Tributes
Danny Lewis Whitacre, aka Dan the Man, beloved husband, father, brother, son, grandfather, coach and friend entered into eternal rest June 29th, 2022 after battling aggressive gastric cancer.
Summing up Dan’s life and legacy is a near impossible task for someone so special… If you were lucky enough to meet him, you’d know he exuded light. Dan grew up in a tight knit community in Newport, KY with his family of 7. In high school Dan played many sports including football and wrestling. After graduation he felt called to serve in the United States Army. Dan then graduated from NKU and began his career in the private sector. Dan always felt called to serve and mentor others, often through coaching soccer and mentoring entrepreneurs. In his final years, Dan felt a strong connection to St. Nicholas of Myra, and transformed himself into a real bearded Santa to share the real meaning of Christmas. Looking back it should be no surprise that he became Santa. After all, Dan brought peace, love and joy to all who knew him– with his signature sense of humor.
He is preceded in death by his father, Jerry Whitacre and niece, Andrea Salter. He is survived by his wife, Gwyn aka GiGi, and 4 children, Brian aka Yassa, Joey aka José, and Beth aka Libby, and Andrew aka Andrew as well as his mother, Mary, and siblings Jerry, Marty, Kenny, and Angela. He leaves behind 2 grandchildren, Kyle and Alex, and a slew of nieces and nephews.
In his last days, Dan imparted 2 pieces of wisdom. The first, “No regrets” and the second, “The journey to heaven was worth the trip”. His legacy will live on in all those who met him, loved him, and had the honor of calling him a friend.
A memorial visitation for Dan will be held on July 16, 2022 at St. Agnes Church in Ft. Wright from 10:00am until 11:00am with Mass to immediately follow at 11:00am. Following Mass a reception will be held at St. Agnes. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Dan’s name to the Covington Latin School Athletic Program.
St. Agnes Church
1680 Dixie Hwy.Ft. Wright, KY 41011
Phone: 859-431-1802
St. Agnes Church
1680 Dixie Hwy.Ft. Wright, KY 41011
Phone: 859-431-1802
Dan L. Whitacre
Address: ,St. Agnes Church
1680 Dixie Hwy.Ft. Wright, KY 41011
Phone: 859-431-1802
Once a camper, always a camper
I was a counselor at summer camp when Danny attended in 1971. We met three Whitacre brothers during the summer, each with his own sparkle and pizzazz. Conventional wisdom is that the middle child (Danny was the middle of these three) is “the lost child.” But then, Danny was never one for conventional wisdom. He had a grit, a determination, and intent. You never had to scratch the surface much to find the sense of humor.
Shortly after I moved to Los Angeles in the mid-1980s, Danny decided to give it a go, too, and lived with me for a few months. LA claimed me, but the family & local bonds prevailed for Danny.
When I recognize “genuine” in a friend, I don’t let it go. It said a lot for Danny that he didn’t either. Although infrequent, we did remain in touch – for what turned out to be forty (40) years! His authenticity never wavered.
We were all touched by something special. Pass it on.
Always Positive
Just found out that Dan passed away; even with today’s speed of communication, somehow I missed it. That being said, I worked with Dan during our days with Compuware. He and I were Account Managers. Dan was always positive, ambitious and driven. I enjoyed our conversations as we would cover everything. He will be missed and the world will miss a great person who truly inspired everyone he met.
Wholesome Dan
My heart weeps for this wholesome man. Enjoyed our volleyball games at the lake where he had some great skills. See this game I captured on video of Dan. Scroll to 1:03:20.
My heart wheels for this wholesome man. Enjoyed our volleyball games at the lake where he had some great skills. See this game I captured on video of Dan. Scroll to 1:03:20. https://youtu.be/SOJeFaCiIPs
My heart weeps for this wholesome man. Enjoyed our volleyball games at the lake where he had some great skills. See this game I captured on video of Dan. Scroll to 1:03:20. https://youtu.be/SOJeFaCiIPs
Dan says NEVER REGRET!
Danny was the best of the best. He was so smart, greatful for life and all his family and friends he loved dearly..
He loved this country and wanted to make it better.
If you knew him you knew his faith and family were the deepest in his heart.
The world will miss not ever knowing what you could have done for us and it.
Know your missed. Love to all, Aunt Jan
So Sorry. RIP! God Bless The Family.
I Am So Sorry. God Bless You All. Love You Dan. RIP!
So Sorry….
My prayers and thoughts are with all the family. I was lucky to get to know Dan recently at Elk Lake where so many meet new friends. His cheerful being and sharing of details about so many things will not be forgotten.
Sam Altman
Peace and Love
Sad to hear of Dan’s passing. Though I didn’t know him for long, he clearly was special to many. Wishing peace and comfort to those who knew and loved him. Rest in peace, Dan the Man!