Daniel Jacobson

Daniel H. Jacobson died peacefully on April 23, 2019, in Tucson, AZ at age 97. He was born in Chicago, IL, the eldest of three sons, to Harry and Gertrude Jacobson on January 4, 1922. Growing up in Chicago, Dan enjoyed sports, particularly baseball and basketball. He graduated from Marshal High School and earned a B.S. in Aeronautical Engineering from the Illinois Institute of Technology before joining the Navy in 1942. Dan was an officer aboard the USS Dayton during WWII. Just prior to his discharge from the Navy, he married the love of his life Natalie (Schulman), who served as a WAVE working for Naval Intelligence.

Dan's early professional life included engineering positions with Goodyear Aircraft Corp in Akron, OH where he also test piloted blimps. And for a few years, he played semi-pro basketball for the Akron Goodyears. Dan enjoyed a thirty-five year career as an aeronautical engineer and division manager with General Motors' Allison Aircraft Engine Division in Indianapolis, IN and Dayton, OH. The highlight of Dan's engineering endeavors was managing the development and manufacture of the first Vertical Take-Off and Landing aircraft engines. These VTOL engines are used in the Harrier and Osprey tactical jets, now deployed worldwide.

Dan and Natalie were married in 1945 and raised 3 children while living in Dayton and Indianapolis. They remained steadfast partners for 70 years until Natalie's death in 2015. They enjoyed international travel, golf and bridge together. Dan was active in community life as a member and officer of Beth Abraham synagogue, Congregation Beth-El Zedeck, and Broadmoor Country Club. He is survived by his children Michael (Wendy), Bruce (Ann), and Susan Kulak (Jerry), four grandsons and 7 great-grandchildren. His brothers, Irwin and Arthur, preceded him in death.

Family graveside services will be at Beth-El Zedeck Cemetery. The Jacobson family would like to offer their sincerest thanks to the caring staff of Sunrise Senior Living at River Road, Aron Baquet NP and Harmony Hospice.

A Navy Honor Guard will present flags to the family on behalf of Dan and Natalie's service during World War II At 12:30pm. The graveside funeral service will following the presentation.

Local arrangements entrusted to Aaron-Ruben-Nelson Mortuary.