Daniel “Bucky” Carik, 33, of Reston, Va., died peacefully Jan. 13, 2018, in the arms of his beloved wife Deanna Keil, originally of Allentown, after a two-year courageous battle with cancer. Born in Pittsburgh, he was a son of Henry “Hank” Carik and Susan (Bennett) Carik.

Even after relocating to Washington, D.C., he remained an avid Pittsburgh sports fan. He had a lifelong passion for the game of soccer. The soccer field was where he met his wife and their mutual love of the sport became the spark that lit the path of their relationship.

He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from Allegheny College in 2007 and a master’s of public and international affairs degree from the University of Pittsburgh in 2009. After completing graduate school, he worked briefly for the United States Department of State and most recently, as an associate with Booz Allen Hamilton. He developed advanced systematic solutions in support of national security initiatives.

He was committed to philanthropy, directing his attention to the hungry by organizing food drives and donating to food banks. He proudly dedicated his final months contributing to a cause close to his heart - Bridges FC, a nonprofit organization focused on the development of at-risk youth in Pittsburgh through the sport he admired most.

He is survived by his wife; parents; sisters, Gretchen and Anna; aunt Diane and her husband James Flynn; cousins Brian Flynn and Caitlin and her husband Matthew Evans; parents-in-law Bruce and Loretta Keil; sister-in-law, Alyssa Keil and loyal companion and rescue dog Jack. He is predeceased by a sister, Amy who died Aug. 23, 1978.

Memorial contributions may be made in his honor to Bridges FC, 333 38th St., Pittsburgh, 15201 or Doctors Without Borders, 333 7th Ave., New York, N.Y. 10001.

Arrangements were made by the Money & King Funeral Home, Vienna, Va.