Rockport - Daniel L. O'Maley, 66, of Rockport, Massachusetts, passed away on Friday, July 24, 2026. He was the beloved husband of Patricia A. O'Maley and the son of Lawrence E. O'Maley and the late Sarah J. "Sally" O'Maley.

Dan grew up in Essex, where his lifelong love of the ocean began at an early age. Like many Essex boys, he started working on the water when he was just 12 years old, heading out in his own clamming boat to dig clams for local restaurants. He attended St. John's Preparatory School and went on to earn a degree in marine biology from the University of New England in Biddeford, Maine.

After graduating, Dan worked as an inspector for NOAA before returning to the water and eventually owning and operating his own fishing boat out of Gloucester. The ocean remained an important part of his life, but it was far from his only passion.

Dan also had a lifelong love for classic vehicles and restored several of them over the years with extraordinary attention to detail. Among his favorites were his orange Ford Bronco, green Chevy Blazer, and his 1969 Chevy truck, "Black Betty." Dan and Pat enjoyed traveling to car shows throughout New England, where Black Betty earned several trophies and Dan always made plenty of friends along the way.

Nearly a decade ago, Dan turned his love of cars into Sandy Bay Auto Detail in Rockport. His dogs Roux and Boone, and most recently Broo, were affectionately known as his "shop managers" and were often close by while he worked.

Dan was truly one of a kind. Charming and quick with a joke, he was a natural storyteller and a prankster, blessed with the Irish gift of gab. He could make people laugh, draw them into conversation, and leave a lasting impression wherever he went. Beneath that larger-than-life personality was a man with a generous heart. Through his involvement with Alcoholics Anonymous, Dan helped many people through some of the most difficult times in their lives. He was deeply loved by the many people whose lives he touched.

Dan was predeceased by his mother, Sally O'Maley, with whom he shared a very special bond; his grandparents, James and Helen McCarthy, who were an important part of his life; and his paternal grandparents, Edward and Linda O'Maley.

In addition to Pat, his wife of 42 years, Dan is survived by his father, Lawrence E. O'Maley of Essex; his sisters, Katherine J. Goodnow and her husband, Bruce, of Newburyport, and Patricia M. Byrne and her husband, John, of Essex, and his niece and nephew, Delaney Byrne of Cambridge and Patrick Byrne of Chicago, Illinois.

Dan is also survived by his sister-in-law, Carol Acciavatti, and her husband, Michael, of Beverly; his much-loved niece and nephew, Nicole Acciavatti of Peabody and Joseph Acciavatti of Dracut; his brother-in-law, David Leighton, his wife, Carol, and nephew, Thomas, all of Beverly; and his brother-in-law, Paul Leighton, his wife, Donna, and nieces, Kayla and Chelsea, all of Florida.

For Dan and Pat, their dogs were family and an incredibly special part of the life they shared. Dan adored each of them, and those who knew and loved him can find comfort in imagining him reunited with Wile, Gunther, Moe, Roux, and Boone. He leaves behind Broo, his newest love and faithful "shop manager."

Dan's family is deeply grateful for the kindness and support they have received. No services are planned at this time. Those wishing to honor Dan's memory may make a contribution to a charity of their choice. Arrangements by the Greely Funeral Home, 212 Washington Street, Gloucester. For online condolences, please visit www.greelyfuneralhome.com