Daniel Kay Craw, known to family and friends as Danny, passed away on January 12, 2026. He was born on October 27, 1949, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Donna Marie Baudino and was later adopted by Denzel Orion Craw.
Danny was raised in Milford and Minersville, Utah, where strong family ties shaped his early life. His love of music began in eighth-grade choir, a passion that would later lead him to meet the love of his life. He also took great pride in tracing his family genealogy, reaching back to the first Craw ancestor in 1630.
As a child, Danny lived in Lund, Utah, where his family was unknowingly exposed to nuclear fallout as part of the Downwinders community. He later lived throughout California and graduated from Point Loma High School in San Diego, Class of 1967. While in Vallejo, California, he earned the rank of Eagle Scout with Silver Palm.
Danny enlisted in the United States Navy in 1968 and proudly served for over 21 years. As a submarine-qualified Electronic Technician Chief, he served aboard five submarines, including the USS Tang, USS Gato, USS Philadelphia, USS Bremerton, and USS Augusta. His service included multiple deployments to the Western Pacific, Mediterranean, Indian Ocean, Persian Gulf, and North Atlantic, traveling around the world twice. He also served as an instructor at the Submarine School in Groton, Connecticut, before retiring from active duty.
Following his Navy career, Danny earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from the University of New Haven and worked as a defense contractor until his retirement.
Danny married Anne Nilsen in 1981, and together they shared nearly four decades of marriage and a lifetime of travel, exploring much of the United States, Europe, the Caribbean, and Asia. Anne preceded him in death in 2020.
An accomplished musician, Danny was a longtime member of the Mystic Highland Pipe Band, serving as Bass Drummer and later Drum Major. He was also active in numerous veteran and fraternal organizations.
Danny was preceded in death by his wife Anne; his parents; and his sisters Denise Craw Glowczewski and Debra May Craw.
He is survived by his stepdaughters, Lisa Stine Davis and Christine (Richard) Stine DeMeyer; four step-grandchildren; eight step-great-grandchildren; his brother Darrell; nieces and nephews; and many extended family members.
Danny will be remembered for his service, curiosity, love of music, and devotion to family.
A committal service will be held at Sarasota National Cemetery, 9810 State Rd 72, Sarasota, FL 34241 on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at 11:00 A.M.
Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel, 604 43rd Street West, Bradenton, FL 34209, is in charge of arrangements.
