I had the pleasure to meet Dan soon after I joined Astro from Jet Propulsion Labs. And later Dan and I had the opportunity to work together on the first A2100 satellite- GE-1. Dan made a huge contribution to the program, the business, pragmatic and tireless. I relied on Dan for his wisdom and advice. He was a steady hand on the rudder. He always made time to check in and see how “We were doing”. I had the opportunity to speak to Dan about a year ago and we were able to catch up and relive some spectacular events we shared! It was also a moment which we were able to thank each other for our friendship. My condolences go out to his family and all those who knew Dan at Astro.

God Speed Dan

Carl Marchetto, Director of A2100, GE-1

I had the good fortune and privilege to work with and for Dan Denef in the late 70s and early 80s at Astro. Some of my fondest memories of my work career at Astro was when I was part of the Digital Design Group that was managed by Dan. He always treated his engineers with patience, dignity and respect. And he endeared himself to us even more when he joined our team in the RCA Softball League. I still have the team photo with Dan prominently in the foreground, where the team manager should be. It was during this period when I learned of Dan's love for Hockey. One day after work, I walked by this man fussing with some hockey equipment in the back of a Ford Pinto station wagon; it was Dan. And that's when he told me about Hockey Night in Freehold. He had a great sense of humor. And he was such a great influence on so many of us! My condolences to his family. Rest In Peace, Dan!

Where do I start. So many many fond memories of Uncle Dan. The best I could ever have in an Uncle. A very patient and mentoring type of person. He taught me things like using the chain saw and cutting trees at the Pocono house. Driving around the Poconos learning to drive, again so patient and very confidence inspiring. Adventures such as driving up Camel back mountain, skiing, skating on the lake by the Pocono house. The summers at the Jersey Shore. He once rescued me when I fell in between the rocks on the jetty, and we laughed afterward. And the hockey, going to Ranger Devil games with my Dad and me for so many years. Uncle Dan and me could talk hockey for hours on end. In later years I'd call, and if my Aunt Bev wasn't home. Uncle Dan and me would talk forever about the Rangers and Devils. No slight to my Aunt, lol. But I really enjoyed those talks.

I'm proud and blessed to be able to have had him as my Uncle Dan. Until we meet again my Uncle Dan.

David Elko

Dan was an outstanding member of the Engineering department at Astro, and was both respected and admired by his peers and reports. I worked with Dan on several of the projects mentioned here and knew him as a wonderful person and a very talented leader and engineer. My condolences to his family. Rest in Peace my friend.

Ken Johnson (retired GM/VP or AstroSpace)

Uncle Dan will always be in our hearts and memories forever. Our sincerest condolences go out to Aunt Bev, cousin Jen, and all of his family from Joe, Maria, and Talia.

Some of my fondest memories are of spending time at the vacation house in the Poconos and many summers at the beach club in Sea Bright. We were always included in a weekend respite at the vacation house. Awesome memories of playing Trivial Pursuit, Uno, and other board games. Also I loved sleeping in front of the fireplace when it was very cold outside. During the Jersey summers, Uncle Dan and his family were at the beach club almost every weekend. Then after a tough day at the beach, we'd go out to dinner or have a barbecue. Holidays were also a lot of fun. I loved Uncle Dan's sense of humor. He had a very subtle way of teasing us and kidding around. He was always interested in what we were doing and was always ready to explain things in a logical way. He had a great laugh, a great and sincere smile, and would more often than not call me Joseph when he first would arrive for a visit. I will miss him dearly and cherish all the great times together.

Greetings Mrs Denef & family.

I’ve only meet Mr. Denef on 05/16/2024 for the first time. From that day until the he departed, he was a very special person to me. Mrs. Denef, who I also met the same time, provided the best care anyone can give to another human being. The quality of service he received, was so high it made me commented that all my wife needs to do if I’m ever in need of medical services, is to provide one third of the services Mr. Denef received. This would make me a very happy man. My condolences goes out to his wife and family. What a great wife you were!