Daniel A. Dessner

Daniel A. Dessner passed peacefully at home, at age 60, on Feb. 3, 2024. Dan was born in New York City in 1963 on April 1. He graduated from St. John's Jesuit High School and Kenyon College. He was active in both regional tennis competitions as well as on both school teams and as a drummer in several bands during these years. On the first day of medical school at the University of Cincinnati Dan met the woman with whom he would spend the rest of his life, Jonna McRury, a classmate and, coincidentally, a Toledoan. He prospered in medical school, and due to his excellent academic achievements, was named AOA. Jonna and Dan married on June 26, 1987, and "matched" to St. Louis University for their residencies. Dan completed his internship and residency in radiology at St. Louis University. He completed his fellowship in pediatric radiology at the University of Michigan. Dan's first, and last, job was with Toledo Radiological Associates (TRA) in Toledo, back home near his and his wife's families. During his 28 years with TRA, Dan served three terms as its president (2008 to 2014) as well as serving on its Board in various capacities. In 2003, Dan was a founding member of Physicians for the Effective Delivery of Services (PEDS), a group advocating for only one children's hospital in the Toledo metropolitan area. Due to his stance, and despite being Chief of Staff, Dan was removed from his position on the Board of the Toledo Children's Hospital. Subsequently, Dan and Jonna moved to Columbus, where he worked at Columbus Children's Hospital. Missing Toledo, they returned home in 2005. His value and commitment to the medical staff at Toledo Children's Hospital was once again quickly apparent to all, and he thereafter served on the Board of Toledo Children's from 2011 to 2016. Dan loved teaching. He donated his time to preparing radiology residents for their Boards, and he thoroughly enjoyed imparting his knowledge to the doctors in training. He was a highly desired and audience-pleasing speaker at conferences and educational seminars for his wealth of knowledge and his witty and amusing way of conveying information. In 2013, he was inducted as a Fellow of the American College of Radiology. He was also a member of the Caffey Society, and the Eastern Radiological Society. Dan took up golf after his medical studies, becoming a student of the game and its history. He enjoyed membership at Toledo Country Club and Inverness Club, where he spent many happy hours hitting the links, dining, and socializing. Golfing took him far and wide, including his favorite resorts of Sand Hills, Bandon Dunes, Pebble Beach, and Ballyneal. His interest in sports cars reaches back to his teenage years - his first car was a Volkswagen Golf GTI, advancing to several Porsches, and then his Ferrari Roma, and including memberships in the MVR Porsche Club of America and the Ferrari Club of America. Dan was an oenophile, and greatly enjoyed his local wine group. Dan had a gift for getting the most out of life, which he enjoyed with gusto and humor. He was also a fine philanthropist, contributing to causes that matched his values. His charm, compassion, intelligence, and generosity will be missed by many friends and family, and he will be held in their hearts and stories for years to come. Daniel was predeceased by his father, Lawrence Dessner. He is survived by his loving wife of 36 years, Jonna McRury, his mother, Phyllis Dessner, and sister, Susan Dessner. Additionally, Dan very much enjoyed being "Uncle Dan" to his seven nieces and nephews. The family would like to extend grateful thanks to the many medical professionals who took care of Daniel, and to the nurses of the Hickman Cancer Center and Ohio Living Home Health and Hospice, for their excellent service and exceptional kindness. A commemorative celebration will be held at Inverness Club (4601 Dorr St.), on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, from 4:00 to 8:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to First Tee - Lake Erie, an organization dedicated to helping youth through golf education:

Daniel A. Dessner

April 1, 1963 - February 3, 2024