Daniel J. Sclare

Daniel J. Sclare, or Magic Dan as many knew him, passed away peacefully while surrounded by his family at his home in Ellington, CT, on April 3, 2024. Born on March 18,1946, he recently celebrated the 78th anniversary of his birth. His family and friends are devastated by the loss of him, but will always remember how he lived his life full of magic, wonder, and joy.
"The art of a magician is to create wonder. If we live with a sense of wonder, our lives become filled with joy." ~Doug Henning
Dan was the loving husband and soulmate to his wife of 14 years, Patricia (Kehmna) Sclare; he lovingly called her Patti. He is also survived by his beloved children: Rachel Sclare (Joey Marsocci), Eric Sclare (Sophie Tong), David Rys (Mary Tinti), Kristin Crooke (Steven), and Brian Rys (Kelly). He was an amazing Poppa to Hendrix & Kai Sclare, and Benjamin, Aiden & Maisie Rys. He also leaves his brothers- and sisters-in-law: Bob, Sharon, Dave, Anne, Deb, Frank, Kevin, and Kristin; along with 9 nieces and nephews. Dan was predeceased by his parents Edwin and Marian (Pearlman) Sclare, and his younger brother Billy (Elliot) Sclare.
Born in Hartford, CT, he was raised there and in Bloomfield. Dan graduated from Weaver High School in 1964. He studied teaching and received his Undergraduate and Master's degrees from Central Connecticut State University. He went on to have a long and storied 33-year career in the South Windsor school system. Dan taught Biology at South Windsor High School and Timothy Edwards Middle School before becoming the Library Media Specialist at T.E. Dan enjoyed being in charge of the audio/visual equipment and running lights and sound for school plays. Dan appreciated new technology and would bring a computer home every summer (in the days before folks had home computers) so he and his kids could play games that came with no instructions; half the fun was figuring out how to play them. Once Dan retired, he became a charter member of a Romeo (Retired Old Men Eating Out) group. He regularly got together with them to trade stories and laughs over lunch.
Dan was a dedicated member of the United States Air Force, then the Coast Guard Reserves, followed by the CT Air National Guard where he also got to indulge in his love for all things tech in the Audio-Visual Department. In all, he served for 33 years and attained the rank of Senior Master Sergeant.
Ever since he was a child, Dan loved magic; pursuing that interest into adulthood to become a performing magician. Generations of local children got to experience the magic and wizardry of Magic Dan at their birthday parties, local libraries, and schools. He adored performing and sharing his magic with folks of all ages, and particularly enjoyed teaching children's magic classes at the Hall Memorial Library and many other places over the years. Magic Dan loved nothing more than to perform magic for good causes such as the Shriners Hospital, the Veterans Home and Hospital, and annually for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation after learning that his nephew had Juvenile Diabetes. Dan was a 43-year member of the Central Connecticut Magicians Association and served as president of Assembly #21 for many years. As the National Life Member Chairperson of the Society of American Magicians, he brought in countless new members. Dan was active in the New England Magic Collectors Association; he never met a magic prop he didn't want to own. He enjoyed going to magic conventions, especially his yearly trip with friends to Magic Live and then a side trip to Burbank to visit friends and the Magic Castle.
Dan was eternally curious, a life-long learner, creative, artistic, and handy, with a boundless imagination. Magic Dan built many of his own magic tricks and illusions. Dan fixed anything and everything. He was kind and generous in all ways. He volunteered for seemingly everything. He initiated and led fundraisers for magicians in need. He often visited his magician friends who were homebound, helping them with their magic collections and their daily needs. He had a special place in his heart for those who had no one left. He was a friend to the famous and the forgotten. Dan loved serving others.
He enthusiastically engaged in and combined his many passions, and if that sounds exhausting, it probably was. Dan was famous for his propensity to nap almost anywhere; there is much photographic evidence of this. Perhaps his notorious sweet tooth was a way of fueling all of his interests.
Dan loved to travel and took many trips and cruises with Patti and their friends and family. He relished their yearly vacations to their happy place where they were married, Newburyport, MA; he and Patti would take long sunrise and sunset walks on the beach. He loved everything tropical - beaches, Piña Coladas, and most especially Jimmy Buffet; he was an avid Parrothead.
"If there's a heaven for me, I'm sure it has a beach attached." ~Jimmy Buffett
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to: Friends of the Hall Memorial Library, P.O. Box 280, Ellington, CT 06029 with his name noted on the memo line.
A time of visitation for family and friends will be held on Sunday, April 14, 2024, from 1-4 p.m. with a memorial service to be celebrated at 4 p.m. at the Samsel & Carmon Funeral Home, 419 Buckland Rd., South Windsor, CT.