(1953-2021)Daniel David Clonan

(1953-2021)Daniel David Clonan, 67, of 337 E. 5th Street Ext. Passed peacefully at home, in his sleep July 6, 2021, from a brief illness, despite claiming both publicly and privately that “She would talk him to death,” and “May cause extremities to fall off,” both ears were intact at time of passing. Born September 25, 1953, in Buffalo, NY, which automatically made him a lifetime member of the Bills Mafia. He was the self-proclaimed handsomest son of the late, Joseph V. Clonan and devoted Jane M. (Callahan) Clonan.

Dan was married 43 long years to his main squeeze Brenda (Narby)Clonan. She came with baggage, but Dan ended up being an over the moon proud father of his son Rick (Chandra) Clonan and daughter Kara (Bret) Martz and the twinkle eyed Papa of Kyra, Hunter, Kellisa, Mak, Kippa and Emma. Dan’s large Irish family also included many siblings, his lovely surviving sisters are, Mary Ellen (Murry) Stoddart, Noreen (Bob) Kline, Veronica (Bill) Ulrich, Rita (Dough) Greenbush, Catharine (Ted) Smith, and Brigid (Mark) Monica. His surviving younger brothers are Patrick Clonan and Michael (Jackie) Clonan, Dan, AKA Uncle Sexy- that is what he called himself, Sexy, had numerous nieces and nephews that he loved with all his heart. Proceeded in death by his much-missed parents and brothers, Joseph V. Jr, David J. and sisters Margaret Clonan, Jeanette (Tom) Reilly, as well as Christopher and Richard in infancy.

Dan was a United States Air Force Veteran who was honorably discharged April 12, 1974. He was a hard worker but wasn’t a fan of work, who always provided for his family to the best of his ability. He began at Cameron Manufacturing back in the day, and continued to Motor Coils, The Happiness Inn, Fix All Plumbing (gaining a buddy and forever side kick, Franny) and Emporium Hardwoods where he worked alongside his bull headed, soft hearted brother-in-law Bill Narby and beloved, deceased nephew Pat “Squeak” Narby. When Dan was 56 years old, he graduated Triangle Tech achieving an HVAC degree, often hitch hiking to and from school each week… sometimes in the snow, uphill. For real! Seriously proud moment.

Shortly after that accomplishment, Dan was diagnosed with cancer. He modeled his strength and kicked Cancer’s butt when given a life expectancy of 3 years he achieved 7. It was during that time he recommitted his life back to Jesus and regularly attended St. Marks Church. Can I get an Amen?

Dan was a beloved friend to most and if you didn’t like him, you are probably not good people. He was best known for being a huge Bills fan, going to bed when the sun came up, heating up the dance floor at the Happiness Inn (later having the pop-bop-a-loop a dance move named for him by his grandkids), and clearly invented flash mobs turning remote fields into dance parties. He was able to fix most things, including rainy days. He was often caught using the “Papa Card” to get his grandchildren out of trouble. Dan was always up for shenanigans large or small with anyone who was looking for a good time. He had a stiff upper lip and often took one for the team. He stole deviled eggs and kisses, if he liked you, he had a nick name for you, if you got on his bad side, he may “knock your dick in the dirt.” He told tall tales the loudest which, made them truer. He had a soft spot for anyone down on their luck and gave a hundred percent or nothing at all. If you had his loyalty, you had it for life. He once jumped into a flooded river and to save a women’s life- true story bruh, I saw it. He believed everyone is family around the campfire and neighbors are family too. He brought strangers home for holiday meals and the couch was always open if you needed to crash. He wasn’t a fan of “the law man” and enjoyed giving them the single finger salute until one became family, then his blood ran blue. He always said, “If something is worth doing, it’s worth doing right.” His children owe their overachieving perfectionism to him. Dan will be greatly missed, his legacy will live on in the shenanigans, handshake is your word and acts of kindness of all who knew him. Stay sexy.

A Mass to celebrate this tall drink of water will be held at 12:00 pm Monday, July 12, 2021, at St. Marks Catholic Church in Emporium, PA.