Daniel Frederick Luce, 55, passed away surrounded by his family in the comfort of his home on Wednesday morning, October 24, 2012. Born in Montpelier on February 5, 1957, he was the son of the late Robert C. and Nancy (Menut) Luce. On August 14, 2005, Dan married Christine Russell at their home in Moretown.
Dan grew up in Waterbury and was a graduate of Harwood Union High School in Duxbury. Following graduation Dan went to work for several years in the family business: the F. C. Luce Co. on Stowe Street in Waterbury. Returning to school, Dan graduated from Northeastern University’s Paramedic Program in Boston and went on to work at the Portland Maine Fire Department as a paramedic.
Returning to Vermont, Dan followed his many and varied interests. Over the years, he worked in several capacities in the mental health field—including positions as an emergency screener for Washington County Mental Health, as a paraeducator and substitute teacher at Harwood Union High School and as a paraprofessional at the Jean Garvin School at the Howard Center. He was employed in many other occupations, including property maintenance at Castlerock Condominiums, chimney sweeping, cooking, logging and sales.
In 2003, Dan attended Johnson State College where he earned his bachelor’s degree in history but, due to declining health, was unable to pursue his goal to work as a historian. He had a special interest in the 1927 Flood, the Civil War and World War II.
Dan was an avid hunter and fisherman. The outdoors was his sanctuary in a holistic and spiritual way. In recent years, his friendship with George Woodard and the Woodard Farm in Waterbury Center was a place where Dan found comfort, joy and purpose. Creative and expressive, Dan also played the role of “Bob” in George’s movie The Summer of Walter Hacks, an experience he greatly enjoyed.
Dan’s family, friends and community fondly remember him for his gregarious and loving personality. He will especially be remembered for his pride and love for his children and grandchildren. His family is extremely grateful for the loving support of his community.
Dan is survived by his beloved wife, Christine Luce; his children, Benjamin Luce and his wife Jennifer, Megan Luce, and Isaac Luce and his wife Madilyn; his siblings, Robert Luce and his wife Aida, Stephen Luce and his wife Angela, Camille Mason and her husband David, Susan Luce, and Margaret Pehle and her husband Mark; Christine’s children, Arthur George, Celeste Jones, and Jesse George; eight grandchildren, as well as nieces, nephews and extended family.
Friends may call at the Perkins-Parker Funeral Home in Waterbury on Saturday, October 27, 2012, from 4 to 6 p.m. The family requests that instead of flowers, donations may be made in Dan’s memory to ReBuild Waterbury (www.rebuildwaterbury.org). To send online condolences visit www.perkinsparker.com and Facebook.
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