Thomas "Dean" Daniels

Thomas "Dean" Daniels, 99, passed away peacefully on October 15, 2024, just nine weeks after the loss of his best friend and wife, Twila. Dean was surrounded by the love of his family in his final days, and his passing marks the end of a wonderful life. Dean was born on September 8, 1925, in Kansas City, Kansas, to Thomas A. Daniels and Ruby M. Daniels (Crissman). Ruby died when Dean was five years old, and he was raised and loved by Tom and Nellie (Heckadon) on a farm in Bates County, Missouri, where he developed his lifelong work ethic. His maternal Aunt Tottie was a source of faith and love throughout his life. After graduating from the Missouri University School of Science & Technology with a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering, Dean embarked on a respected 38-year career with General Electric, where he held numerous managerial roles. He met the love of his life at GE and they shared 67 years of marriage and raised three children together (although he would agree that she did most of it). Dean loved life. He was a lover of home and travel, of growing roses and tomatoes, of golf and skiing, and of reading and libraries. He was a man of faith and loved singing the old hymns in church. For the last 17 years, Dean found great joy as a resident of the Duncaster Community, where he developed close friendships and contributed his talents. An avid reader, he wrote book reviews in his column, "Between the Covers,” for Duncaster’s monthly newsletter. He volunteered his time with tutoring and reading programs in Hartford and Bloomfield. Dean was a member of Asylum Hill Congregational Church. Dean’s legacy lives on through his family: Tom Daniels and Lori Schneider of Mammoth Lakes, CA, and grandsons, Leo and Forest Daniels; Beth and Chris Vossler, of West Hartford CT, and grandchildren, Robb and his wife Carrie, Sarah, and Molly Vossler; Diane and David Legg of Boston, MA, and grandsons Dean, Cole, and Will. He is also survived by his sister, Mary Ann Standing of Port Austin, MI; and her three sons and their families. Dean was predeceased by his grandson, Daniel Legg. A memorial service celebrating the lives of both Dean and his late wife, Twila, will be held on December 16, 2024, at 10:30 AM at Asylum Hill Congregational Church, 814 Asylum Avenue, Hartford, CT. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dean’s memory to LUNGSTRONG (PO Box 281, Amesbury, MA 01913, www.lungstrong.org) or to AUF, Inc. (136 Whiting Lane, West Hartford, CT 06119, www.auf-ecuador.org).

Thomas "Dean" Daniels

September 8, 1925 - October 15, 2024