“I would like the memory of me to be a happy one.” On March 24 God called our Dan from being with us to now watching over us as one of our Angels. A true man of God, Dan lived his life for the Lord; leading a life of service to others.

If you knew Dan, you would know he would not appreciate being the center of attention even in this manner. Well, we can think of no better time to celebrate your life and let others know how you made others lives better, both two and four legged. Although many things were done anonymously, we pulled together the areas of service that we were able to reluctantly squeeze out of Dan over the years. He was a volunteer in various areas of both church and community spanning across multiple populations. A brilliant mind, he never forgot a birthday or anniversary (party or card) bringing humor and extreme wit as a gift to the party. He shared his home with nephew Jordan (who hoped to return the favor one day) while he attended college. We are not sure how many walks were shoveled, lawns mowed, houses watched and pets fed over the years but we bet if you were the recipient of one or more of them, you appreciated it (and likely paid him with home cooking). He always made sure his nieces and nephews (great nieces and nephews more recently) had enough (snacks, funds, household supplies and well thought out gifts).

He was a lover of living things including animals, plants and being in nature. An avid reader of his bible, newspaper, magazines and more, he would retain the information beyond belief and be able to recall it at any point. Like any Frederick, Dan loved television; his taste was so good and eclectic (ranging from the silly humor of The Nanny to the serious police drama of Blue Bloods) but would often remind us, “Don’t plan your whole life around TV!”

He is now acting as an Angel to all of us but, while here on earth, took a genuine interest in and played the main role as a Dad to four-legged loyal Ranger, beautiful Willow, cuddly Patches and sweet Dixie. He filled the role as a witty and dedicated brother to Maria and Bill who all had a true, genuine, bond. Joked, thoroughly loved and shared great memories with his sister and brother-in-law’s Terry and George. He shined, thrived and was deeply loved as an uncle by Jordan, Jared, Amanda, Brian, Katie, Kristina, Vinny, Justin and Challon. Filled with joy to be a Great Uncle to Briella, Timara, Kennen, Rhett, and Harrison. Dan cherished lifelong friendships, including Shawn and Karen, and shared laughter and travels with dear friends Gloria, Ellen, Karen, Jack and Vera, Francie, Doug and Carolyn, Nick and Elaine, Terri H., and his lifelong friend Mary S. He was also deeply valued by his coworkers, especially Molly and Celeste, and his entire office team.

While reading this, he may be blushing… wishing nobody knew all of these things about him or, at the very least, had a say in the grammar that was used above. However, these are the things we want others to read about a man that we so genuinely loved. We cannot seem to encapsulate all that we would like to convey in this tribute regarding a life well lived by our cherished brother, dearest uncle, playful great-uncle, beloved friend and coworker.

He now resides indefinitely, in great company, with our family angels, his favorite angel being his mother, Dorothy. With a hard work ethic like his father, somehow Heaven just got a little tidier (scheduled every Saturday morning) and is working a little more efficiently. Where do broken hearts go Dan?

Visitation with family and friends will be Saturday, March 28, from 10:00-noon, followed by a memorial service at Copeland Funeral Home, 867 Fifth Avenue, Coraopolis. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Coraopolis Train Station Project or to your favorite animal organization. Daniel’s funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Parzynski Funeral Home & Cremations LLC, Family Owned and Operated, 626 Broad Avenue, Belle Vernon 724-929-6183. Interment will take place in Belle Vernon Cemetery at a later date.