Daniel N. McLellan's Obituary
Beloved husband and father Daniel N. McLellan passed away peacefully on April 28, at the age of 60, from cancer. Danny "lived to LIVE," as a friend remarked. He spent his final time on earth doing what he loved best; traveling, walking in the dog park, seeing friends and making new ones, using every moment for adventures with family and late night laughter.
He was predeceased by his father Francis R. McLellan, mother Pauline B. (Rooney) McLellan, siblings Francis R. McLellan Jr (baptized Joseph, tonsured Archimandrite Joasaph) and Suzannah McLellan Soloviev. He leaves behind his wife Amy, children Ian, Daniel, and Madeleine, mother Jolinda McLellan, and his siblings Ann (Archpriest George) Lardas, Genevieve McLellan (Kevin Utter), Andrew McLellan (Olga) and a large and loving extended family.
Daniel graduated from Commonwealth High School in Boston and chose a winding road to his Bachelor and Masters degrees. His alma maters include Holy Trinity Orthodox Seminary, Mankato State University, Clark University, Golden Gate University, and Harvard Extension School, which, his father delighted in remarking, is Harvard.
After exploring jobs from dishwasher at a pizza parlor to police station admin to construction site temp, Daniel enjoyed a career as a self-taught and motivated software developer, approaching and documenting his work with quiet brilliance, precision, and creativity.
Daniel could always be found with a book close to hand, often a language book, to facilitate his many travels. On a flight to China, with a layover in Japan, he had taught himself enough Japanese to tell a woman fortunate enough to sit in a row with four McLellans, "You're our sister now." Language helped him connect with people from all walks of life, and he made lifelong friends quickly. When his bag was stolen from a church in St Petersburg, he was invited to live with a local family for a few weeks while the mess was sorted out. Danny saw challenge as opportunity, and indeed, things always seemed to work out in his favor.
Danny loved to surprise people, both with his wit and humor, and with his unexpected presence in cities far from home. Nothing made him happier than to cross or straddle a border; he proudly made it to all 48 contiguous states, delighting family and friends along the way with visits. He popped up anywhere one can imagine; a bar in Times Square, an airline gate for an impromptu send-off, a doorstep in Houston.
Above all, Daniel loved his family deeply. He delighted in his three children, Ian, Daniel, and Madeleine, guiding them with wisdom, humor, and a fiercely loving presence. His patience was exceptional, and his kindness unwavering. As he said, "The nurture of family life is the real story, the drama that practically nobody sees but really matters."
As a husband to his wife, Amy Beth, Daniel was truly extraordinary. He was the kindest, most patient partner one could imagine. Together, they built a beautiful life grounded in love, respect, and deep companionship. Their years together were filled with meaning, laughter, and joy, which they both cherished deeply. His gentle nature, humility, and warmth drew people to him, and his influence extended far beyond his immediate family.
His love fueled his family’s world and made everything brighter. He will be missed beyond words and remembered always with love.
The funeral service and burial will take place on May 9, at 11:00 am at St. Xenia Orthodox Church at 170 N. Lowell St., Methuen, Massachusetts. A memorial meal will follow at the church. All are welcome to attend.
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