Daniel Steve Cvacho

Daniel S. Cvacho, 90 of Willow Valley Communities, Lancaster, PA passed away on Wednesday, September 9, 2015. Born December 10, 1924 in Richmond, VA, son of the late Leo and Pauline Cvacho. He was married to Evelyn B. Cvacho with whom he shared 69 years of marriage. Dan graduated from Varina High School in 1942. He then attended the VPI extension school in Richmond, VA studying machine design. He was first employed for two years by the Army Corps of Engineers, after which he joined Reynolds Metals Co. as a machine design engineer. While at Reynolds he completed his training in mechanical engineering at the ICS Institute. Dan served in various capacities within Reynolds, such as Chief Mechanical Engineer, Division Engineer, Chief Engineer in several divisions, Assistant Director of Research, and Director of Research Engineering. He also did extensive consulting engineering and development for a host of new products and machinery for other companies. While at Reynolds, Dan held many US and foreign patents. He retired from Reynolds in 1975 and started Cvacho Research and Development Co. and partnered with Belgium Tool and Die Co. in Lynchburg, VA to form Belvac Production Machinery Co. While at Belvac, Dan designed beverage can manufacturing machinery. Today over ninety percent of the worlds beverage cans are manufactured on Belvac machinery. Dan’s highest achievement came in the mid 1960’s when he was introduced to Jesus Christ. He found that by accepting God’s free gift of forgiveness through Jesus that he would achieve eternal life in heaven. Dan has said that this is the greatest discovery that anyone can make and it is the only one of any real value as it determines their eternal destiny. Dan is preceeded in death by one son Dan Jr., two sisters, and one brother. In addition to his wife, Dan is survived by one son Ken (Mary Kay) of Forest, VA, one brother Joe (Virginia) of Lancaster, PA, four grandchildren, five great grandchildren, and other extended family. The family will receive friends Tuesday, September 15, 6-8pm at Nelsen Funeral Home, Richmond, VA. The funeral will be held Wednesday, September 16, 11am at Nelsen Funeral Home with Dr. Paul Hatmacher officiating. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to Restoration Academy, 4600 Carnegie Ave., Fairfield, AL 35064, or Churches In Missions, PO Box 51519, Durham, NC 27717. Please note on checks “for Cvacho memorial”.