Former Villanova Prof, Faculty Athletics Representative To The Athletic Department Dies At 80

Obituary courtesy of Donohue Funeral Home

Daniel Thomas Regan, 80, a long-time resident of Wayne, and former Villanova University professor and faculty athletics representative to the athletic department, died on Saturday, Dec. 17.

He was the loving husband of the late Dorothy Foley Regan; the cherished father of Paula Regan, Daniel Regan (Cathy), Matthew Regan (Sarah), and Katherine Lenehan (David); and the loving "Pop-Pop" of eight grandchildren.

He is survived by siblings John M. Regan, Richard E. Regan, C. Virginia Finn, and was predeceased by his brother, James J. Regan III.

Dan was born in Philadelphia on Aug. 5, 1936, the son of James J. Regan Jr. and Virginia (Manning) Regan. He attended St. Matthias School in Bala Cynwyd and St. Thomas More High School.

He remained a loyal "Golden Bear" alumnus, attending reunions and the annual Communion Breakfast.

Dan attended St. Michael's College within the University of Toronto, where he played football and basketball, majored in Philosophy, and held positions in debate and student government.

It was during his first year at St. Mike's that he met Dorothy Foley, also a "Yank," from Oak Park, Illinois.

He and Dorothy married in 1959, and while Dan earned a Master's Degree of Philosophy at Villanova and began his teaching career at Archmere Academy, the two began to build a life together.

Dan taught at Iona College in New Rochelle, New York, before arriving on Villanova's campus in 1966 as a junior faculty member, and Villanova is where he remained teaching full-time for fifty years.

He taught in the Philosophy Department, founded the Center for Peace and Justice Studies, served as Academic Advisor for all athletes and as the Faculty Athletic Representative.

He was inducted into the Villanova Athletic Hall of Fame and received the 2016 Nova Nation Award.

Dan always knew that he belonged in the classroom, but he felt just as comfortable pitching for the faculty softball team, belting out hymns at mass, and coaching his sons in youth league baseball.

He knew every word to "Mrs. Murphy's Chowder," had season tickets to Opera Philadelphia, and though he missed his Philadelphia A's, he faithfully cheered on the Phillies, the Eagles, and of course, every Villanova Wildcat.

He was a parishioner of St. Katharine of Siena. Dan belonged to the Martin's Dam Club, and he loved to golf with his dear friends.

Relatives and friends are invited to his Visitation 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, December 21 at The Donohue Funeral Home, 366 W. Lancaster Ave., Wayne, PA 19087, (610) 989-9600 and 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Thursday at St. Thomas of Villanova Main Campus Chapel, 800 E. Lancaster Ave., Villanova, PA 19085 followed by his Funeral Mass 11 a.m. Interment private.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the charity of your choice in Dan Regan's name.

Image courtesy Donohue Funeral Home