Daniel G. Backman, of Reading Massachusetts, formerly of Melrose Massachusetts, passed away on March 7, 2021, at 71 years of age.

Daniel was born in Boston, Massachusetts on June 15, 1949, the son of the late Elizabeth (McKim) and Edwin Backman of North Reading. He was a graduate of Phillips Academy Andover and received his Doctor of Science from Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Daniel started his career as a Professor of Metallurgy at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and went on to spend 25 years working as a metallurgical engineer for General Electric Aircraft Engines. After retiring from General Electric, Daniel continued consulting with the US Airforce and Navy while serving as a research professor at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. He enjoyed hiking and skiing in New Hampshire, golfing, tennis, woodworking, and camping with his friends and family. He especially loved playing with his grandchildren. For many years, Daniel coached Melrose Youth Soccer and he also managed club soccer.

Daniel is survived by his wife of 50 years, Susan, his daughter Emily (Backman) McNaughton, her husband Christopher and two daughters (Eloise and Caroline) of Reading, MA, his son Daniel E. Backman, wife Jenny and two sons (Julian and Lucas) of Bedford, NH, and his sister Christine King and husband Matt of Chelmsford, MA. He was preceded in death by his sister Joan Backman of North Reading, MA.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Daniel's memory to either the Greater Boston Food Bank (70 South Bay Ave Boston, MA 02118) or the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (799 Washington Street, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425). A small memorial service for family and close friends will be held later in 2021.