Daniel (Danny) Clune Goger, 83, of Brick Township, passed away peacefully Aug. 25, 2026, comforted by his loving family and his dedicated caregivers.
Born May 30, 1943, in Rahway, he was the son of Francis J. and Virginia Anne Clune Goger. Danny lived his childhood in Roselle Park and Elizabeth until he moved to Red Bank with his family at the age of 13.
Daniel graduated from Red Bank Catholic High School in 1962, where he discovered his love of history and was captain of the golf team. After high school, Danny joined the United States Army Reserve and completed his basic training at Fort Dix. He served for six years on monthly drills and summer deployments.
Danny attended then-Monmouth College in West Long Branch and got his start in business management for the Springfield Kelly Tire Company. He eventually transferred to the Chicago area, where he worked as a regional manager until his love of horses called him to the horse racing industry.
Danny spent most of his life traveling the racetrack circuit from city to city across the country, eventually settling in Hot Springs, Arkansas. After retiring, he returned to the East Coast to be reunited with family and friends.
Danny lived independently for several years after moving back to the Long Branch area. He spent the last chapter of his life in memory care at Shorrock Gardens in Brick Township, where he endeared himself to the staff with his antics.
Danny had an exceptionally generous spirit, willing to lend a helping hand whenever possible. He was a lover of animals, traveling, a good book and, especially celebrating life with friends and family.
Danny was predeceased by his parents, Francis J. and Virginia A. Goger; sister, Pamela Pisco and her husband, Mike Pisco; and brother-in-law, Frank Caruso.
He is survived by his sisters, Patricia Caruso and Deborah Goger and his brother, Francis Goger, and his wife Elisabeth. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews: Sharon Jemes and her husband Jim; Perry Caruso and his wife Jing; Carol Caruso; Jerry Caruso and his wife Amy; Annelies Goger and her partner Ricardo Roda; Nicole Kavanaugh and her husband Michael; and Michael Goger and his wife Pauline; along with five great-nieces and nephews.
A memorial service for Danny will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Sept. 26, at the John E. Day Funeral Home in Red Bank.
Danny was very passionate about the horses he cared for. Memorial contributions can be sent to Home Stretch Horse Rescue, 509 Forest Road, Perkasie, PA 18944.
The article originally appeared in the September 10 – 16, 2026 print edition of The Two River Times.
