The Life of Dan

Our dear husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend, Dan von der Embse, passed away suddenly on February 3, 2015 in Salt Lake City, Utah of a pulmonary embolism. He was 59 years old.

Dan was born on December 7th 1955 in Mansfield, Ohio to Charles Vonder Embse and Kathleen (Schmutzler) Vonder Embse. He grew up in Mansfield and attended Ashland University, graduating with a degree in theater before embarking on a long and successful career in advertising.

Dan married Jayne, and became the very proud father of Alex von der Embse. He later married his best friend and love of his life, Gina Pingitore. Dan cherished time spent with Gina at their Westlake Village home, and on their many trips together abroad. He especially loved their long journeys to Italy, where he felt a deep kinship and connection to the Italian people and their culture. Dan and Gina planned to retire there.

Dan was a quietly passionate man of many layers. He had a quick and disarming wit, and he knew just how and when to use it. He loved good food, great art, fine wine, and close company. He loved his family. He was the friend who could be counted on and a trusted mentor to many. An accomplished poet with a curious mind and romantic soul, he was a master interpreter of life’s rich cadence.

Dan is survived by his beloved wife Gina, daughter Alex, brothers Ed, Chuck and Mark, their children Mark Jr., Beth, Susan, and Haley, brother-in-law David and his wife Joan and son Nicholas, and his devoted canine companion, Stella. His sudden loss is a tremendous blow that is difficult to process. The grief felt by all who loved him is profound. We will miss him terribly.

A celebration of Dan’s life will be held on February 11th, 3pm at the Four Seasons, Westlake Village. Donations can be made to Best Friends Animal Society https://secure.bestfriends.org/page/contribute/memory or the San Francisco Symphony Youth Orchestra http://www.sfsymphony.org/Youth-Family/Youth-Orchestra.