Dane Skuda Jr

In lieu of flowers we would like contributions to be made to Shepherd of the Coast Church 1901 E. Commercial Blvd, Ft Lauderdale or the Pompano Fire Museum 217 NE 4th Ave, Pompano Beach. Beloved husband, father, “PopPop”, brother, and friend, retired Pompano Beach, Florida, firefighter Dane Skuda fought his last fight and is now in heaven with Jesus. Dane is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Deanna, his three daughters, Dawn (Jones) of Charlotte, NC, Danielle (Isaak) of Hickory, NC and Deena (Schuenhoff) of Boca Raton, FL, grandsons Robby Schuenhoff, Dane Jones, Dawson Jones, Cole Isaak, granddaughter Summer Schuenhoff, brother Jeff Skuda, Jeff’s wife Susan, and numerous extended family members. Dane was preceded in death by his sister Kristy Skuda. Born in 1946, Dane proudly served in the United States Coast Guard during the Vietnam War as a Gunner’s Mate Third Class, most notably on an icebreaker in Antarctica. After discharge, Dane joined the Pompano Beach Fire Department. Dane dedicated himself toward expanding his education in Fire Sciences over the years and “served as a reservoir” for department staff officers. Dane’s exemplary service, innovation and leadership led to his promotion to Fire Lieutenant in 1979. Dane proudly served the City of Pompano Beach for thirty-one years, retiring in November of 2000. Along the way, Dane owned and operated Biscayne Fire Equipment Co., offering his expertise to Fire Departments across Florida with his vast knowledge, designing and equipping them with Fire-Rescue Apparatus and operational training. Dane loved to cruise with his wife Deanna, enjoying countless journeys on the seas. When not cruising, Dane and Deanna were avid RV’ers who enjoyed traveling the United States in their aptly named RV known as “Fire Escape”, often acting as campground hosts, charming and befriending everyone they met. Dane was a treasured friend, lover of animals and beloved boss to many. His sense of humor and infectious laugh were legendary, as was his mischievous side. Dane loved everything Jimmy Buffet and Margaritaville and did his best to live life in flip flops whenever possible! Dane continued to touch the lives of others while battling a very long illness. He served as inspiration, spokesman and on the Board of Directors of Memorial Rehabilitation Institute after becoming a legendary “miracle man” through his extraordinary hard work, resilience and will to live. At his passing, Dane was at home and at peace, surrounded by his beloved family who held his hand, talked about his many adventures and achievements and laughed recounting misadventures, mischief and humorous mishaps. Dane was an active member of the Shepherd of the Coast Church, 1901 E. Commercial Blvd., Ft. Lauderdale, FL, where services will be held on July 6, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. Following the service, please join family and friends for a party in his memory at Galuppi’s, 1103 N. Federal Highway, Pompano Beach, FL, just as Dane wished. Food will be served, and a cash bar provided. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Shepherd of the Coast Church or the Pompano Fire Museum at 217 NE 4th Ave Pompano Beach, FL 33060 would be appreciated. Dane touched countless lives in his life and work and left everyone with a smile. It’s 5:00 somewhere, Dane. Bubbles up!

Dane Skuda Jr

October 9, 1946 - June 24, 2024