Daniel Lee Weaver

Daniel Lee Weaver, 78, of Johnstown, PA. died on November 9, 2024. Born August 21, 1946. Son of Clair O. Weaver and Betty L. (Glass).

Survived by brothers Walter (Nancy), Raymond (Lois), and David (Carrie); sister Jean Marie Weaver (Nicholas Moran); sons Eric (Rachel), Christopher (Kendra), Kevin (Kristen), Patrick, and Lee; grandchildren Erica (Chase) Nielsen, Lindsay, Jonah, Drew, Lucy, Gabe, Lincoln, Maria, and Sadie Weaver; and great-grandchildren Zane, Ryker, and Riley Nielsen.

Dan’s childhood in the Walnut Grove section of Johnstown was a boy’s dream. Every day brought wholesome activities ranging from playing baseball at the ball field across the street to shooting baskets at the Maple Park playground, romping the nearby woods, or trekking the mine road to pick berries in summer or sled ride in winter. In his formative years, Dan was blessed to have had solid guidance not only from his parents, but also from his uncles and aunts—on both sides—and from the many beloved sisters who taught him at St. John Gualbert grade school and Bishop McCort High School. At Bishop McCort, Dan was a standout center and defensive end, anchoring a football team that went undefeated for 35 games in a row. Because of his scholastic achievements and athletic talents, Dan earned a scholarship to play football at Lafayette College where he excelled as a three-year starter. Being a well-rounded athlete, Dan also played ice hockey for the Lafayette club team as well as other intramural sports. During his sophomore year, Dan joined Delta Upsilon fraternity, sharing carefree moments with his fraternity brothers shooting pool or just clowning around. In 1968, Dan graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology. Concurrent with his college graduation,

Dan was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army, having gone through the ROTC program. In 1969, Dan was assigned to a unit on the Korean DMZ. It was in Korea that Dan was exposed to Agent Orange, which led to grave health complications later in life. After two years of active military service, Dan began a career with BethEnergy Mines where his work ethic and technical knowledge contributed to employee safety and company productivity. When the mines shuttered, Dan competed for and obtained an inspector position with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, a position he held until retirement. Dan’s childhood formation and experiences carried over into his adult life. When his children were young, Dan purchased and refurbished a cottage in Camp Sunshine (Bedford) adjacent to the family cottage where he had spent the summers of his youth fishing, exploring, playing volleyball, lighting off firecrackers, or roasting hotdogs at the campfire. As a father of five boys, Dan determined that his sons should benefit from the same extended family closeness that had made his life so rich. His parenting style was structured to provide each son with the best opportunity to become his own man.

Much of Dan’s personal time was devoted to service to others. He would not refuse a request for help from St. Andrew Catholic Church, even if it meant changing lightbulbs in the high church ceilings or painting the school classrooms on weekends or evenings after work. Included among Dan’s personal pursuits were duckpin bowling in the Lutheran Men’s League, playing bridge with family members, and pitching horseshoes at the cottage. On one occasion, Dan entered the horseshoe competition at the Cambria County Fair—he won no ribbons. He loved the plaintive themes of classic country music and the upbeat rhythms of the bluegrass fiddle that he played so well. Dan was a one-time contestant in the New Germany fiddle contest, but alas, again he won no ribbons. Dan relished the escape, adventure, and bucolic scenery of long motorcycle rides on his Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail. A man of steadfast faith, Dan is safely home.

Family and friends will be received on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 from 3:00-7:00 pm at Frank Duca Funeral Home (Westmont Chapel), 1622 Menoher Blvd., Johnstown, PA 15905. A funeral mass will be held on Thursday, November 14, 2024 at 11:00 am at St. Clement Catholic Church, 114 Lindberg Avenue, Johnstown, PA 15905. Fr. William Rosenbaum officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Branches of Mercy: PayPal.me/branchesofmercy

Condolences may be sent to ducafuneralhome.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Daniel Lee Weaver, please visit our floral store.