Daniel R. Lewis

Daniel R. Lewis, age 55, fell asleep in death on April 22, 2024 at his home with his sister and caregiver. He was the son of Robert Lewis and June Lewis of Utica, NY. His dad predeceased him but he leaves his mom; his sisters, Deb Bonavita and Rebecca Siek; his brothers, Sean Lewis, Ryan (Rita) Lewis, and Damon (Lisa) Lewis; along with nieces and nephews.

In his early years, we soon learned that he was going to be a “busy” child--always on the move. Sports were his thing. He loved to run, play baseball and was an avid hockey player. Of course he was a big Gretzky fan. One memory has him playing hockey against the school wall across the street but then he painted a strike zone on said school so he could practice his pitching as well. Oops, a little vandalism there.

He loved being outdoors. A trip to Niagara Falls was a highlight. Camping and fishing with maybe a brew or two. Now does all this sound like a guy who would be meticulous about his hair? Yep, he sure was.

Sadly in 1990 at the age of 21, he had a tragic bicycle accident that left him a quadriplegic with a profound traumatic brain injury. His trauma team gave him approximately 5 years to live. They obviously didn’t know Dan.

It took 10 months to get him stable enough to come home, but from that point on, he did well for many years. His nurses and sister took him all sorts of places--Alex Bay, fishing, petting zoo (which he loved), the park and there was one hockey game where only quick action by his nurse saved him from getting hit in the head with the puck!

He had many male caregivers and they would talk women and cars--no surprise there. He could speak a little more in those days and he wanted to be married to a blue-eyed blonde with red lips. The guys got a kick out of it. His dream car was a red corvette. And his desire for food was unending! There was one nurse who was apparently sneaking sweets to him. We couldn’t figure out why Dan was blowing up in weight. When “G” retired, Dan slimmed down. Mystery solved.

His short-term memory was gone, but how surprised we were one day when an old song came on and he was mouthing every word! We started doing our own music therapy of sorts and found he loved it. There were some made up songs that his sister would sing to him only when others weren’t around. They revolved around his personality. He would get a twinkle in his eye because he came to know them by heart. The one song that she sang from the first day of his accident to the night of his death was “You are my Sunshine”. That one was saved only for the tough times…

Dan was raised as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. He never lost faith in the Bible’s promise that one day God would intervene and restore his original purpose to this earth. He believed that Christ meant it when he told us to pray “Let your kingdom come, let your will be done on earth as it is in heaven”. We’d talk about all the things he’d be able to do again in Paradise--run, swim, play with the animals. Genuine and lasting peace here on earth.

Despite his many challenges and the indignities that come with needing this kind of care, we always marveled at his disposition. He rarely complained. He taught us all so much. He also became a more appreciative person--telling us that he loved us or that he thought someone caring for him was cool.

Speaking of those “cool” people, we can’t possibly thank all the nurses and aides we’ve had over the years, but I will make special mention of his last team. Paul, who was with us the better part of 30 years, Greg, Mark, Kristie, Josh and Harriet. It could not have been done without you and those who came before you. You each brought a special gift into Dan’s life and the family feels only gratitude for your care. We wish you the best.

Dr. Shukri, your compassion and kindness as well as your skill in helping us with Dan’s neurological issues made a real difference in our lives. Heartfelt thanks to you and your staff.

And then there was the day Dr. Christiano came into our home--literally--and into Dan’s life. Your genuine concern and support have meant the world to us. Your true empathy has made the difficult times more bearable, and I know your medical care contributed to our guy living as long as he did. Now who’s going to pick up the mantle and continue the Yankees/Red Sox rivalry you and Dan had? Warmest thanks to your staff as well--they are the best! Special shout out to Karen.

There will be no services at this time.

To share a memory of Dan or leave a special message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.

So… sleep on my brother, sleep tight
For now with you the sky is night.
But after night will come daybreak
Therefore I will wait hoping to see you awake.