Daniel DePace

A hot, strong cup of coffee, his guitar, a grandchild or two on his knee – these are some of the simple pleasures of life that defined Daniel DePace.

Dan peacefully left those who loved him on Sunday, November 20, 2022. A Wilmington native, he was the first born son of the late Ann (Mackin) DePace and Louis DePace. He had three older sisters, Ann Louise DePace Keen, Susan DePace and Regina DePace and a younger brother, Lou DePace, all of whom survive him. Sherwood Park II was his childhood stomping ground and Dickinson was his high school.

Music and family made him happy and he found both when he met the love of his life, Mary Archer. Their first child, Adam, sadly died shortly after his birth in 1988. Left to cherish Dan’s memory are his wife, Mary and his two beloved children, Angel Baker and her husband, Brandon, and Asher Archer-DePace. Some of Dan’s favorite moments were the times he played with and cared for his two grandchildren, Elaina Grace and Raylan Lee.

He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Nancy Fichthorn and her husband, Phil and brother-in-law, Don Archer, his aunts, Letty Brennan and Dianne DePace, sister-in-law, Katie McLaughlin DePace and many beloved cousins, nieces and nephews.

Daniel held many jobs during his lifetime, including years as a painter and a furniture finisher at Marstan’s and as a jack of all trades at Countryside Gardens, but sharing his music by performing was his true avocation. He studied and knew so much of its history, but more than anything he found joy in playing music, whether it was with Mary, his friends at Childs Store, his bandmates in “Nice Like Dat” or his extended musical family.

Rest easy, Dan.

Family and friends are invited to visit at the Doherty Funeral Home, 3200 Limestone Road, Wilmington, DE 19808 on Tuesday, November 29, 2022 from 3:30 – 4:30PM. A celebration of Dan’s life will be held at Doherty’s at 4:30PM. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions in Daniel’s honor be sent to a charity of your choice.

To offer condolences and/or view the livestream/recording of Dan’s service, visit: www.dohertyfh.com

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