Born on January 22, 1949, in Detroit, Michigan
Passed on May 6, 2026 in Melbourne, Florida
Daniel Joseph Chick, 77, of Indialantic, Florida, passed away on May 6, 2026, peacefully in his sleep.
Born on Jan. 22, 1949, in Detroit, Dan moved to Florida in the early 1970s and spent the remainder of his life on the Space Coast, where he built a career and raised a family.
Dan worked as an auto body mechanic before beginning a long career as a civilian contractor. His work took him to Patrick Air Force Base, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station and assignments overseas. He also worked for Piper Aircraft in Vero Beach for many years, but many locals will remember him from his days running his family’s business, Gerardi’s Tavern on A1A in Indialantic.
He enjoyed working on cars, keeping up with current events on AM radio and listening to music from his younger years, especially The Beach Boys and 1960s classics. He loved his old electric guitar, drinking coffee, his CJ-5 Jeep and the many dogs in his life, especially Marla and his son’s dog, Hopper. He was known for his humor, storytelling and one of his favorite sayings: “You gotta maintain.”
More than anything, Dan will be remembered as a hardworking man who used his skills to help others. He was generous to a fault, often giving what he had to those in need, and showed up whenever family, friends or neighbors needed help solving a problem, whether mechanical or personal.
His Catholic faith was an important part of his life and was reflected in his values, work ethic and quiet acts of kindness.
He is survived by his son, Daniel P. Chick, and daughter-in-law, Mary Rose Monton Chick; his sisters, Diane and Joanie; and seven nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Ed and Gerard, and his parents, Edward and Joan.
The family requests prayers for the repose of his soul.
“Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.”
A visitation will be held at 10:30 a.m. on June 27 at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church in Indialantic, followed by a funeral Mass and burial in the Memorial Garden.
9 entries.
Frank Squire III
from Port St Lucie wrote on July 1, 2026:
I’ll miss you, Dan. I’ll always remember working with you at PIper aircraft; always humorous and great to work with. After that, later on, we would have long phone calls and catch up on past times. May you rest easy.
Elizabeth Besch
from Winter Springs wrote on June 27, 2026:
We will never forgotten you Mr.Daniel Joseph Chick.Your a great father to our friend not only a friend but he was part of my little family .Dan was so amazing you raised him well with full of love and laughter.We see your strength and kindness in them every single day .We will try our best that we will always be there to your amazing son Dan and wondeful daugher in love Mary to support them and love them for the rest of our lives .Thank you for everything you gave to this world. You will never be forgotten.We love you so much .Phil ,Elijah and Elizabeth.
Dawn Rimides
from Satellite Beach wrote on June 25, 2026:
Uncle Danny,
You were always there when we needed you. Whether it was about the car or house or if things around your house I could use, you would give to me. We would have long talks about politics, history and different cars. We would enjoy our coffee together. You would take me to the back garage and show me your cars and just talk. We went to many car shows over the years. he knew so much about cars, told me a lot of history, like the Ford Model T. I have many wonderful memories I will always cherish. Always spoke about his dogs, he loved them all very much and would do anything for them.
Love and miss you greatly. Until we meet again and enjoy our coffee,
Love Dawnie Wanie
Mary Rose Chick
from Saint Cloud wrote on June 25, 2026:
You were the best father-in-law anyone could ask for, caring, kind, and always giving from your heart. Thank you for the love, support, and beautiful memories you gave our family. I will always treasure the moments we shared and keep them forever in my heart. ❤️
— The mouth of the south,
Mary Rose.
Dustin west
from Mims wrote on June 24, 2026:
I still think, or wish the phone would ring and I will see his name flash up on my screen. I so miss our long conversations, talking about projects being worked on and saying old movie quotes. His positive, caring and loving soul was like a lighthouse sitting high above the shore, lighting the darkness for so many. I was blessed to have him in my life. He helped to give me comfort and joy when times were so hard. Thank you for all the wonderful memories and laughs. I can’t wait to see you on the other side. I do hope you will greet me like we always did on the phone. HEEELLLLOOOOOOOO LALALAAAAAAA
Dennis Hart
from Satellite Beach wrote on June 24, 2026:
I wish I had the opportunity to get to know you better but I can tell from the love you get from your family that you were a good dad and person. RiP.
Mary Rose Chick
from Saint Cloud wrote on June 24, 2026:
Dear Dad,
I am so grateful I was blessed to have you as my father-in-law. You were not just my father-in-law, you were like my real father, you were someone very special to me. Thank you for all the love, kindness, and memories we shared.
You will always have a special place in my heart. I will miss you dearly.
Love,
Your daughter-in-law
Aaron Milliman
from Saint Cloud, FL wrote on June 24, 2026:
Miss you and love you Dad. I'll take care of Chick but don't forget that one favor I asked for. Prop the side door open in Heaven for me. Saint Peter may or may not laugh at the things I have done in my life and I might need a plan B.
Love you Dad and seen you soon.
Aaron
Daniel Chick from St. Cloud, Fl wrote on June 24, 2026:
May fair winds and following seas follow you all the days of your tour. - Semper Fi, Dad
Born on January 22, 1949, in Detroit, Michigan