Born on June 3, 1925, to Philo and Frances Miller Danly, he married Barbara Anderson in 1947. They were longtime residents of Hinsdale, Illinois, and Charlevoix, Michigan. In 2012, they moved to Maine to live near family and the sea. “Jack,” as he was referred to more commonly by friends and family alike, was always quick with a smile and admired by many for his easy nature and gracious humor.
After serving in the U.S. Navy V12 program at Yale University during World War II, John graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering in 1946. He then joined Danly Machine Corporation in Cicero, Illinois, a tool and die company founded by his grandfather Robert C. Danly in 1922. During his years at Danly Machine, John traveled internationally for business and lived for four years with his family in England.
A passionate sailor his entire life, Danly was a member of the Chicago Yacht Club and raced in more than 25 Mackinac Races; he was inducted into the Island Goat Sailing Society on Mackinac Island. He served as an officer on the USS Jasper-PC486 in the U.S. Navy in Panama during the Korean War. Following his retirement from Danly Machine in 1985, he and Barbara raised and showed llamas from their small farm in Horton Bay, Michigan.
He is survived by Barbara, his wife of 68 years, and children Susan, John, Peter, Martha, William and Patrick, along with his grandchildren Abigail, John, Emma and Alexandra. He was predeceased by daughter Caroline and by his brothers Bruce and Donald.
John will be interred in Charlevoix, where a memorial service will be held in the summer.
Those who wish to remember John may send memorial contributions to the Maine Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association at 383 U.S. Route One, Suite 2C, Scarborough, ME 04074. Memories and condolences can be shared at www.brackettfuneralhome.com.
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