Daniel Sean Carik
November 29, 1984 ~ January 13, 2018
Daniel ("Bucky") Carik, age 33, passed away on Saturday, January 13, 2018 peacefully in the arms of his beloved wife Deanna Keil at their home in Reston, Virginia after his two-year courageous battle with cancer.
Daniel was born on November 29, 1984 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to Henry ("Hank") Carik and Susan (Bennett) Carik. Even after relocating to Washington, D.C., Daniel remained an avid Pittsburgh sports fan. He had a deep passion for the game of soccer which he played through youth, collegiate, and adult recreational levels. The soccer field was where he met his wife Deanna and their mutual love of the sport became the spark that lit the path of their relationship.
A true renaissance man, Daniel read fervently, learned voraciously, cooked cleverly, danced frenetically, and loved wholeheartedly. He was an intensely devoted husband and brightened every room he entered.
Daniel was committed to philanthropy and often directed his attention to the hungry by organizing food drives and donating to food banks. He proudly dedicated his final months contributing to a cause close to his heart - Bridges FC, a nonprofit organization focused on the development of at-risk youth in Pittsburgh through the sport he admired most.
Daniel received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Allegheny College in 2007 and a Master of Public and International Affairs from the University of Pittsburgh in 2009. After completing graduate school, he worked briefly for the United States Department of State. Most recently, as an Associate with Booz Allen Hamilton, Daniel developed advanced systematic solutions in support of national security initiatives. He was valued for his high-speed analytic mind, quick wit, respect for colleagues, and thrill for new strategies and challenging problems.
A testament to Daniel's gregarious nature and widespread benevolence, the support system throughout his life and in particular during his final two years was and continues to be loving and unwavering. This includes, but is not limited to, his family, his parents-in-law Bruce and Loretta Keil, sister-in-law Alyssa Keil, and his loyal companion and rescue dog Jack. Daniel also very much cherished his Allegheny men's soccer teammates, his friends from Pittsburgh and Washington, D.C., his coworkers at Booz Allen Hamilton, and the medical staff at both the Inova Schar Cancer Institute and The George Washington University Hospital.
Daniel is survived by his wife Deanna, father Hank, mother Susan, sisters Gretchen Carik and Anna Carik, aunt Diane (Bennett) Flynn with her husband James Flynn, cousins Brian Flynn and Caitlin (Flynn) Evans with her husband Matthew Evans. Daniel is predeceased by his sister Amy Carik who passed away on August 23, 1978.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Daniel's honor to Bridges Football Club, 333 38th Street Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15201, or to Doctors Without Borders.
Visitation hours will be on Saturday, January 27 from 12-3 pm at Money & King Funeral Home, 171 Maple Avenue West, Vienna, Virginia 22180. A celebration of Daniel's life will follow beginning at 4 pm at The Lake House, 11450 Baron Cameron Avenue, Reston, Virginia 20190.
Daniel was born on November 29, 1984 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to Henry ("Hank") Carik and Susan (Bennett) Carik. Even after relocating to Washington, D.C., Daniel remained an avid Pittsburgh sports fan. He had a deep passion for the game of soccer which he played through youth, collegiate, and adult recreational levels. The soccer field was where he met his wife Deanna and their mutual love of the sport became the spark that lit the path of their relationship.
A true renaissance man, Daniel read fervently, learned voraciously, cooked cleverly, danced frenetically, and loved wholeheartedly. He was an intensely devoted husband and brightened every room he entered.
Daniel was committed to philanthropy and often directed his attention to the hungry by organizing food drives and donating to food banks. He proudly dedicated his final months contributing to a cause close to his heart - Bridges FC, a nonprofit organization focused on the development of at-risk youth in Pittsburgh through the sport he admired most.
Daniel received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Allegheny College in 2007 and a Master of Public and International Affairs from the University of Pittsburgh in 2009. After completing graduate school, he worked briefly for the United States Department of State. Most recently, as an Associate with Booz Allen Hamilton, Daniel developed advanced systematic solutions in support of national security initiatives. He was valued for his high-speed analytic mind, quick wit, respect for colleagues, and thrill for new strategies and challenging problems.
A testament to Daniel's gregarious nature and widespread benevolence, the support system throughout his life and in particular during his final two years was and continues to be loving and unwavering. This includes, but is not limited to, his family, his parents-in-law Bruce and Loretta Keil, sister-in-law Alyssa Keil, and his loyal companion and rescue dog Jack. Daniel also very much cherished his Allegheny men's soccer teammates, his friends from Pittsburgh and Washington, D.C., his coworkers at Booz Allen Hamilton, and the medical staff at both the Inova Schar Cancer Institute and The George Washington University Hospital.
Daniel is survived by his wife Deanna, father Hank, mother Susan, sisters Gretchen Carik and Anna Carik, aunt Diane (Bennett) Flynn with her husband James Flynn, cousins Brian Flynn and Caitlin (Flynn) Evans with her husband Matthew Evans. Daniel is predeceased by his sister Amy Carik who passed away on August 23, 1978.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Daniel's honor to Bridges Football Club, 333 38th Street Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15201, or to Doctors Without Borders.
Visitation hours will be on Saturday, January 27 from 12-3 pm at Money & King Funeral Home, 171 Maple Avenue West, Vienna, Virginia 22180. A celebration of Daniel's life will follow beginning at 4 pm at The Lake House, 11450 Baron Cameron Avenue, Reston, Virginia 20190.
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Deanna first told me about Daniel when we met up to go to a Rusted Root concert in DC. We were eating hot dogs at Ben’s Chili Bowl and she tried to casually say she had met someone but it was clear that she was incredibly excited about Daniel and couldn’t wait to talk more about him. She told me they had met playing soccer and just from the way she talked about him I could tell she was already falling for him. She mentioned that she hadn’t told her parents about him yet, which made me feel extra close to her because I was one of the first family members to know about the love of Deanna’s life.
Daniel quickly become a regular member at our family’s Easter and Thanksgiving celebrations, fitting right in with our quirky family. He always amazed me because he seemed to know something about everything and could talk about any topic at length. He told the best stories and had us all laughing until our sides hurt! I came to think of him as my family almost from the first time I met him, and I always looked forward to sharing family time with him. He did not hesitate to participate in our annual Easter egg hunt, and Deanna and Daniel even came to help my family bake Christmas cookies one year.
My favorite memory of Daniel has always been from one of the first times I spent time with Daniel outside of a family gathering. Deanna and Daniel were living in their beautiful loft apartment in DC and I had gone to watch one of their soccer games and hang out. It was so much fun to watch Deanna and Daniel play soccer together. You could tell they were both each other’s biggest fans and closest teammates both on and off the field. It was so clear that the two of them were both head over heels in love with each other. Deanna had injured her ankle while playing, so she stayed back in the apartment icing her injury while we went to get drinks and food to grill. As Daniel was locking the door, he said “I don’t want anyone to steal her!”. It was such a simple and silly statement, but you could tell that he loved Deanna more than the world and it was nothing for him to make such a declaration of love when doing something as simple as locking the door before heading out.
Deanna and Daniel have been such an inspiration to me and to everyone they have met. Their love shone bright even in the darkest of times. They never stopped being there for each other and they always stood strong together. No one else has half the courage and strength that they have. Even though Daniel has gone home to heaven, I know he will still always be there for Deanna, his family, and his friends. He will always be with us and his memories will live on in our hearts forever.
All my love forever,
Lynea
On behalf of all his classmates from GSPIA, especially our small group that started in January 2008, you have our deepest condolences. I lost touch with Daniel over the years, but when we heard the news a few months ago, we all reunited in prayer for him. Even when I wrote him to tell him he was in my thoughts, he didn’t want the attention on him. I love the picture because that is exactly how I remember him – happy with a love for life, and a knowledge to talk at length on any subject, as said by his family. I’m so sorry for your unbearable loss, and my love goes out to Deanna, whom I’ve never had the pleasure of meeting, but I know she is nothing short of incredible and strong. – Joumana (King) Delatte
I was fortunate enough to have known Daniel – and been a beneficiary of his intelligence, energy and wit. I served as Director of the Ford Institute at the University of Pittsburgh, and Daniel was truly one of the foundations upon which the place was built during my tenure. Always deeply committed to the Institute’s work on the protection of vulnerable populations, always reliable and professional, and yet always patient and good-humored with those less adept or gifted. And on the few occasions when he relaxed at work, I could rely on Daniel to mercilessly rib me about the latest failings of my English soccer team. Truly, to have known him was a gift. Few who pass so young leave behind such an enormous legacy.
Simon Reich
Bucky was the sweetest soul, my condolences to his family.
I don’t have any memories of any college parties where you weren’t smiling, laughing, or joking around. Cosmic hugs. Rest easy Bucky.
Bucky was one of the first people I met during preseason training before our freshman year at Allegheny started. His genuine kindness was apparent from the start, and it never wavered throughout our four years of college. My deepest condolences to his family and friends- he was truly a gift and I feel so fortunate to have known him.
I continue to be at a loss for words. Dan was always one I had pegged as a mover & shaker. I thought for sure he’d be influencing policy long past my death, outliving us all.
To have lost him so soon seems ridiculously sad and unfair.
Dan came on at the Ford Institute when I started organizing student data collection – super intelligent, a self-starter – didn’t need much direction… one of the easiest people to work with. He worked long hours, his data was quality, and I knew that when he came to me with something, it would be an idea I could run with. I remember spending hours and hours crunching numbers with him around the Ford conference table. As others have mentioned, Dan was always quick with a joke and was amazing at getting other people to smile. I remember once, and I think I still have it framed somewhere – he drew me a map of Sudan that still makes me smile just thinking about it.
Another time, he was assisting me with training new student volunteers, and as is wont to happen, I used an acronym when I shouldn’t have and ended up confusing the new volunteers. Dan helpfully suggested that DDR might definitely stand for Dance Dance Revolution – and probably not Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration. Probably definitely not. I may or may not still use that joke.
Deanna, I’m so sorry for your loss. He was truly one of the best.
Penelope, I completely forgot about the DDR reference. Such a wonderful tribute.
Last I saw him near the end of 2017, Daniel bounded up those perilous stairs at Andrew and Steven’s new home belting the Rocky tune with his arms over his head. Your loss is great. He was a rock star. And Deanna, you are infused with his love and his life- -what a rare and beautiful thing. Treasure your memories and take solace in knowing that he knew he was loved. Be at peace beautiful Deanna. Take care of yourself, because Daniel would want that so very much.
Kathy West
My thoughts, prayers are with you Deanna. The few times I was in Daniel’s company it was so enjoyable and very comfortable. He had the knack of making everyone feel like they were the only one in his company. I still remember our conversation at Mary Beth’s rehearsal dinner. I knew he was a keeper for you.
I will always remember him since he was born the same day I was just a lot of years later. Love you sweetie.
Hank, prayers and condolences to you and your family during this most difficult times. May your warm memories sustain you during this period and beyond. Sincerely Beth Philburn
I played soccer with Bucky in DC and we worked for the same firm. He was always full of piss and vinegar (in the best manner possible) and never failed to show up to work and the field without a smile. He was smart, kind, and just an all-around great person, and I’m sad to have learned that he lost his fight to cancer. Thoughts and prayers are with you all!
Dear Hank. I was so saddened to hear of Daniel’s passing. I remember how often you spoke of him. I will keep your family in my thoughts and prayers. Pam Sapienza
He was one of a kind. Brilliant yet humble, a man’s man though sensitive enough to always be there for a friend in need. We spent a lot of time together and I learned more about how to live from him than from anyone else I have ever met in my 65 years. I will miss you so much my brother from another mother.
Deanna and family, Sometimes there just aren’t right words to say that can come and help take away your pain and sorrow. So all we can do is pray and thinking of you. We are asking God to wrap his arms around you and bring you peace and comfort as only he can do. What you both had was something beautiful and precious. You’ve battled thru things that others couldn’t even imagine and yet you stayed and true and faithful to each words of your vows, For better and worse, sickness and health and even until death. Your love for one another will always remain. The coming days will be difficult but remember you have a ton of people who love you and will be there for you. Don’t be afraid to lean on them. Try to take care of yourself too. Our goodbyes aren’t forever, just I will see you again. Praying for you now and always. Love your cousin, Shawn Stutzman
Deanna and all who love Bucky –
As you gather to grieve, to celebrate, and remember, know that our love, thoughts, and prayers are with you as you travel this next journey. Much love, Sylvia & Victor Pituch / Allentown
Missing this character more and more each day. Looking forward to celebrating the life of my dear husband with our family and friends on Saturday.
So sorry for your loss. I remember helping you coach him in soccer.