Daniel Robert Kimmel Sr., loved the holidays

Daniel "Dan" Robert Kimmel Sr., 68, of Lewes, passed away Thursday, Sept. 15, 2022. He was born July 22, 1954, in South Philadelphia, Pa., son of the late George W. and Mairiam (Lipsett) Kimmel. During his battle with cancer in recent months, he showed his courage in facing challenges. Despite the pain, Dan kept a smile on his face, his family laughing, and stayed strong to the very end.

Dan had numerous unconventional jobs in Philadelphia before working for the State of Pennsylvania for many years, eventually retiring and moving to Delaware in 1999. He then became employed at Cape Henlopen School District, where he became better known as "Dan the Man." The majority of his 18 years in the district were spent at Shields Elementary School. Dan the man could be found directing morning traffic and keeping the building in top-notch condition. He officially retired in 2018. Dan spent his free time tinkering in his shed and sharing endless entertaining stories about his life. You could always find his faithful dog Izzy at his feet, sharing donuts while he enjoyed his morning coffee.

Dan enjoyed the Mummers Parade on Broad Street, visiting the shore and summers in Wildwood. He loved the holidays, especially going all out for Halloween. Legend has it that he had a personal connection with Santa, and his house always received a personal visit. Dan was a huge history buff, an avid reader, and a collector of artifacts including knives and guns. Above all, he enjoyed time spent with those he held most dear. Dan was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Loved by many, he will be deeply missed by all who had the good fortune to know him.

In addition to his parents, Dan was predeceased by his brother, George Kimmel; his sisters: Joan Cabano and Patricia Kimmel; his brothers-in-law: Raymond Lambert and John Cabano; and his sister-in-law, Elaine Rodgers. He is survived by the love of his life, Veronica Kimmel, together they have built a wonderful life for 49 years.; he was a proud father to their son, Daniel Kimmel Jr. (Sarah); his daughter, Patricia Maull (Donte); his grandchildren, who lovingly called him the "Rock King," Victoria, Iysiah, Dayana, Giana, Nevaeh, Madison and Jude; his loving siblings: Richard Kimmel (Eileen) and Eileen McHugh (Tom); his sisters-in-law: Sue Anne Kimmel and Christine Lambert; his brother-in-law, Steven Francis (Karen); and his numerous nieces and nephews who loved him dearly.

The family would like to extend their appreciation to Tunnell Cancer Center and Beebe Intensive Care Unit. Your love and support will never be forgotten.

A funeral service will be held at 3 p.m., Friday, Sept. 23, at Parsell Funeral Homes and Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Hwy., Lewes, where friends may call beginning at 2 p.m.

All who cannot attend in person are invited to join the services via livestream by visiting the following link: parsellfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/permalink/10658928/LTWebcast.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Parsell Funeral Homes and Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, Lewes.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you buy a nice, cold, Guinness and enjoy a beer in his honor.

Visit Dan’s Life Memorial webpage and sign his virtual guestbook at parsellfuneralhomes.com.