Daniel Phillips (LeClair) of Allentown, Pennsylvania, passed away unexpectedly Thursday, January 29th. Originally from Massachusetts, Dan remained a Bostonian at heart, making frequent trips home to visit friends and family, cheer on his beloved Boston sports teams, and do all the Boston things he loved, from theater nights to beach days and sightseeing.
Dan was a bright and beautiful soul. His love was big, his laugh bigger, and his hugs the biggest. Honest, unapologetic, deeply loyal, and quick-witted, Dan was unforgettable. Dan had a remarkable talent for finding humor where you least expected it - sometimes when it probably wasn’t appropriate, but always when it was needed. Time with him meant good food, deep conversations, road trips & adventures.
A huge dog lover, Dan was deeply devoted to his dog, Phantom, whose companionship and loyalty meant the world to him. He found joy in theater, peace by the ocean, and he loved a good all-you-can-eat buffet.
Dan earned his undergraduate degree from Salem State University, where he found a true sense of community and was deeply passionate about his studies in social work. He went on to complete graduate studies at Cedar Crest College, earning two Master’s degrees in special education.
Dan’s work in education was rooted in his endless empathy and his deep, unwavering belief in the potential of everyone. He taught for many years in the Allentown School District and at a charter school serving students with special needs. He found particular joy directing student theater productions and tutoring children with special needs. Teaching was more than a career for Dan - it was a calling. Whether in the classroom or on stage, he had a remarkable ability to help students find their confidence, their voice, and the courage to be fully themselves.
He was preceded in death by his father, Wayne LeClair, and his beloved dog-son, Phantom.
Dan is survived by his mother, Susan Brett-Lebreque of Allentown, PA; his sisters and brothers, Lynne and Jason Little of Hanover, MA; Lisa and John Murray of Abington, MA; and Paige and Matthew Whitehead of Bethlehem, PA. He was a proud and loving uncle to Ashley, Kaitlyn, and Brock Little; Ophelia and Augustus Murray; and Lily and Moira Whitehead. He is also remembered with love by his extended family, including grandmother Ann Brett; loving aunts and uncles, Sandra & Ronnie Hawes, Sharon Brett McKenna, and Mike Connaire; and cousins Connor McKenna, Jason McKenna and wife Jill, and son Benjamin, all of Massachusetts.
He is also remembered with love by his chosen family, Dan’s dearest friends, whose bonds with him went far beyond friendship.
A celebration of Dan’s life will be held in Massachusetts, his home, at a later date. In lieu of flowers or donations, those who wish to honor Dan are invited to do something awesome in his memory: make someone laugh, help someone in need, or ask someone for help if you’re in need, tell someone you love them, or simply check in.
Dan was a bright and beautiful soul. His love was big, his laugh bigger, and his hugs the biggest. Honest, unapologetic, deeply loyal, and quick-witted, Dan was unforgettable. Dan had a remarkable talent for finding humor where you least expected it - sometimes when it probably wasn’t appropriate, but always when it was needed. Time with him meant good food, deep conversations, road trips & adventures.
A huge dog lover, Dan was deeply devoted to his dog, Phantom, whose companionship and loyalty meant the world to him. He found joy in theater, peace by the ocean, and he loved a good all-you-can-eat buffet.
Dan earned his undergraduate degree from Salem State University, where he found a true sense of community and was deeply passionate about his studies in social work. He went on to complete graduate studies at Cedar Crest College, earning two Master’s degrees in special education.
Dan’s work in education was rooted in his endless empathy and his deep, unwavering belief in the potential of everyone. He taught for many years in the Allentown School District and at a charter school serving students with special needs. He found particular joy directing student theater productions and tutoring children with special needs. Teaching was more than a career for Dan - it was a calling. Whether in the classroom or on stage, he had a remarkable ability to help students find their confidence, their voice, and the courage to be fully themselves.
He was preceded in death by his father, Wayne LeClair, and his beloved dog-son, Phantom.
Dan is survived by his mother, Susan Brett-Lebreque of Allentown, PA; his sisters and brothers, Lynne and Jason Little of Hanover, MA; Lisa and John Murray of Abington, MA; and Paige and Matthew Whitehead of Bethlehem, PA. He was a proud and loving uncle to Ashley, Kaitlyn, and Brock Little; Ophelia and Augustus Murray; and Lily and Moira Whitehead. He is also remembered with love by his extended family, including grandmother Ann Brett; loving aunts and uncles, Sandra & Ronnie Hawes, Sharon Brett McKenna, and Mike Connaire; and cousins Connor McKenna, Jason McKenna and wife Jill, and son Benjamin, all of Massachusetts.
He is also remembered with love by his chosen family, Dan’s dearest friends, whose bonds with him went far beyond friendship.
A celebration of Dan’s life will be held in Massachusetts, his home, at a later date. In lieu of flowers or donations, those who wish to honor Dan are invited to do something awesome in his memory: make someone laugh, help someone in need, or ask someone for help if you’re in need, tell someone you love them, or simply check in.
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