Daniel L. "Pop-Pop" Wydner Sr.

Daniel L. Wydner Sr., age 73, passed away unexpectedly on February 2, 2026, in the home he raised his children in and loved-just as he had wished.

Dan was born on July 13, 1952, to John and Muriel Wydner. He was the youngest of their 5 children. These 5 siblings remained close in each other's lives, in both proximity and their relationships. John (deceased 85 years) was the oldest, followed by Thomas, Peggy Jane, William, followed by Daniel. They were raised on the Wydner Farm and Dan remained a lifelong resident of Port Murray, NJ. Dan (aka Pop-Pop) lived most of his life within a few miles of where he was raised. He was a simple man who didn't need much, but he was a fiercely loyal man who cared deeply, provided for and protected the people (and dogs!) he loved.

In his teenage years, anyone would be hard-pressed to find a better athlete around Hunterdon County than Dan "Crazy Legs" Wydner. That was a nickname given to him in his early middle school years by his classmates. He was lightning quick, extremely strong and ultra-competitive. Football and baseball were his 2 "main" sports but being the athlete that he was, any sport that he was doing…Dan made it look much easier than it actually was. When work at the farm was finished you could always find the Wydner brothers and friends having a fierce battle of basketball, football or hockey inside the barn. Dan was always the youngest, so he was always competing against bigger and stronger players. So, when it came to school sports and it was time to compete against competition his own age, Dan already knew he was fully prepared. As time went on you would then find all of the brothers in their young adult years on the softball diamond playing for the team, Wydner's Farm, and winning competitive tournaments all over northwest New Jersey. After these tournament championships the team would always make their way back to the farm for the victory celebration.

Dan was a very hardworking man who would often work overtime at USR Optonix Inc. (Hackettstown, NJ) whenever possible in order to provide for his family. He instilled a very high level of toughness and grit in his 3 children that would prepare them for the highly competitive world they soon would be entering. He engrained the complete mindset of an athlete in his 2 boys that would allow them to compete at higher levels than he had ever reached. Which only brings credence to the sentiment of "the only man who truly wants you to surpass him is your father. Everyone else might love you, but they're not built to want you above them." That was Dan, plainly and simply put. These same principles having been passed down to his own 3 children are now being passed down to Pop-Pop's 7 grandchildren.

Dan was happiest staying close to home and sticking to his routines. This included regular trips to his brother Tom's, Walmart, and occasionally out for some food, most recently his favorite being Dunkin' Donuts for a breakfast sandwich and a coffee. While, of course, taking his bulldog, Charlie, for his multiple daily walks.

He was a devoted father and grandfather, and one of his greatest joys was watching sports-especially when his sons and grandchildren were playing. Even though he couldn't be there in person to watch his grandchildren, he tried to never miss a game, faithfully tuning in on TV or streaming, proud and fully invested from afar. In his younger years, he loved hunting with his brothers and son, a tradition he proudly passed along to his grandson.

Dan had a great sense of humor and an unmatched level of stubbornness. He deeply cherished his home and often declared he would never leave his home and live somewhere else, no matter what, a commitment he held true to throughout his life despite his children's best efforts to have him near so that they could better care for him during his later years. He always wanted to keep his home so that his children could always come back to the home they grew up in. This was extremely important to him. He peacefully passed away unexpectedly in the home that he loved.

He had a deep love for dogs, especially his beloved bulldog, Charlie. In earlier years, his pugs, Buster and Otis, held the same special place in his heart. He spoiled them without apology-often cooking them proper meals, while he himself was content with something simple. Caring for his dog brought him daily joy and purpose.

Dan is survived by his children, Daniel Jr. (wife Dawn), Aimee Lefever (husband Steve), and Timothy; his grandchildren, Davin, Dailya, Daxton, Elaina, Addelyn, Natellie, and Chase; his siblings, Tom, Peggy Jane, and Bill; his beloved dog, Charlie; and many other family members. He will be missed so much by all who knew and loved him.

A small service for his family will be held at a later date.