On December 12th, 2025, “Dan the Man” boarded his beloved pontoon boat one last time and sailed off into the eternal sunset. In his wake, he leaves behind a lifetime of precious memories, lasting friendships, and life lessons. 

Ask yourself about the last time you saw Dan. Did he greet you with his patented “High‑Five Handshake”? Did he call you by a nickname he invented on the spot—some perfect blend of your real name and an obscure pop‑culture reference only he could pull off? Surely you were welcomed by that bright, unmistakable smile, the one only outshined by the giant heart he carried quietly in his chest.

Maybe he invited you onto the pontoon for a ride on the Mohawk. Maybe you met him at the Klamsteam Tavern, where he’d tear up the dance floor to his favorite songs from the Switch Band. Or maybe you simply passed him in the hallway at work (Albany Medical Center/Verizon(NYNEX)/Key Bank). No matter the setting, Dan was always excited to see you—truly excited—and he shared that excitement through a smile that reflected exactly how he chose to move through the world.

Later in life, a genetic condition slowly stole Dan’s mobility and many of the activities he loved most. It may have taken away his ability to dart around the softball diamond or bounce across the dance floor, but it never took his joy. If you called him or stopped by, you saw him still chasing happiness—cheering for “his” 49ers, listening to his favorite tunes, and celebrating the people he loved. He had every reason to be bitter, but he refused. The excuses many of us use to justify our moods or our behavior seem small when held up against the challenges Dan faced daily. You have a choice.

And that is the lesson Dan leaves us with: that joy is not something that happens to you—it’s something you choose, again and again, even when life gives you every reason to choose otherwise. Dan chose joy. He chose people. He chose love. If you want to honor him, carry that choice forward. Greet others with enthusiasm. Find reasons to smile. Make up the nickname. Take the boat ride. Dance to the song. Live with a heart as open as his. In doing so, a piece of Dan keeps sailing on. 

Now reunited with his parents - Richard F Duncan Sr. & Margaret Rose (Dolan), Dan leaves behind 2 sisters - Colleen (Richard) Northrup, Darleen (Gregory) Foster, and 3 brothers – Richard F Duncan Jr (Donna), James Duncan, and Brian (Jennifer) Duncan. Dan was also the uncle of 9, great uncle to 10, and a nephew and cousin to many beloved family members.

There will be no public services for Dan and his final resting place will be St Joseph’s Cemetery in Waterford.

Those who desire may make a memorial contribution to the National Lymphedema Network (NLN), in memory of Dan.

Funeral arrangements have been entusted to the Gordon C. Emerick Funeral Home, 1550 RT-9, Clifton Park, NY 12065

Please feel free to offer your on-line Condolences by using that tab on this page.