Daniel H. Willard

Daniel H. Willard, 77, of Northampton, passed peacefully from this earth on Sunday evening surrounded by his family. He lived a good life full of joy, fun, family, friends, and persevered through difficult times. He was born in Northampton on May 13, 1947, to the late Harold and Doris (Ducharme) Willard. As a child, Dan loved Boy Scouts and was very proud of his 1-mile swim badge. After high school, Dan was drafted and served in the US Army spending time in Vietnam. On his return, he worked in his family business, Harold’s Garage, where he drove truck, operated cranes, and maintained the vehicles, until his retirement. On February 7, 1970, he married Christina Meehan and together they raised their two sons. Dan treasured the time working alongside his son Chad at Harold’s Garage and loved working on his corvettes with son Todd. Dan enjoyed boating, camping, snowmobiling, skiing, go-kart racing, his corvettes and RC car and model airplane flying. He was a good pool player and played on many teams throughout the years. But most of all, Dan enjoyed following and watching his grandkids thrive in all their activities. In 2015, Dan married Cindy Englehardt Rauch and together they spent his last years enjoying car shows, camping, going to concerts, cruising, trips to the casino and playing pool. He is survived by his loving wife, Cindy (Englehardt) Willard, his sons, Todd and his wife Heather, Chad and his wife Kristi, his grandchildren, whom he adored, Amanda, Caitlin, Garrett, and Ava Willard all of Northampton, his brother Michael Willard Sr, and his companion, Theresa Anderson, he also leaves, nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his first wife Christina who passed away in 2004, and his best friends; his dogs; Beauti and Zoe. Calling Hours will be Monday July 22, 2024, from 4-6 PM, at the DROZDAL FUNERAL HOME of Northampton, a service will begin at 5:45 PM followed by Military Honors. Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers donations in Dan’s memory can be made to VFW Post 8006/Furnace Fund, 18 Meadow St., Florence, MA 01062 or to a charity of one’s choice. For more information or to leave the family a personal condolence, please visit Drozdalfuneralhome.com.

Daniel H. Willard

May 13, 1947 - July 14, 2024