Thomas (Dan) Daniel Engel

Thomas Daniel Engel, 80, died peacefully at his home in Edgewater, Florida on May 13, 2024. 

Born February 29, 1944 in Orlando, Dan was the second of five children of Iris McAfee Daniel Engel and Carl Frederic Engel. Iris graduated from the Stetson University School of Music and established the Iris Daniel Engel School of Music in Orlando. She was a legendary piano teacher for generations of students and Dan was immensely proud to be her son. Dan graduated from Orlando Junior College and worked as a real estate investor for many decades in Central Florida. He was a successful businessman with a colorful past. He owned and operated the famed Silver Bucket oyster bar in Daytona Beach and founded the Honey Bee Ranch in east Orlando. 

Dan was predeceased by his brothers Joe, Rick, and John, his sister Drucilla, and his wife Charne Porter. Dan is survived by his son Daniel Goodman Engel, Chicago, and Nancy Iris Kavallierakis, St. Petersburg, and six grandchildren. 

A staunch Baptist, Dan was a longtime member of AA, an organization which had a profound effect on his life. He was a member of The First Baptist Church of Orlando and Central Baptist Church, Daytona Beach. Dan was a lifelong passionate Gator fan. Everyone who knew Dan would agree he was a wonderfully engaging person who remembered everyone he met and the things that made them smile. Those still here will sorely miss him. Those who aren’t are smiling. Settle-Wilder Funeral Home, New Smyrna Beach, was in charge. 

Memorial donations to the Iris Daniel Engel Scholarship Fund may be made to Stetson University, 421 N. Woodland Boulevard, DeLand, FL 32720.

A Celebration of Life in Orlando will be planned for a future date. 

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