Traverse City, Michigan - Daniel Casciano, Jr., 89, of Traverse City, Michigan (formerly of Flint, Michigan) passed away on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at Munson Medical Center. Dan was born on February 4, 1937, in Wheeling, West Virginia to the late Daniel and Lucy (Zachariah) Casciano.

Dan was the middle son in a family with five boys. His family moved from West Virginia to Flint when he was a child. He married Darlene Hastings on September 22, 1956, and together they raised three sons.

Dan began his career with General Motors, working his way up to a supervisory role within the parts division. Despite having a secure job with potential for continued growth, he was a risk-taker at heart, and Darlene supported his adventurous spirit. He was offered the opportunity to open a Burger King restaurant in Traverse City as the managing partner, and he took that chance. He and Darlene moved their young family north in 1973 and opened the first Burger King in the area on the corner of Front Street and Garfield Avenue. His sons eventually joined him in the business, and in 1988 Dan purchased the business from his partners. The family grew and expanded the franchise, which has had a continuous presence in the Traverse City area for over 50 years. As a business owner, Dan felt strongly about participating in his community, and established the practice of supporting many local causes, with an emphasis on youth sports. He participated in many entrepreneurial activities and served the Northern Michigan community consistently over the years.

Dan and Darlene enjoyed traveling, venturing to Europe multiple times, making lifelong friendships along the way. Of all the places the couple visited, their favorite was Disney World in Florida. They enjoyed many years of 4-6 week stays during the winter months, with their sons and families often joining them for visits. In his middle-aged years, Dan enjoyed golfing with friends and family, playing many rounds on the Schuss Mountain and Traverse City Country Club courses. He was a car enthusiast, with his interest beginning as a teenager. He checked off a life-long "bucket list" experience when he and his sons traveled to Las Vegas for the Barrett Jackson Collector Car Auction. Dan never sat still. He loved to putter, coming up with no-nonsense solutions for normal household issues, as well as entertaining his family with his creative, crazy inventions that kept his mind and hands busy, made him smile and his family laugh. He made a mean Chicken Cacciatore and loved to assemble charcuterie boards.

His love of family was boundless. There was no one he would rather spend time with than his sons and their families. He and Darlene were steadfast supporters and confidantes for his sons, daughters-in-law, and

grandchildren. He was thrilled to be "Great Grand-Dad" to twelve great-grandchildren. Dan was a special man who worked hard and appreciated his success with perspective and humbleness, and he lived his life as a "regular guy". He was a wonderful patriarch to the Casciano Family, and a true friend to those who had the good fortune to know him.

Dan is survived by his three sons: Michael (Kim) Casciano, Chris (Nancy) Casciano, Daniel III (Tamara) Casciano. Also surviving are his eight grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren: Kristie (Jonathan)Tomaso, Amelia and Isabella; Anthony (Kari) Casciano, Anthony, Savannah, Lilah and Walker; Collin Casciano; Blane (Sylvia) Casciano, Theo and Gia; Kayla (Michael) Lloyd, Milena and Lawson; Olivia (Evan) Wegener, Daniel and Cameron; Benjamin Casciano; and Jacob Casciano. He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers, and his loving wife Darlene.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11 am, with visitation starting at 10 am, on Monday, July 13, 2026, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 1025 S. Union Street, Traverse City, Michigan 49684.

Those planning on an expression of their sympathy may wish to consider a memorial donation to the Munson Foundation.

Please feel free to share thoughts and memories with Dan's family at his tribute page at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.