Longtime local builder dies

Tom Danis died Saturday at the age of 67.

Thomas James Danis — of both Dayton and Naples, Fla. — and his company played a key role in an array of memorable local buildings.

“Tom was a loving husband, father, and grandfather who was active in the Dayton community throughout his life, both as a business leader and philanthropist.” his obituary says.

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His company, Danis, was involved in the construction of Kettering Tower, downtown Dayton’s tallest building at 405 feet. The Danis family’s 101-year-old company was also involved in the building of RiverScape, the Schuster Performing Arts Center (in a joint venture with Messer) and the recently completed 8-story, 285,000-square-foot patient tower for Dayton Children’s Hospital, besides many other key local construction projects.

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Born in Dayton on Sept. 28 1949, Danis was the second son of Benjamin and Helen Danis.

"Tom knew from an early age that he wanted to run the BG Danis Construction Co. which was started by his grandfather in 1916," his obituary says. "Upon graduation from the University of Michigan MBA program, he fulfilled that dream and ran Danis Construction until 2004."

Danis built 2 Riverplace and the Premier Health Center Building and much else besides in the city. A list of Danis projects reads almost like a “who’s who” of local architectural work. The Engineers Club. Victoria Theater. Sinclair Community College’s downtown campus. Miami Valley South. And much more.

Tom also dedicated much of his time to philanthropic work, serving on the boards of the University of Dayton, Chaminade-Julienne High School and of the Dayton Foundation, his obit noted.

“He was a tireless advocate and fundraiser for a variety of Dayton initiatives, most recently to helping to create the downtown Dayton Schuster Center for the Arts,” his obit says.

In 2015 Tom married his wife Georgia. Tom never enjoyed Ohio winters and eventually made his home in Naples, a city he loved second only to Dayton, according to his obit.

A Mass of Christian burial is scheduled for Thursday at St. Albert the Great Catholic Church, 3033 Far Hills Ave., Kettering.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the any Dayton based charity. Condolences may be sent to www.tobiasfuneralhome.com

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