Daniel Joseph Lehan, 86, of Bedford, died on July 30, 2017.

Mr. Lehan was born in Somerville, MA, on June 24, 1931.  He was the second of four children born to Charles and Charlotte (Kempsey) Lehan.

He was raised in East Lexington and was a graduate of Lexington High School, Class of 1949, where he was a three-season athlete.  During his years there, he met many lifelong friends from both Lexington and Bedford. He always stayed in touch with his classmates, helping to plan many reunions.  One of his favorite reunions was the "East Lexington Neighborhood Reunion", held biennially at Dailey Farm, the home of Bill and Maryelene Dailey.  He looked forward to reconnecting with his old friends and neighbors and enjoyed the open air mass celebrated by his friend, Fr. Joe Nangle.

He enjoyed his years growing up in East Lexington picking blueberries and pussywillows to sell to his neighbors and getting into all kinds of mischief and shenanigans with his younger brother, Charlie, and all his friends from the neighborhood (Stories of which his children and grandchildren could never hear enough of).  He loved the history of the area and would get up before dawn each year on Patriots Day to watch the re-enactment of the Battle on Lexington Green.

Though he rarely spoke about it, Dan served in the US Army on the front lines in Korea during the war. In just two years he rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant (E-6) and was awarded the Bronze Star for Meritorious Service, along with the Combat Infantry Badge. Upon his return, he took advantage of the GI bill to attend Northeastern University where he graduated in the Class of 1959.

In 1958, he married Nancy McCadden, his wife of 57 years and the mother of their five children.  They lived in Somerville briefly before moving to Bedford and becoming active members of the community.  Dan served on the planning committee for Springs Brook Park and the Recreation Board. He volunteered for many years at the Bedford VA Hospital, and the Bedford Community Santa program.

Dan and his family enjoyed summers at Wedgewood and vacations at the Cape and at the Rutledge Inn in Fairlee, VT.

He worked for Larchmont Engineering and Irrigation in Lexington for 40 years, starting as Office Manager and eventually becoming Vice President. Dan and Nancy were able to enjoy many trips around the country and Europe through the company. He retired in 2001.

After his retirement, he and Nancy enjoyed spending time on Anna Maria Island, FL with their friends, Rich and Joan Freeman, Connie and Jim DiMaria, and many others.

He had a lifelong love of golf which began before he was old enough to caddy, cleaning golf balls at the Belmont Country Club.  He loved taking care of his yard and could often be seen puffing on a cigar as he mowed the lawn and planted Impatiens.

He is survived by his loving children and their spouses; Mary Beth Robinson and her husband Michael of Bedford, NH, Joanne Lehan Tamayo of Tampa, FL, Michael J. Lehan and his wife Debi of Weymouth, Patricia A. Lehan and her husband Sonhando Estwick of NY, NY and Amy Lehan-Coon and her husband Paul of Maple Grove, MN, and eleven grandchildren; Matthew, Joseph, Caroline, Olivia, Daniel, William, Alyssa, Jack, John Michael, Natalie, and Emily.

He was predeceased by his wife, Nancy, his sister, Janet Velcojski, his brother, Charles Lehan, and his dear friend, George Brady.

Dan was a very generous man who was always willing to lend a hand to his friends and neighbors.  He will be very much missed and remembered as a man of integrity who worked hard to make a good life for his wife and family and did what needed to be done without complaint and always a positive attitude and a sense of humor.

His funeral will be held from the Bedford Funeral Home, 167 Great Rd., Bedford, on Tuesday, August 8th at 8:00 AM, followed by a funeral Mass in St. Michael's Church, 90 Concord Rd., Bedford, at 9:00 AM. Visitation at the funeral home on Monday, August 7th 4:00PM-7:00PM.

Memorial contributions may be made to, St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Pl., Memphis, TN, 38105