Dear Erica, Joe and Kate,
Dan was such a unique and special young man—he was kind, sensitive, talented, bright and very, very funny. We have been fortunate to have him in our lives and to watch him develop into such an extraordinary young man. We have so many wonderful memories of Dan that we will always cherish. So many sunny days spent in and on the lake-swimming, cruising, taking Dan and Kate tubing. Vacations at the beach. Winter weekends skiing, though Dan never seemed to love the snow as much as he did the water.
Dan was always so well-behaved as a child. I would often forget that he was in the room or that he was just a kid. Erica, you would remind me that “he is listening to every word”, knowing that if he heard something he didn't understand, you would get questions later. Sometimes awkward questions. “Mom, what does _____ mean?” (Thanks a lot, Taryn!).
As Dan grew up, his sophisticated sense of humor emerged. A very quick wit who always kept us laughing. We remember many nights spent playing card games when Dan, as he got tired and punchy, would start getting so silly and when playing Wizard, would start making the highest bids for no good reason. Perhaps he was anxious to end the game.
We were privileged to watch Dan perform at Lincoln Center with the Medfield High School Jazz band. We were all so proud of him, Mom and Dad most of all.
Over the years, Dan became my favorite source for suggestions about what I should be watching on cable and Netflix. I'm certain that Dan grew out of some of the more sophomoric shows long before I did, assuming I ever did.
Never a mean word for anyone, Dan was simply a wonderful human being who loved music, people, dogs and life in general. This is a heartbreaking loss for so many, none more than his family, and a great loss to this world. We will always remember Dan with great love and keep him close in our hearts.
Erica and Joe, you are exceptional parents who raised two wonderful children, who both grew into exceptional young adults.
Our hearts ache for you Erica, Joe and Kate. We hope that knowing how many lives Dan touched and how many people loved him will help you through this unimaginably difficult time.
With Love, Taryn and Bob