Daniel J. Lewis

Daniel J. Lewis, not to be confused with Daniel Day-Lewis (to whom he was often compared), passed away Monday, March 8, 2021, after a two-year battle with brain cancer. Danny J fiercely fought against “Kevin”, never losing his hope or his “sense of tumor”. Every step of the way, every challenge Dan was presented with, he kept joking (he always had the best dad jokes up his sleeve), teasing his family and nurses, and kept everyone around him smiling and laughing. Danny was so appreciative of everyone who supported him in his fight, especially those who were part of the Save the Danatee campaign.

Dan will be remembered with love by his wife Elisha Millerd Lewis, his hounds, his in-laws, his family from Pennsylvania and Ohio, and his friends from his many adventures in this world. He was a husband, dog dad, older brother (always ready to annoy), veteran, and a man who gave to those around him. One of Dan’s biggest adventures was his time spent in the US Navy, serving his country as a submariner, because as he always said, “the best marine is a submarine”. He was a man that loved beer, bacon, bourbon, and boobs, as well as an admirer of the notorious Chuck Norris and the second amendment. You could always find Dan spouting off quotes in the comedy style of Will Ferrell (especially quotes from the critically acclaimed films Step Brothers and Anchorman) or harassing his mother-in-law through Alexa.

Danny J was a creative human, designing several of his own tattoos and always surprising his friends and family members with his amazing Halloween costumes. His creativity extended to the delicious food he would always make for those he loved, especially if it included smoking pork butt in his homemade smoker. The parties thrown at Elisha and Dan’s house will always be (mostly) remembered and stories of his adventures will be told for many years to come. Even though Dan was always ready to have a good time, he also was a man that rallied around people and that people rallied around. Those who spent time with Dan and knew him best know that he was the type of person that would give the shirt off his back (but no free shows!). He was a man that loved and loved deeply, and as soon as he considered you family, you were part of his pack and he would do anything for you. Even in his absence, Dan will always be a light for all of us, reminding those who knew him to always be there for each other and to be the type of good human that Dan was every day.

As a final reminder to us all, as Danny always liked to shout, “I didn't want salmon! I said it four times!”

Funeral Services will be held privately, according to his wishes. In lieu of flowers or cards, you can support the family through their Danatee shirt campaign (https://www.customink.com/fundraising/danateefund) , or Elisha requests donations are made in Dan’s memory to the CT Brain Tumor Alliance (ctbta.org) or the CT VA Medical Center (https://www.volunteer.va.gov/apps/volunteernow/). The Aurora-McCarthy Funeral Home of Colchester has been entrusted with care for his arrangements. For online condolences, please visit Auroramccarthyfuneralhome.com.