Daniel Christopher Morley

On Monday, August 4, 2025, Daniel Christopher Morley, known as Dan to his family, entered eternal rest.

He was the beloved husband of Claire Elizabeth Widmann Morley; son of the late Catherine Teresa Morley and the late Jerome John Morley; and loving brother of Bartholomew Morley.

Dan was the cherished father of Michael J. Morley (Lisa), Patrick E. Morley (Maria), Mary “Betsy” E. Morley Balcerek (Michael) and Christine M. Morley Stassen (Peter).

He was a proud grandfather to Colleen Morley, Megan Morley, Daniel Morley (Raina), Jonathan Morley, Julia Morley, Benjamin Balcerek (RIP), Matthew Balcerek, Christopher Balcerek, Daniel Stassen, and Madeleine Stassen. He is also survived by many treasured nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends.

Dan was born on December 15, 1935, and raised in Washington, D.C. and Chillum, Maryland. He graduated from Saint John’s College High School in 1954 and continued his education at the University of Maryland before enlisting in the United States Navy in 1958. He trained as a pilot in Pensacola, Florida, and later served aboard the USS Intrepid (CVA-11).

Dan and Claire were married on September 17, 1960, at Saint Ann’s Catholic Church in Washington, DC and would have celebrated their Sixty-fifth wedding anniversary in September.

Following his military service, Dan began a successful career in sales with Xerox, Sperry Rand, and Univac. In 1974, he co-founded Federal Leasing, Inc., serving as its President. He was also a co-founder of Wave Energy Corporation.

He served on the Board of Directors for Optelecom, a Maryland-based technology company, as well as for Saint John’s College High School in Washington, DC-where he received the President’s Medal in recognition of his service-and the Connelly School of the Holy Child in Potomac, MD.

Dan adored his grandchildren and cultivated deep, personal relationships with each of them. He was a constant presence at their ceremonies, sporting events, concerts, plays, and graduations.

Dan’s passion for aviation endured throughout his life. He held a Private Pilot License and loved flying his plane, always eager to share the experience with family and friends. He was also a devoted youth basketball coach, leading CYO boys’ and girls’ teams at St. Mary’s Rockville, MD and Our Lady of Mercy in Potomac, MD and was an enthusiastic Maryland Terrapins fan and a lifetime Terrapin Club member.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Ignatius Loyola Catholic Church, 4103 Prices Distillery Road, Ijamsville, MD 21754, on Thursday, August 14, 2025, at 1:00 PM.

Internment Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 13801 Georgia Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20906 on Friday, August 15, 2025, at 11:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Little Sisters of the Poor of Washington, D.C. In Memory of Daniel C. Morley, littlesistersofthepoor.org/donate/