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Daniel Mackessy
In Memory of
Daniel J.
Mackessy
1924 - 2018
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Obituary for Daniel J. Mackessy

Daniel J.  Mackessy
Dan Mackessy of Fayetteville died peacefully in the arms of his wife on Wednesday, January 3, 2017. Dan Mackessy was born in Chicago, Illinois on February 26, 1924.  His formative years were spent in St Patrick's Catholic School in (Chicago’s Southside neighborhood) during the Great Depression.  He had a five year scholarship at General Motor’s School in Flint, Michigan for architecture when WWII broke out, and he left to serve his country in the Navy in the Pacific theatre, where he was trained as an amphibious diesel mechanic as well as an electrician.  He served in 8 of the 9 major naval landings of WWII at places such as Bougainville, Guadalcanal, Okinawa and the Philippines.  After the war he returned home and worked as a Union IBEW Electrician, and he went to work for Santay Plastics in Chicago, working his way up in the company to the Eastern General Manager. Dan opened up a Plastic molding plant in Syracuse, NY. In 1962, Dan bought out Santay Plastics to open his own injection molding factory called Glomac Plastics at 432 North Franklin Street in Syracuse. At the time, Glomac Plastics had the largest injection molding equipment in New York State. Back then, Dan was a member of the board of directors of the CNY Chapter of the Society of Plastic Engineers. Dan retired from Glomac in 1994 and was a 70 year member of the IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers union).

Dan did his best to enjoy his life to the fullest.  He worked hard and played hard. Whether it was running multiple businesses that he owned or pursuing his hobbies, he always tackled every endeavor with an enduring relentlessness that was insatiable until he had achieved what he'd set out to accomplish.  He wore many hats throughout his life. He was an avid skier and certified professional ski instructor, sailor, real estate investor and landlord, road bicyclist and airplane pilot, manufacturing consultant and author. Dan had a black belt in judo from the Judo Black Belt Federation (Chicago Judo Yudanshakai). Those who knew Dan can attest to the determination he had to master whatever problem he confronted.  Whether he was battling a broken molding machine, or recognizing and correcting various business challenges, or battling any of the three cancers he had, he was always willing to share his experience with others who could benefit from his knowledge and insight.

Dan was a volunteer and supported the American Cancer Society’s Man to Man Support Group and Upstate’s Men to Men Prostate Cancer Support Group for over 20 years.  He was a facilitator for Man to Man 2002-2013. Dan was especially passionate about helping men dealing with prostate cancer.

Dan is predeceased by his father, James Mackessy; mother, Mary Mackessy; an infant brother, Frank Mackessy; and his first wife Gloria Mackessy.

Dan is survived by his wife, Joyce (Smith) Mackessy; sons, James Mackessy (wife Lori) and Edward Mackessy (wife Caroline); grandchildren, Daniel Mackessy, Donald Mackessy, Josiah Mackessy, James Mackessy, Edward Mackessy, Jacob Mackessy, and Kelly Maloney Kupferer; and great-grandchildren, Leland Mackessy, Caleb Mackessy, Conor Kupferer, and Charlotte Mackessy and Edward Mackessy.

The family wishes to thank all those who knew Dan and for being part of his life. He proudly leaves an amazing legacy of love and support for his friends and family. Dan lived a full life. He toiled and loved, and he has been loved in return.  

Calling hours will be Sunday, January 7th from 3-6 pm at Eaton-Tubbs Fayetteville Chapel, 7191 E. Genesee St., Fayetteville. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, January 8th at 10 am at Holy Cross Church, 4112 E. Genesee St., DeWitt. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, DeWitt.

Memorial contributions in Dan’s memory may be made to Men to Men Cancer Support, c/o The Upstate Foundation, Upstate Medical University, 750 E. Adams St., Syracuse, NY 13210.

To view or leave a condolence. Please visit our Condolences Page.

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