Daniel Tyler Garges

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His life was one of service, faith, family, football, and-perhaps most importantly-love.

Daniel Tyler Garges, a lifelong Catholic, devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully on September 11, 2026, at the age of 93. His life was one of service, faith, family, football, and-perhaps most importantly-love.

Dan was born on May 21, 1933. His early years included time in Japan, where he attended Meguro High School, graduating in 1950. From 1952 to 1956, Dan attended the United States Naval Academy. After graduating, however, he joined the United States Air Force. The reason was simple: he wanted to fly planes. His determination and adventurous spirit lead him somewhere he had always wanted to be: in the air. Dan's loyalty to Navy football was legendary. For decades, he and his best friend, Colonel Eldon (Al) Carr maintained an annual $5 bet over who would win the Army-Navy football game. It was a tradition apparently too important to be settled by mere friendship. Dan's position was clear: GO NAVY! BEAT ARMY!

While serving in the Air Force, Dan also played football. During a game at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi, he suffered a devastating injury. The doctors initially assumed that his knee was dislocated and had him wait on the side of the field until the game was over. Afterward, he was taken to the hospital, where he was eventually given the heartbreaking news that he would lose his leg just above the knee. Yet, as difficult as that moment was, Dan's story took an unexpected and beautiful turn. During his time at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, he met the woman who would become the love of his life, Margaret “Peggy” Garges.

Dan and Peggy were married in 1960. What followed was 65 wonderful years of marriage, partnership, laughter, faith, and family. Together, they built a life that would grow far beyond anything they could have imagined on their wedding day. Not long after their marriage, Dan and Peggy welcomed their first son, Michael. Though his life was brief, Michael remained a beloved and unforgettable part of the Garges family. Just a year later, Dan and Peggy received another blessing with the birth of their first daughter, MaryAnna. MaryAnna was the star of the show for exactly one year-until her baby brother decided it was his turn to shine. On the same day the next year, Damon was born, making Damon and his big sister Irish twins. The family continued to grow with the arrival of their fourth child, Melinda. Melinda was a blonde-haired, blue-eyed baby whom everyone adored. Finally, the youngest of the bunch arrived: Kathleen. With Kathy's arrival, Dan and Peggy's family foundation was established.

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Dan's loyalty to Navy football was legendary.

Dan was blessed to become not only a father but also an amazing grandfather. He leaves behind ten grandchildren and one great-grandchild, each of whom he loved as though they were his own children. His grandchildren include Holly Smith, Maggie, Kate, Luke, and Ryan McLister, Alexandra Gomez, Tyler, and Hudson Garges, and Trevor Bentley, and Alyssa Findlay. He also experienced the joy of the birth of his great-grandchild, Matteo Gomez, continuing a family legacy that began with him and Peggy more than six decades ago.

Dan was not only a father; he was the kind of dad whose love was woven into the everyday details of family life. He had a wonderful habit of naming all the stuffed animals in the household. MaryAnna's bear was Ted. Melinda’s bear was Snow Bear, and her doll was Susie, affectionately known as “Suey.” Kathy's bear was simply and appropriately called Blue Bear. Dan made sure that even the smallest members of the family had a name and a place in the family story.

His Catholic faith was another constant throughout his life. Dan's faith was not simply something he professed; it was something he shared with his family. He asked his grandchildren questions about the Bible and rewarded correct answers with a quarter-a particularly effective theological education when the grandkids were motivated by pocket change and bragging rights. Creating memories that were about much more than the game itself. He served as Holly and Kate's Confirmation Sponsor, guiding them not only as their grandfather but also as a man of faith. He encouraged their curiosity, challenged them with questions, celebrated their accomplishments, and made sure they knew they were loved.

His life was marked by extraordinary challenges, but Dan was not defined by what he lost. He was defined by what he built: a 65-year marriage with Peggy, a family filled with children and grandchildren, a deep Catholic faith, lifelong friendships, and memories that will continue to be shared for generations. Daniel Tyler Garges leaves behind a legacy of perseverance, devotion, humor, and love. He showed his family that a good life is not measured by how easy it is, but by the people you love, the faith you carry, the memories you make, and the way you continue to show up for the people who matter. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

And from that little Aldie part of heaven, one thing is certain:

GO NAVY! BEAT ARMY!

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Wounded Warrior Project.