.S. Army and later brought that same discipline and steadiness to a long career with the Federal Aviation Administration, where he retired as a program manager. Dan approached his work the way he lived his life: quietly dependable, professionally capable, and never one to make a show of doing the right thing — he simply did it.

Beyond his career, Dan gave generously of his time. He coached his son’s youth soccer team with equal encouragement and comic relief, volunteered at community events and his son’s school, and supported a local dog and cat rescue. Wherever help was needed, Dan was likely to be there — cheerful, competent, and unfailingly kind. He had the rare gift of being both solid and lighthearted: someone who could carry a heavy load and still make the people around him smile.

Those who knew Dan will remember his practical wisdom, warm humor, and willingness to fix what was broken — in engines, in plans, and in people’s days. He made ordinary moments memorable and had a way of turning a frustrating afternoon into a story worth telling. His presence was reassuring, his laughter welcome, and his kindness never in short supply.

Dan will be deeply missed by Audrey, Dominic, his siblings, Peter and Vera Doan, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. His life was an example of service, devotion, and good- natured strength, and he leaves behind countless memories of a man who made the world better simply by being in it.

Dan is buried at Serenity Ridge Natural Cemetery Section 2 Row G Site 45

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Small Miracles Rescue or the Howard County Conservancy , or to a favorite animal rescue or nature preservation organization.

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