Danny A. Dalton

We are saddened to share that Danny Allen Dalton of Crofton, Maryland, died at the age of 86 October 19, 2022 surrounded by family after a brief illness.  Danny is survived by his wife Elynor Dalton of 63 years, children Jeff and Janel; son-in-law David Cassard and grandchildren Kristin and Andrew.

Danny was born April 22, 1936 in Elwood, Indiana to Mary and Allen Dalton.  Danny grew up with his siblings Howard (deceased) Dalton and sister Charlotte Height of Anderson, IN.  He attended Frankton High School in which he played basketball and participated in track and field.  He went on to study at Purdue University where he earned his BS in Electrical Engineering and met his wife and lifelong best friend Elynor. 

After graduating from Purdue, Danny accepted a job at Bendix Corporation in Towson, Maryland as a Project Engineer on Project Mercury supporting the testing of worldwide tracking ground stations before liftoff of the spacecraft.  Soon after, he accepted a position with NASA Goddard Space Flight Center in 1962 where he became the Head of the Digital Data Systems Branch of the Manned Flight Engineering Division.  His branch performed the required design, development and display/timing systems required for the Manned Space Flight Network.  He helped work and develop technology and electronics that were used in multiple spacecraft at Goddard including: Gemini, Apollo, Tracking Data and Relay System (TDRS), Shuttle, Hubble and the James Webb telescope.  Although he received numerous accolades for his contributions at NASA, he was known to his peers as always giving credit to others and not himself.

Danny had a love & talent for taking things apart. Be it tinkering with cars, fixing appliances, stereo’s or TV’s, he could easily put them all back together; often they ended up in better shape than when he started.

Danny volunteered thru many different organizations including the Crofton Athletic Association, Anne Arundel Recreation and Parks, Kiwanis and their CUMC church in Crofton.  Danny enjoyed  using his skills working audio, video and IT support for church services and functions.  Danny was a Mason and a Shriner.

Danny enjoyed following Jeff and Janel’s childhood sports careers, coached baseball and would attend their events. He loved being a Grandpa to his grandchildren and cherished living so close to them.  He treasured spending time with family and friends in any setting including attending Maryland basketball games, family celebrations and Sunday gatherings with he and Elynor’s friends from church.

Visitation will be held at the Beall Funeral Home 6512 Crain Hwy, Bowie, MD 20715

Friday, November 4^th from 6-8:00pm.  Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, November 5^th at 11:00am at the Community United Methodist Church in Crofton MD, 1690 Riedel Rd, Crofton, MD 21114, luncheon will be served immediately following the service in the church hall.