Daniel J. Pruchnowski

Daniel J. Pruchnowski, 81, of Sarasota, FL passed away peacefully on October 2, 2023. Dan was born on September 30, 1942 in West Seneca, NY and grew up in Buffalo, NY. After graduating high school Dan joined the Army National Guard and launched his career with the Sheriff Department. In 1969 he began proudly serving his community as a police officer for the Town of Tonawanda, NY until his retirement in 2000. He retired as Records and Communications Officer. He was also actively involved in Sandy Beach Yacht Club on Grand Island, NY, where he held many leadership positions, including Commodore in 1991. Dan and his wife Kathy enjoyed vacationing in the Thousand Islands, NY, and Florida. After Dan suffered a massive stroke in 2001, they began splitting their time between New York and Florida. In 2010, they moved permanently to Sarasota, Florida. Dan and Kathy were active members of the stroke and aphasia community in Sarasota, providing them a great source of support, comfort, and friendship during their retirement years. Dan, affectionately known by many as “Pooch”, spent much of his life on the water, having a passion for boating and fishing. He also enjoyed golf during his retirement. Dan would call it like it is, never mince words and let you know exactly what he thought. Even when speech became a challenge, his face would tell it all! Dan was not one to miss a good party and was most comfortable when surrounded by his many friends and family. Dan battled many challenges for over 20 years due to a stroke. He was the ultimate survivor. He will be remembered for his courage, passion for what he believed in, an incredible work ethic, a heart of gold, and always enjoying a great dinner out! May he rest in peace knowing he touched the lives of so many, and his family will continue to honor his legacy by living their lives to the fullest, just as he did. Dan was survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Kathy, who sadly passed away four months later, bringing them together again for eternity. Dan is survived by his daughter Donna Marr, grandchildren Justin Marr and Allison Marr, and sisters Maryann Thines (Paul) and Annmarie Snyder. He is also survived by a loving extended family and the many friends he considered family. Dan was preceded in death by his parents John and Regina Pruchnowski. Celebration of Life services will be held on April 7, 2024, at the Toale Brothers funeral home, 40 N Orange Ave., Sarasota, FL beginning at 11:00 AM. A reception will be held at Toale Brothers immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a charitable donation in Dan’s honor to the Aphasia Community Center (ACC) of Sarasota. https://www.aphasiasarasota.org/donate/

Tributes

Daniel J. Pruchnowski

September 30, 1942 - October 2, 2023