Dan L. Garfinkel
October 30, 2025

DAN L. GARFINKEL: 75, of Pittsburgh, passed away on October 30, 2025, from Lewy Body Dementia. Beloved husband of Nancy Ackerman Garfinkel. Loving father of Benjamin (Jenna) Garfinkel and Eli Garfinkel. Son of the late Bertram Garfinkel and Margaret Garfinkel Weiner. Brother of Ellen (Daniel) Worthington and Karen Garfinkel, all of Cleveland, OH. Brother-in-law of Bill and Leslie Ackerman and Holli and Joe Novelly. Also survived by nieces and nephews.

Dan grew up in the Cleveland suburb of Pepper Pike - "before it became fashionable," as he loved to say. The middle child between two sisters, Dan shared an especially close bond with his older sister, Ellen Worthington. The two could send each other into uncontrollable laughter whenever they were together.

A graduate of Brandeis University with a degree in English Literature, Dan began his career in New York City as a junior editor at Viking Press. He later returned to Cleveland to work at the State Theater, promoting Jacques Brel Is Alive and Well and Living in Paris-a production that played a key role in the revitalization of Playhouse Square. The show was a major success. During that time, Dan collaborated with rock radio station WMMS-FM to promote the production, and soon after, station management persuaded their ownership to hire him as WMMS's first full-time Promotions Director.

At WMMS, Dan's creativity and attention to detail helped cement the station's legendary status as a rock-and-roll icon. He created logos, merchandise, and major listener events, always pushing for excellence. Known for his exacting standards, he earned the affectionate nickname "The Duck" for his habit of quacking out demands as deadlines approached.

Dan was also one of the founding members of the Cleveland International Film Festival, which continues to thrive today.

After leaving WMMS, Dan worked with McVay Media, a leading broadcast consulting company, and later with Dorsey & Co., a Fortune 1000 consulting firm, where he served as a "gun for hire."

In December 1989, a consulting trip to Pittsburgh changed his life. While working with a local radio station that was shifting formats from "elevator music" to adult contemporary, Dan met Nancy Ackerman, who was managing the sales department. Sparks flew immediately. Before leaving for Cleveland, Dan stepped into her office, closed the door, and declared, "I would like to court you." On their fourth date, he proposed, and six months later, they were married.

Dan went on to serve as Communications and Employee Relations Director at TCI Cable Company. After Comcast acquired TCI, he enjoyed time as a stay-at-home dad before returning to radio as a sales executive at WAMO-FM in Pittsburgh. He later became Director of the South Hills Jewish Community Center, a position he held until his retirement.

When Dan's illness could no longer be managed at home, he moved to Whitetail Springs in Whitehall, a Pittsburgh suburb. The family extends heartfelt thanks to the compassionate staff there for their exceptional care and kindness, and to Commonwealth Hospice for their support in Dan's final months.

Dan loved to cook, read nonfiction, watch the Penguins, and travel. Above all, he loved his family - his wife of 35 years, Nancy; his sons, Ben and Eli; and his daughter-in-law, Jenna. He was deeply grateful to have been able to attend Ben and Jenna's wedding in May of this year.

Dan's remains were donated to the ARDC at the University of Pittsburgh and to the Anatomic Gift Foundation for research and organ donation.

Dan was deeply loved and respected by all who knew him. He will be greatly missed.

Memorial Service at Temple Emanuel of the South Hills, 1250 Bower Hill Road, Mount Lebanon on Monday, November 3, 2025 at 4 PM. NO Prior Visitation.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Temple Emanuel of the South Hills (Pittsburgh) or to Casa San Jose (casasanjose.org/en/donate).

Arrangements entrusted to Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc. www.schugar.com

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