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Cantor Daniel Evans
Cantor Daniel J. Evans, 74, of North ily, will be remembered among other
Huntingdon, PA, died October 26, things as a lover of buying Christmas
2024, at UPMC Shadyside Hospital, presents, thrilled with finding a bar-
Pittsburgh. Born on June 30, 1950 gain, as a loyal friend, a dedicated fa-
in Braddock, PA, he was the son of ther and grandfather, a committed vol-
John & Helen (Mihalov) Evans. Dan unteer and respecter of a good prank.
was a faithful member of SS. Peter In addition to his parents, he was
& Paul Byzantine Catholic Church, preceded in death by his long-time
Duquesne, PA where he followed in partner Elaine M. Baker. He is sur-
the footsteps of his father and served vived by his three children, Jennifer
as a cantor his entire adult life. M. Magee (Shawn), Gregory D. Evans
After graduating from high school, (Sarah), and Nicholas J. Evans; his be-
he entered the Byzantine Catholic loved grandchildren Emma-Kate Ma-
Seminary of Ss. Cyril and Methodius gee, Anna Magee, and Theodore Ev-
in Pittsburgh. For four years he at- ans; his two sisters, Pamela A. Donkin
tended Duquesne University. While at (Wayne) and Patricia M. Weidman
the Seminary he developed into one (Dennis), plus nieces and nephews
of the finest cantors among the stu- and great niece and nephew.
dent body. An additional bi-product The Divine Liturgy of Christian Buri-
of his seminary times was his learn- al was celebrated in SS. Peter & Paul
ing the traditional ethnic art craft of Church with Fr. Christiaan Kappes
Pysanky egg decorating. Once again celebrant, and Deacon Sean Petrisko.
he excelled, developing into a master Cantoral responses were led by Da-
Pysanky artist, a skill that he would vid Klacik, past Seminary student and
not only continue for the rest of his a lifelong best friend.
life, but also one that he shared with In memory of Dan, and as a tribute
family, parishioners and friends by to him and his many kindnesses to
teaching the craft to many, many peo- humankind, at the visitation the family
ple over a 50 year period. presented a large basket filled with
Dan graduated with a bachelor’s de- Dan’s Pysanky, which they invited
gree from Duquesne University where visitors to take one—an act that was
he met his wife, Susanne (Gillam) and very much appreciated by those who
quickly started his family. He then came to pay their respects.
worked his entire career for U.S. Steel Eternal memory and blessed re-
Corporation, over 35 years, starting in pose, grant O Lord to your faithful
the mills and working his way to Direc- servant, the Cantor Daniel.
tor of IT and Infrastructure.
In retirement he enjoyed golfing with
friends, his support groups, serving his
church, time with family, and watching
the Pirates, Steelers and Penguins.
Pap Dan, as he was known to his fam-

GCU MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2024 49