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Daniel Chaffee Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Daniel Chaffee
Cathey Chaffee
July 27, 2008
I love you and miss you forever. I pray you are finally at peace.
Bill Huster
December 26, 2007
Marcy and I just learned of Dan's death earlier this month. Needless to say, we were both shocked and heartbroken. I knew Dan for more than thirty years. He had such a big impact on my life growing up in State College. We remained friends after I left town and I always enjoyed visiting with him at the beach at Longport. Marcy and I were honored to have him serve as a groomsman in our wedding twenty years ago.
His sense of humor was unparalleled, and I know provided great enjoyment to many. Marcy and I have thought of him often since we learned of his passing and we cherish the memories we have of him. He was truly a unique individual who will be forever missed yet never forgotten. Thinking of him now brings a smile to my face, warmth to my heart and tears to my eyes.
Scott Kulp
August 30, 2007
I'm sorry to hear about the passing of such a great friend. Dan, Dave Farrand and I used to get in the car and drive around town having fun. Dan even helped me buy my first house. He sure was a great friend and will be missed.
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David Martin
August 29, 2007
It took a long time for me to even be able to look at this. Dan was like a father to me. He was always there when I needed him. He was there for so many people. I am so glad that I was able to have such an amazing person in my life.
Jeff Harper
August 27, 2007
To the Chaffee Family,
I graduated in 1979 from State College High School and knew Dan from his involvement in the soccer program there. I was very shocked to hear of his death. I will always remember Dan's smile and laugh. He cetainly had a fun-loving personality. Please accept my sympathy during this difficult time. God bless you.
Dana Neil
August 27, 2007
Dear Chaffee Family,
I am so saddened by the loss of Dan. I graduated from State High in 1973 and knew Dan, but it wasn't until after High School that I really got to know Dan. I attended many a political and social event with Dan...we always had a ball! He was truly a caring person, whether through community or political concerns, his love of coaching soccer or helping out a couple of people to start a small business! I saw all of that with Dan... my then business partner and I are the people he helped to open a small business in State College. That was 26 years ago and my "then" partner is my "now" husband, Van Arvin. We think of Dan so often and the countless hours he spent preparing us for the banks, lawyers, accountants, and most importantly, customers. We still own T's Custom Printing and know that Dan was instrumental in our success. Dan will be greatly missed. Please contact us whenever we can be of any help or if you just want to talk. I know that Dan is in God's House now, and I am sure he is trying to get on the right committee to do the most good!
Love and peace,
Dana Neil Arvin
Chris Fitzgerald
August 10, 2007
Both the previous poster, Diana Younken, and I knew Dan through the State College School District's Alternative Program. I think it's worth remembering the central role Dan played in launching this innovative effort. His commitment to the Alternative Program and its students was quite remarkable, and I believe his enthusiasm was key to its survival in the early years. The fact that the Alternative Program is still flourishing more than 30 years later, though under a different name, is part of Dan's legacy to his hometown and to its citizens.
One of my favorite photos of Dan having fun
Diana (Younken) Wayne
August 4, 2007
My thoughts and prayers are with Dan's family and the friends who were dearest to Dan at this stage of his life. For a few wonderful years, Dan was one of the most important people in my life. He was a friend, fellow Democrat and mentor who inspired me to pursue a degree in journalism, heightened my interest in politics and history, taught me the significance of local politics, and introduced me to soccer. Most of all, Dan was fun; he had a gift for making us laugh and feel good. I think of Dan whenever I hear two songs, Elton John's “Daniel” and the Irish anthem, “Danny Boy.” Even though we fell out of touch, I carried him in my heart, and always will.
Nan Richenderfer Hart, Dan Chaffee, & Fred Richenderfer
August 4, 2007
Nan Richenderfer Hart
August 3, 2007
If anyone is interested or can be available, my family and I will be in State College the weekend of September 8th & 9th and would like to visit with Dan's family and anyone else who might want to share fond memories of our dear friend. No details have been worked out yet but I was thinking that we might get together early Saturday afternoon, the 8th,for an hour or so. I have spoken to Cathey about a visit with her and her mom and she supports that idea but I guess it might depend on how many folks there are. It might make the most sense to meet somewhere in State College, at a park for instance, especially given Dan's love of nature photos. I know that a lot of us who graduated with Dan in '72 may be around so that would be a nice tribute. Anyway, feel free to email me with your thoughts on this.
Nan Richenderfer Hart
Arthur Goldschmidt
August 3, 2007
Very sorry to hear about Dan's passing, as I remember him very well as a young man interested in local politics. I also taught his sister, Cathey. Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Mike Cartabiano
August 2, 2007
Dan and I worked on several very challenging projects together and in the process I discovered a wonderful human being and a good friend. He will be missed but I will always remember Dan as a warm,kind,capable soul. My heart goes out to his family and friends for their tragic loss
Terry Hsu
August 1, 2007
I met Dan in 1995 working with him in Washington DC. He had a wealth of knowledge in general and specific to the industry. I remember Dan making a daily compilation of relevant articles and distributing them to everyone at work. I had kept in touch with Dan over the years and always found him to be an easy going, good natured person who was always willing to help anyone who needed it. Rest in Peace.
Todd Etter
August 1, 2007
To anyone and everyone that knew Dan: I'm very saddened by the sudden loss of Dan. Whether it was sharing a great meal or a talk about his political history and a cigar, Dan always knew how to have fun, and I will miss that more than anything.
R Thomas Berner
July 31, 2007
My condolences to the Chaffee family. The many comments already posted capture the Dan Chaffee I knew when he served on State College Borough Council. He made many contributions to the community. He was a positive person.
Sylea Freed
July 31, 2007
Dear Chaffee Family,
We are very sorry for your loss.
Dan was a wonderful person and a dear friend. He forever will be missed by our family. He shared with us one the happiest days of our lives at my daughter's wedding and took the most beautiful photographs. Dan you will be always in our hearts and minds. With love and sorrow,
Richard, Sylea, Rich Freed and Soraya and Lee Rudofsky
David Harris
July 30, 2007
To the Chaffee family:
My sincere sympathies to you. I wish you peace in this difficult time. I will truly miss Dan. I will always remember him researching the many newspapers he read or with camera in hand looking for that unique photo opportunity. He could always make me laugh and just feel at ease talking with him.
Dan, my friend, may you be at peace.
Ed Legum
July 30, 2007
On 9/11 Dan and I were working in Los Angeles. He called early in the morning and alerted me to the news. We spent the next five days at a friend's house waiting for the airport to reopen. I'll always remember Dan as an intelligent, talented, and thoughtful man. He was a business associate and a good friend. He loved politics, the news, and understood the wireless industry better than almost anybody. We'll miss him.
David Womer
July 30, 2007
To the Chaffee family,
I was saddened to read about Dan's passing. We went to school together at Lemont elementary as well as high school in State College.
Just days before reading of his passing I was talking with another friend from Lemont and 72 grad. and we wondered whatever happened to Dan.
He was a great guy, loved by everyone, and he will be missed by all.
T Gee
July 30, 2007
My thoughts and prayers to you as you mourn the loss of a nice and caring man. I have always known him to bring smiles and kindness wherever he seemed to go. May he be in a better place. Blessings.
Mary Kay and Dave Farrand
July 30, 2007
Dan was a dear, dear friend of our family for many years. We will always remember his humor and the fun times we shared. He will be sadly missed.
Marleen Puzak
July 30, 2007
To the Family of Dan,
Please accept my deepest sympathy, I knew Dan growing up in State College . He was my brother's soccer coach . He was a great friend to them as they grew up without a father. I considered him a huge part of our family as he was there for us when my mother passed away. Although we have not been in touch for a while I have thought of him often, He made us all laugh. I remember his huge frog collection too! He will be missed
Sincerely Marleen Puzak
Betsy Zanjani
July 30, 2007
I cannot even express the great loss that my husband Ali and I feel, and the deepest kind of sadness for our friend. He was like a brother to me and the closet confidant to my husband. Thru the years we have come to hope Dan would become more open and saw a sadness grow in him. I only hope he has found the peace he so deserves. I am so terribly sorry for his family in Penn. Please contact us when you are able. With true love, Betsy Zanjani
Ali Zanjani
July 30, 2007
I met Dan in Arkansas in 1993, over the years Dan and I became great friends, coworkers and travelling telecom experts! First Washington DC, then Kansas City and finally Los Angeles. Being new in these cities and not having our families with us, Dan really became my wife and I's best option for a family! Dan was a passionate humanitarian, he taught me a lot, mostly though he tried to show me how to laugh and enjoy life. We will miss him greatly. See you in the next life "Chaffee Dog!
Pete Gulick
July 30, 2007
Mrs. Chaffee, Cathey and Scott,
I worked with Dan for years and more importantly built a wonderful friendship. Dan, our mutual friends the Zanjani's and I shared numerous memorable times together at places all over the Country. Dan was one of the kindest people I have ever met. Sincere and caring was Dan. He worried about everyone else's well being. Dan was my Friend and I will miss him dearly. However he has left me many wonderful memories to draw from and keep with me forever. My sincerest condolences to all of you and I hope you will find some solace in knowing Dan touched many peoples lives and help make a difference in them.
Marc Witzig
July 30, 2007
Mrs. Chaffee, Cathey, and Scott:
Yesterday afternoon we learned that Dan passed away. Each of my wife Debbie [Lewis] and I were friends with Dan in high school. Dan was cheerful, passionate, and genuinely interested in others' well being. Although he would rather have played soccer, Dan eagerly joined in our countless games of touch football. We nicknamed him "Danny Boy" and knew there would come a play when he would be open deep. Now, that song will have even greater meaning.
May God keep his soul.
Martha Evans
July 30, 2007
Dearest Cathey,
From our conversations about Dan, I can only imagine how profoundly shocked you must feel at his loss. I'm sorry I never got to know him, but I feel he's alive in his influence on you. I wish for you the strength to cope with all that this has brought upon you and your family. May you be surrounded by love in this time of grief. Yours in sympathy, Martha
Fred Richenderfer
July 29, 2007
Dear Family and Friends of Dan Chaffee:
When I think of Dan, I see a smiling face. I hear laughter. I feel contageous energy and enthusiasm. I find it painful to think I will never see him again, but his presence will be forever felt.
Send me a laugh, Danny...I really need one.
Hugs to you, my brother.
Carol Baker
July 29, 2007
Dear Cathey,
We would like to express our deepest sympathy to you, your mother and your brother. Dan was my high school classmate and a political leader within the class. May God grant you peace and may fond memories of Dan bring joy to your heart.
Carol Baker and Dennis Marince
Rev. Richard I. Kepler
July 29, 2007
Dear Chaffee Family,
I was a 1972 State College High School classmate of Dan's.
He was much fun, very compassionate and a true politician!
I pray God's compassion will comfort you through this difficult time!
Sincerely,
Nan Hart
July 29, 2007
To all who loved Dan: He was a dear friend, a brother, and an uncle within our family. His humor and compelling and thoughtful insights into life will be missed beyond measure. His beautifully done photos and DVD's of the many special moments in our families lives will be a wonderful legacy for us to have over the years. He offered his love, time and advice to my sons over the years and they cherish him as a member of our family. We cannot imagine our lives without him in it. Our deepest sympathies to his family. Love, The Hart family
Nan (maiden name: Richenderfer), Jay, Brian, Ryan and Reilly
Rev. Richard I. Kepler
July 29, 2007
Dear Chaffee Family,
I was a 1972 State College High School classmate of Dan's.
I was sad to hear of his passing! He was a fun, loving and gentle person whom I will miss!
I pray God's blessing on your family in this difficult time.
Sincerely,
J. Brian Hart Jr.
July 29, 2007
My deepest condolences are with you. Dan was a close friend who always cheered the room and never missed a witty response. His enthusiasm was contagious - from his entrepreneurial ventures to his personal hobbies, such as photography. He will be missed.
Nancy Babcock
July 29, 2007
Mrs. Chaffee, Cathey and Scott. Please accept my deepest sympathies. Dan brightened the days of those who were fortunate to know him through high school and into adulthood. His intense love of politics and debate, his wonderful wit and humor, kept us laughing no matter what the circumstance. He will be remembered warmly, greatly missed; so many wonderful memories will stay in our hearts. The Babcock Family (Nancy, Bill, and Dorothy)
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