Daniel Clapp Hugos

Daniel Clapp Hugos, 68, died peacefully on November 8th in Bethlehem, PA, surrounded by family.

Dan was born in New York City to Ray and Prudence (Clapp) Hugos. The family lived in the Philippines, Paris, Spain, and Libya in his younger years, then in New Rochelle, NY, Midland, TX, New Preston, CT, and Brewster, NY. He graduated with honors from Brewster High where he played varsity soccer and basketball. He developed a passion for music, became a proficient guitarist, and attended many concerts, most notably the Summer Jam at Watkins Glen in '73 which included his all-time favorite band, the Allman Brothers.

After receiving his bachelor's degree and M.S. in Telecommunications at the University of Colorado Boulder, Dan worked as a manager at US West in Denver. He competed in national track competitions for US West, biked 14,000-foot mountains, and was an avid motorcyclist, logging thousands of miles throughout the West and across the U.S.

His love of the picturesque western landscape led to a passion for photography. After relocating to New York in 1995, Dan began a career programming databases for various New York companies while working in photography in his spare time, shooting professionally and selling his fine art at street fairs.

Dan moved to Jim Thorpe, PA after discovering its extensive mountain bike trails, and soon opened the Dakota Ridge Gallery, displaying his own photography work alongside others from around the world. The gallery gained national recognition among photographers and collectors.

In 2003, Dan and musician/neighbor Vince DeGiosio formed JTAMS and began hosting concerts at the Mauch Chunk Opera House. He vastly improved the long-neglected 19th-century building which is now the hub of Jim Thorpe's nightlife and a major economic engine for the town. Dan worked tirelessly for the better interests of Jim Thorpe, serving as president of the Jim Thorpe Tourism Agency for eight years and as an active member of the Mauch Chunk Historical Society.

After being diagnosed with Multiple System Atrophy, a rare and incurable neurological disease, Dan retired from the Mauch Chunk Opera House and moved to Bethlehem.

Dan is survived by his wife, Nancy Zeigler, and their two kitties, Curly and Ted, of Bethlehem, in addition to four siblings: twin sister Margaret Gold and husband Russ Gold of Rye, NY; brother Michael Hugos and wife Venetia Stifler of Chicago, IL; brother Andrew Hugos of Halfmoon, NY; sister Hilary Neckles and husband George Lapointe of Hallowell, ME; niece Erica Gold and husband Gabriel Rosenbrien of Eliott, ME; nephew Daniel Gold of Kona, HI; nephew Wesley Lapointe and partner Emily Cole of Baltimore, MD; and grand-niece April Gold of Eliot, ME. He was pre-deceased by nephew Caelan Lapointe of Boulder, CO.

Dan is remembered for his kindness, generosity, sweet smile, and unexpectedly silly, dry sense of humor. His calm, zen-like presence put everyone at ease. He was patient, tenacious and dedicated to projects, family, and friends. Dan was a visionary, seeing potential in everything and remaining positive in even the most challenging situations.

Thank you to the wonderful nurses and aides at Serenity Hospice and Nest in Place for helping make Dan's final months comfortable.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Mission MSA in his memory: missionmsa.org.