Daniel Cernoch,

Daniel Joseph Cernoch, Sr., died on January 15, 2013 at his residence in Manassas, Va. Daniel Cernoch was born in North TX on June 5, 1926 and grew up in the Bomarton, Texas Community. Shortly before completing high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, and upon graduation reported for active duty to Parris Island, S.C. After a brief period of post-boot camp training at Camp Lejeune, N.C., he was sent for further training on the island of Guadalcanal in the South Pacific. On Easter Sunday, April 1, 1945, his 6th Marine Division invaded the island of Okinawa. After securing Okinawa, his division was moved to the island of Guam to train for the invasion of the Japanese mainland. Following the surrender of Japan, his division was moved to the city of Tsingtao on Shantung Peninsula, China, to accept the surrender of the occupying Japanese forces, and repatriation of the Japanese troops and their families to Japan. During his service with the 6th Marine Division, Daniel Cernoch served as an infantryman, an infantry squad leader, and company clerk. He was released from active duty in August, 1946. Upon his return to Texas, he enrolled at what is now Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, TX and received his Bachelor Of Science Degree In 1950. Being a member of the Marine Corps Reserve, he was ordered back to active duty in the Korean War in the fall of 1951. He served over a year as a Senior Non-Commissioned Officer instructing Marines in infantry tactics until his release to inactive duty in November, 1951. He enrolled at Baylor University, Waco, TX, and received his Master Of Science Degree In 1953. He taught at Crosby (Texas) High School and at H.M. King High School at Kingsville, TX. While at Baylor, he was recruited by the Central Intelligence Agency, and accepted a position in June, 1954. He served in various capacities in his employment with the agency until his retirement in December, 1977. In retirement, he did volunteer work, enjoyed home gardening, and treasured time with his family. He is survived by two daughters, Joyce E. D'Eugenio and her husband Michael of Manassas, VA, and Jan M. Kershaw and her husband Rod of Industry, TX; two sons, Daniel J. Cernoch, Jr. and his wife Joette, of Haymarket, VA, and Kevin M. Cernoch and his wife Dianne of Nokesville, VA. Also surviving are 11 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by an infant son, James T. Cernoch; his adoptive parents, Frank and Anna Cernoch; and an adoptive sister, Emily Cernoch. The family will receive family and friends Sunday, January 27th from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. followed by a funeral service at 2:00 PM at Pierce Funeral Home in Manassas, VA. Burial will be held Monday, January 28th at 1100 A.M at Quantico National Cemetery in Quantico, VA. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The American Red Cross, 9317 West St., Manassas, VA 20110 or The Leukemia Lymphoma Society, PO Box 9031, Pittsfield, MA 01212. Condolences may be sent to www.piercefh.com.

Daniel Cernoch,

June 5, 1926 - January 15, 2013