Daniel Dewitt Paap

Daniel DeWitt Paap, age 87, of Millcreek Twp., passed away on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at St. Vincent Hospital in Erie, PA. Born on December 21, 1938, in Rochester, NY, he was the son of the late Peter and Celia (Balch) Paap.

In addition to his parents Daniel was preceded in death by his aunts, uncles, and his brother, Peter Douglas Paap.

After high school, Daniel enlisted in the Coast Guard and spent four years stationed on the St. Lawrence Seaway; his son, Grant, would one day commission in the Air Force and earn the rank of Colonel during a 24-year career, much to the pride of his father. Following his own service, Daniel enrolled at Rochester Institute of Technology, studied hard, achieved a Dean's List ranking, and graduated four years later with a bachelor's degree in business administration. Daniel would then go on to work for the R.T. French Company and Bausch & Lomb in Rochester until eventually settling his family in Erie in February of 1989, where he became the Director of Informational Technology at LORD Corporation. He held that position until his retirement in 2002.

On October 3,1964, Daniel married his wife: Oleta "Lee" Jean (Canarvis) Paap, who would remain by his side for the sixty-one years to follow. They became devoted parents to their son, Grant, and welcomed their beloved daughter-in-law, Esme, and in time, were blessed with two beloved grandsons, Cassian and Gideon. In addition, Daniel is further survived by his nephew, Perley Paap-Crabb, cousins, and friends.

Daniel was engaged in many hobbies: poetry, reading inspirational passages, and enjoying time in the courtyard "retreat" he shared with Lee as they engaged in long discussions. His loved ones recall best how liked he was by everyone he met, his unique (and sometimes unexpected) sense of humor, his love of nature, and his devotion to his family.

Private arrangements were entrusted to the Brugger Funeral Homes & Crematory, LLP, 1595 West 38th St., Erie.