Dana Joel Hardin

Dana Joel Hardin passed away on May 16, 2024, at the age of 37, after a courageous lifelong battle with a body that was failing him since the day he was born. He resided in Ayer, MA.

Dana was born the second of two children to Kevin Dana Hardin and Joyce Ann (Laite) Hardin in Concord, MA on August 11, 1986. Dana's life was unique from the moment he entered this world. He defied the odds, and predictions of the medical community, with his incredible strength and courage, again and again.

Dana had a very special job on this earth. Despite his physical ailments and medical trials, he always had a huge smile on his face. He experienced joy, and an appreciation for the little things, on a far deeper level than the norm. And he shared that joy with those who were lucky enough to know him. He was a teacher to us all.

With an innocent mind, without the societal constraints and distractions that hold most of us back, Dana saw pure beauty in the small things. He would burst with joy at the flowers blooming in the spring. He would beam with amazement at the sight of the moon. A true animal lover, just like his mother, he would gleam with excitement upon meeting any type of animal.

He was a true extrovert and was extremely perceptive to people's emotions. If there was a shy or sad person at a gathering, he would go right up and engage with them. His natural, outgoing demeanor had a way of making an impact on everyone he met. You couldn't go anywhere without someone knowing Dana. He was drawn to people, and they were drawn to him.

Dana lived a life rich with experiences. He was an avid swimmer and competed on the Special Olympics swim team for many years. He enjoyed boating on Lake Winnipesaukee, where he spent summers at his family's cabin on Diamond Island. He loved swinging at the playground, and watching children play. He always enjoyed a good car ride, listening to his favorite tunes from Eminem to Martina McBride. And in recent years, enjoyed spending time with his two young nephews.

He was a Nintendo savant, and especially loved the Super Mario games. Dana could play with the controller right side up, or upside down in his hands. And he could complete many levels without even looking at the screen. One of his great joys was teaching his nephew Lincoln how to play the games. They spent many happy hours together taking turns on his Nintendo switch.

Dana leaves behind his father, Kevin Hardin, "mom mom", Lisa Carson, sister Bree (Hardin) Schpero and her husband Dan Schpero, sister Brianna McInnes, nephews Lincoln and Gavin Schpero, many aunts, uncles, cousins, and countless friends. Greeting him in heaven is his mother, Joyce (Laite) Hardin, who passed away less than two years before him.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Devens Common Center, 31 Andrews Parkway, Devens, MA on Sunday, June 2, 2024. Calling hour, for those who wish to pay their respects, will be from 5 to 6 pm, followed by a sit down dinner and memorial beginning at 6 pm.

If you plan to join for the dinner and memorial, please RSVP as soon as possible to:

danahardinmemorial@gmail.com

A private family burial will occur at a later date. In lieu of flowers, you may make a donation in Dana's name to the charity of your choice.