Daniel M. Hungerford, age 93, passed away at his home in Walnut Creek on Friday, November 9, 2018.
Dan was born to Jacqueline and Richard Hungerford on March 31, 1925 at French Hospital, San Francisco, CA. The family resided in San Francisco and moved to Washington DC when Dan was in 4th grade, moving back to Pinole 6 months later. The family eventually settled in Vallejo, CA where Dan attended Vallejo High School. Dan played basketball for Vallejo High School and graduated in 1943.
Dan’s father signed paperwork allowing Dan to enlist in the Navy because he was not yet 18; he served for three years as an aviation machinist. After his discharge, Dan attended Vallejo Jr. College while working part time at the C&H Sugar Factory. He transferred to UC Berkeley and graduated in 1952 from the Haas School of Business with a BS in Business.
Dan was licensed as a Professional Engineer by the State of California. He worked for the State of California for the state compensation insurance fund until 1966 when he went to work for the East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) where he held several positions, including Occupational Health and Safety Administrator.
While working for the State, Dan met the love of his life, Fay Varetakis who also worked there. They were married on June 14, 1964. They initially resided in Alameda before settling in Walnut Creek. By far, Dan’s greatest enjoyment was traveling with his wife Fay and together they visited every continent except Antarctica. In their later years, they enjoyed revisiting Carmel where they spent their honeymoon.
After Dan retired in 1989, he continued his service to the EBMUD by representing retirees on the Retirement Board; he was instrumental in ensuring that EBMUD retirees enjoy a secure and generous retirement. Dan participated in other organizations, including Sons in Retirement, the Navy League and the CAL Alumni Association. He was a lifetime member of the VFW.
Dan was predeceased by his beautiful wife Fay in March 2016. He is survived by his nephews Gus Varetakis of Marin County, and Nick Varetakis of Nashville, TN., great niece Lisa (Patrick) O'Donoghue and their children Cora Faye and Maggie.
Funeral services will be held Friday, Nov.30, 2018 at 10 AM at the Lafayette Veterans Memorial Center, 3780 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette, CA 94549 with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Dan’s name to Meals on Wheels, The Salvation Army, Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano Counties, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, the St. Dionysios building project (contact Jim Pappas at 925-676-6967) or the charity of your choice.
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Daniel M. Hungerford, please visit our floral store.