Daniel A. “Dano” Nakrosis, 57 of Kearny, co-creator of the funny animal “Conservation Corps” comic book series and a long-time New York Mets fan, died suddenly on July 21, 2020.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation for Dan at the Armitage & Wiggins Funeral Home, 596 Belgrove Dr. Kearny on Friday from 5-8 PM. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Stephen’s Church in Kearny on Saturday at 11 AM. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery.
Born in Bayonne, Dan’s coloring, lettering and artwork graced the pages of all the major comics publishers across a wide genre of books. His work history included stints at DC, Marvel, Wildstorm, Walt Disney and Archie, among many others; on titles including “Aquaman,” manga versions of “Spiderman,” “The X-Men” and the “Conservation Corps,” also known as the “Eco Crew.” He also worked as a writer, editor and publisher for over 30 years with most of the major names in the U.S. comic book industry. For many years, Dan ran a studio which specialized in producing translations of Japanese manga comics for Western audiences.
Dan was also a graphic artist who’s advertising and promotional work was used by many companies, including Trader Joe’s.
A graduate of Queen of Peace High School in North Arlington and the Joe Kubert School of Cartoon Art in Dover, NJ, Dan was also very active as a member of the National Cartoonist Society, serving as the New Jersey Chapter President and in other officer positions over several decades. He was a regular attendee of the NCS’ Reuben Awards ceremony, and often worked as a member of the group’s election committee, helping to collect and compile votes for the award which honors the Cartoonist of the Year.
Along with a life-long love of the New York Mets, Dan was an avid fan of the New York Knicks, New York Rangers, Miami Dolphins and the English Premier League, and the music of bands including Kansas, Marillion, Prefab Sprout and The Magnetic Fields.
He was a collector of sports and comic related art and memorabilia and was always ready with a comic quip or bad pun.
Dan was the dear son of the late John Nakrosis. He is survived by his loving mother Elena, brothers John and Stephen and his wife Sarah, sisters Catherine and Elizabeth Mortimer and her husband Robert, nephews Thomas and Laurance, nieces Athena and Mary, and numerous cousins and friends.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the St. Stephen’s Heritage Fund, 141 Washington Ave. Kearny, NJ 07032.