Daniel Patrick Grogan
Daniel Patrick Grogan, 89, was called home to the Lord on September 11, 2026, in Manasquan, New Jersey.
Dan was born in the Bronx and raised in the Inwood section of Manhattan—the city he would come to know best and love most. After four years serving in the U.S. Coast Guard, he became an iron worker, proud of his craft and steady in his work. A member of Iron Workers Local 40 for 67 years, he helped shape New York’s skyline, contributing to the construction and renovation of landmarks including the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, the Manhattan Bridge, the Citicorp Building, the Jacob Javits Center, and Yankee Stadium.
At the center of his life was his beautiful bride, Joan (O’Donnell), his wife of 65 years. Together they built a life rich in family, raising three children: Daniel II (Erica), Beth Solferino (Steven), and John (Lauren). Family was his North Star, and nothing brought him more joy than watching his tribe grow and thrive. He was lovingly known as “Duke” to his 11 grandchildren—DJ (Emily), Connor (Sarah), Paige McMahon (Ryan), Karly, Kendall, Luke Solferino, Emma Solferino, Ryan Solferino, Catherine Solferino, Hanley, and Heather—and his three great-grandchildren: Murphy, Daniel IV, and Cooper McMahon.
Dan had the spirit of a true traveler, always curious to see and learn. He loved tennis, biking along the Spring Lake boardwalk, and reading American history and biographies of great leaders. Over the course of his life, he traveled to more than 40 countries, always seeking authentic experiences—truck trips through Africa, motorcycle rides through Vietnam, and street food in the towns of India. Wherever he went, he remained a man of faith, steadfastly Catholic and a devoted attendee of Mass.
He was preceded in death by his sister, Patricia, and his brother, Bill Grogan. He is survived by his brother, John Grogan, and his sister, Claire Williams.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, September 17, at 10:00 a.m. at the Church of the Good Shepherd, Manhattan, with inurnment to follow at Woodlawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks for you to consider a donation to One Life to Love (onelife2love.org).
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Joanna Reilly says
September 14, 2026 at 6:59 pmThe Grogan Family,
I’m so sorry for your loss. What a beautiful legacy your grandfather leaves behind, with generations named after him. His name, memory, and the love he shared will live on through each of them. Sending all my love.
Jim ONeill says
September 15, 2026 at 8:13 amOur Deepest Symphony to the Grogan Family
RIP Mr Grogan
The ONeills
Ziska DaCosta-Whyte says
September 15, 2026 at 10:15 amSo many beautiful memories.
Forever in my heart💗
Dwayne Clarke IW40 says
September 15, 2026 at 12:44 pmMy deepest condolences John, Dan, Will and all the Grogan family. Ive had the pleasure working with 3 Grogan’s and it’s because of the men that come before us. Thank you for your contributions to the next generations.
Ziska DaCosta-Whyte says
September 15, 2026 at 12:52 pmWhat an amazing person, what a remarkable life.
I feel so lucky to have met and fellowship with him.
Forever in my heart💗