Dan Dersam, 74 years old, passed away August 27, 2022. Danny Frank Dersam was born in Columbus, Ohio to his parents Ed and Alta Mae Dersam. His family moved to Tucson, Arizona in the early 1960’s. He graduated from Tucson High while playing baseball and football for state championship teams. He went on to play collegiate football and eventually get a degree in Education and a Masters in Sports Psychology. During this time, he met his wife Annabelle and started coaching high school and collegiate football throughout Arizona, New Mexico and Texas.
In the early 2000’s, he qualified as a PGA professional and began teaching and coaching golf. He won coaching honors while at Eastern Arizona College and Scottsdale Community College.
He was a great Husband, Dad, Grandfather, Brother, friend and dog owner to Angel and Nike. He is survived by his wife Annabelle, from Safford, Arizona. This past July, they were married for 53 years. He was very proud and would talk to anyone about his two sons, Michael and Gabriel, both who are Orthopedic surgeons. Michael lives in Phoenix and has 3 children. Gabriel lives in Lafayette, Louisiana with his wife Sharon and their 7 children. He has 2 sisters in Phoenix, Patty and Tammy. He will now join his parents in heaven along with a sister and brother who have passed away.
He was always happy to take the grandkids to school (even though he drove much slower than the kids would’ve liked), help with dog watching duties, putting Christmas toys together, and being available to come over last minute to help with anything. Aside from playing golf, coaching and helping out he liked watching the Diamondbacks, the Suns and was an avid hockey fan. He looked forward to watching the hockey playoffs every night no matter who was playing.
He will be missed by all who knew him. He loved to be around the golf course teaching and giving advice. He enjoyed talking to everyone he met and was always encouraging. He continuously stressed the importance of hard work and would like to say, “if you are going to do something, do it the right way and that your last name should mean something that others would remember you by.”
A visitation will be held at 10am with funeral service to honor Dan’s life to begin at 11am on Saturday, September 10, 2022 at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E Indian School Road in Phoenix, AZ 85018.
Debbie Dersam & family
Annabelle and family,
We are saddened to hear of Danny’s passing. it was always a dream that one day we could come to arizona and meet your family. Know that our thoughts and prayers are with you in the days, weeks and months ahead.
mary a jones
Our hearts go out to you all . take care Wish we could have know him more. Uncle Nelson will be thinking of you. Hugs God Bless You will be in our prayers.