On Sunday, October 17, 2021, in the early hours of the morning, Daniel Joseph Lehane, also known as Dingle, passed away. He was 88 years old. He was a loving, kind man who wanted only the best for his family.
Dan is survived by wife of 62 years, Betty Jane; children: Mary-Beth (Greg) Roth, Sheila (Tim) Murray, Dan (Mary Juliana) Lehane and Neil (Debbie) Lehane; grandchildren: Connor and Hannah Roth, Meghan, Kieran and Catherine Murray, Liam, Finbar, Grace, and Brendan Lehane; Aidan, Natalie and Declan Lehane; sister-in-laws: Susan Lehane and Betsey Corrigan (Ryan), along with many cherished cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his infant daughter Susan Mary, parents Catherine McFadden and Cornelius P. Lehane, sister Joan Leahy, brother Cornelius Lehane, brother-in-law Carl Ryan and his in-laws Marguerite Boyle and Charles X. Ryan.
Dan was born in Wilmington, DE, the second child of Irish immigrants. He graduated St. Ann’s school in 1947 and Salesianum School in 1951. After serving in the Air Force during the Korean Conflict, he attended the University of Delaware on the G.I. Bill, graduating with a B.S. in Electrical Engineering. Dan married Betty Jane in 1959 after meeting at a New Year’s Eve party of a mutual friend – it is Delaware, after all.
Dan worked for Pratt Whitney in Hartford, CT where his young family lived for several years. While happy, they missed their families and returned to Delaware where they subsequently lived for more than fifty years. Among other projects, his career included a long term assignment in Saudi Arabia for several years, supporting the construction of a desalination plant. His true passions, though, were spending time with his family and friends, early morning golf games, supporting a winning Notre Dame football team, and, most recently, charming every Nurse who participated in his care. Needless to say, he will be missed.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Mass of Christian Burial at St. Ann's Church, 2013 Gilpin Ave., Wilm., DE, on Monday 10/25/2021 at 9:00 AM. Friends may call from 4:00-6:00 PM on Sunday 10/24/2021 at Krienen-Griffith Funeral Home, 1400 Kirkwood Hwy, Wilmington, DE.
In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to the Ministry of Caring, 115 E. 14th St., Wilm., DE, 19801, which supports many worthwhile community services to all in need.