Dan Paul Leonida, 92, of Hatfield PA, died on October 29, 2020. 

Dan was predeceased by his beloved wife of 44 wonderful years, Grace Leonida. 

Dan was born in Romania, one of three children, to Zoe Solacoglu Leonida and General Paul Leonida. He was predeceased by his parents as well as his siblings, Serban Leonida and Adela Leonida Teodorescu.

He is survived by his children Marie Dina LaLande, Andrei Rainu, and Catinca Villeneuve, and his beloved grandchildren and their families. He also had a close relationship with his only niece and nephew Grazziella Teodorescu and Serban Teodorescu. 

Dan was a top-level hydro power plant engineer in Bucharest, Romania, before fleeing the Communist country. He followed a complex escape route, coming to the United States in 1970.  He worked as an electric power engineer for Leeds and Northrop in North Wales, PA, then moved to Boston, where he worked for Stone and Webster. He returned to Philly for an opportunity at Johnson Controls which led to his return to Leeds and Northrop, from which he retired in his early 70s. 

Dan and Grace loved being active; they hiked mountains, played tennis, and soon acquired a small boat, “Wanderer,” and a berth at Lake Nockamixon. Over time, the boat grew to the 25’ Catalina that the Captain and his “Best Mate” sailed all over the Chesapeake (well into their 80s!) on cruises that involved weeks of “rafting up” with a tight-knit group of sailing friends in Catalina 22 Fleet Ten. Winter parties were required to plan their summer adventures. 

Dan and Grace raised hosting to a level few even attempt in these busy times, and their house became the place to gather for all manner of celebrations. The list of guests they welcomed would tell a story of a couple who found each other midway through lives that had very different beginnings but whose love created a life dedicated to the principles they shared. Their active involvement with their parish family at St. Stanislaus Roman Catholic Church, and their commitment to family and friends was a team effort in every aspect.  

Dan was a brilliant man who achieved much, but more importantly, he was a good and caring man, a devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather who endeared himself to every member of the family that came with Grace to the altar. All grew to love Dan: Grace’s siblings, her nieces and nephews, and, as Fr. Bill would say, her “dozens of cousins.” Dan will also be missed and remembered by the dear friends he met along his journey. He used his tech prowess to maintain those friendships, and visited whenever he could. Several men who worked with Dan were at his side until the end, and there was no mistaking the consolation they brought to him.             

Dan should be an inspiration for all of us to endure hardships without becoming embittered, so that we can truly savor the blessings life sends our way 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to: Sisters of Mercy, 515 Montgomery Ave., Merion PA19066 (www.sistersofmercy.org) 

Viewing for family and friends who are able to attend will be from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM on Friday, November 6, 2020, in the Church, followed by a Mass at 10:30 AM. at St. Stanislaus R.C. Church, 51 Lansdale Ave., Lansdale, PA 19446 

Interment immediately after Mass at St John Newman Cemetery 

St. John Neumann Cemetery,  3797 County Line Rd., Chalfont, PA 18914