Obituary
Guest Book
1957
2013
Dan Scharfman died Sunday night following a heart attack last Tuesday. Beloved husband of Merle, father of Jacob and Rachel, son of Howard, and brother of Paul, Helen, and Tom, and Vice President at Baird Associates, community leader, and member of the Belmont School Committee. Funeral services will be Wednesday at 11AM at Beth El Temple Center, 2 Concord Avenue, Belmont. The family will receive visitors at their home on Wednesday from 3-9PM, Thursday 4-9PM, Friday 1-4PM and Sunday 4-9PM. Contributions may be made to The Dan Scharfman Education Fund, Belmont Savings Bank, 2 Leonard Street, Belmont 02478.
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January 16, 2014
Clare Urion McCully
It has been almost a year now and I still miss my dear friend each day. My heart aches for his family and his extended family - his friends. May we all live by his example and be good to each other, take time to take care of each other and live each day to the fullest.
October 23, 2013
Marilyn Richardson
We are stunned that we did not know of Dan's passing. Our hearts go out to Merle, Jacob and Rachel. Charlie is now hoping to join in the memorial race.
Marilyn, Charlie and Daniel Bering
July 9, 2013
Laurie Bloom
I met Dan more than 15 years ago while I worked at JRI. I only just heard of his passing tonight. I feel both so sad and and just so grateful to have known him the bit that I did. He wasn't just helpful; he made you feel like he really saw you, heard you and cared about you. I feel grateful I had the opportunity to know him. He made a difference to a lot of us. His genuineness would remind me that there is goodness and kindness in our world and that alone is a huge gift to have received. I am so very sorry for his family's loss.
March 18, 2013
Richard Salter
I knew Dan for several years in the mid to late 1970's when he and his brother Paul had a summer camp that took high school kids on backpacking, canoeing, and bike touring trips in the White Mountains and other parts of New England.
Dan introduced me to some of the most arduous, adventurous, and challenging hiking I've ever done. His patience with myself and others on the trip went a long way towards developing my love of the outdoors, a love that I still have and pursue to this day.
I remember Dan's great sense of humor that helped us get through long days in the mountains. I may still have a photo of him hiking with a garbage can (used to keep animals from our food re-supply) strapped to his back.
I wish I'd stayed in touch with Dan. It's clear he had a positive impact on the lives of many people.
Rest in peace, Dan. I'll always have fond memories of the miles of hiking we shared.
March 18, 2013
Sharon Solomon
I just read the story of your beloved husband, father and family member in the Boston Globe. I am so sorry for your loss. What a wonderful testimonial to his life. May his memory be for a blessing.
March 18, 2013
Tracy Relle
I do not know Mr. Scharfman at all, I just happened to read his obituary in today's Boston Globe. He sounds like a truly wonderful human being who touched the lives of many. I was inspired by his positive outlook, his caring and compassion for everyone and everything around him. Just wanted you to know he had the capacity to move even a stranger...but you probably already knew this! Blessings to all of you.
February 23, 2013
Jeff greenbaum
Dan had a huge impact on me at Brown as we sang in numerous choirs as well as forTemple Emanu-el. Always appreciated his tremendous intelligence! Insight and sense of humor. Goodbye Bontsche.
January 27, 2013
John Osterman
I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. I came to know Dan about 5 years ago when he began his work with us, advising us regarding our IT projects, some of which he was helping us with. We are a very small not-for-profit social services agency in Connecticut, with of course very limited resources. And so, we would never have been able to make the progress we have over the years without his counsel. He was always generous with his time and freely shared the benefit of his experience and wisdom. I have no doubt that he touched many, many lives and will leave a void in all of them. However none of that will compare with the pain you, his dear family, are now enduring. My prayers are with you.
January 25, 2013
Selma Hamilton
Dan befriended my daughter Lauren during the ultra marathon in Pittsfield MA last September. He stayed with her to ensure she was safe and could finish as she was hyponatremic. His kindness to her and generosity, his jokes during the race, his strength and fine character will be remembered. We had hoped we would meet again someday...maybe we shall...My deepest sympathy to his lovely wife, Merle and his children.
January 24, 2013
Rachel Fink
I am so sorry to hear of Dan's passing. I was a schoolmate and remember him as a wonderful person. Please accept my deepest sympathies.
January 23, 2013
susan wayne
Dan was a joy to all who knew him. He was bright , funny,kind, and so competent. He was the guy who got JRI, the agency where I was CEO for 27 years networked, wired, and up-to-date, then consulted and trained year after year. He was our tech consultant at Doc Wayne Athletic League and for my consulting group. No matter how busy I ever was, Dan's arrival always brought a huge smile to my face and heart. He was such an extraordinary human being. I saw many pictures of his beloved family and heard wonderful stories throughout the years. He loved them and life dearly. Merle, Jacob, and Rachel I thank you for sharing him with us and I hope you find some solace in the incredible impact of his shortened life.
January 23, 2013
jaylyn olivo
Merle, Jacob, Rachel, Words fail to express my sadness at Dan's death. It was an honor to sing with his Cantata Singers' friends this morning at his service. Everything said about him I echo and reecho. What an extraordinary human being. To say he will be missed seems totally inadequate. My condolences to all of you. May you find peace and some measure of comfort in how well and widely he was loved. All my best, Jaylyn
January 23, 2013
Felicity Harley
I worked with Dan on a number of ocasions and I enjoyed his warmth, his patience and his kindness. Hard to think of the world without him. Please accept my sympathies. Felicity Harley, Executive Director World Affairs Council of Connecticut, Inc.
January 23, 2013
Ricardo Herrera
Dan was an amazing person. He consulted for an organization I was with for over 8 years. What always stood out was what great of a human he was. He loved his work and his family and always spoke fondly of both with me. We were all lucky to be touched by his soul.
January 23, 2013
Kenneth Hawes
I work at one of Dan's client companies and have had contact with him for at least ten years. Truly a gentleman and an outstanding professional and I shall miss him as a friend and advisor.
January 22, 2013
Bob & Joan Reardon
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts and prayers of many are with you at this time of sorrow. Please accept our deepest sympathies.
January 22, 2013
Lindsay Bealko
Dan is one of those people who touched lives merely by passing through. I don't know if he knew of his gift & presence in this way, but he was so self-aware and grateful that I bet he was touched by each one of those lives just as much. He was a true joy, a friend, a comedian, a teacher, a student. Through our work together, it was plain to see that he brought passion and positivity to every aspect of his life - his family, his work, his running, his community & faith. I am deeply and truly saddened by the loss of a colleague and friend. To Merle, Jacob & Rachel - you won't know many of us who send condolences, but we feel like we know you because of how lovingly and often Dan spoke of you and your adventures together. I wish you peace and comfort and togetherness, with all my heart.
January 22, 2013
I had just gotten to know Dan through house sings at the McIntoshs'; what a huge loss.
January 22, 2013
Louise Pajak
I had just gotten to know Dan through house sings at the McIntoshs'; what a huge loss.
January 22, 2013
Brian Glasco
I worked with Dan through consultancy and he was a true BLESSING to work with. I pray for the comfort of the family as you mourn his loss. God bless you.
January 22, 2013
Rich Kneece
I didn't know Dan as well either, but my interactions with him at a mutual client were significant. He was a pleasure to work with, and I could tell he was a special guy. My condolences and best wishes to the family.
January 22, 2013
Andy Pond
All of us at the Justice Resource Institute have lost a valued partner. Dan was the person who trained hundreds of our staff in the use of technology, and--to a person--everyone commented on his knowledge and his sense of humor. I sent a message out about Dan to all our staff, and I have received many messages of shock and sadness at his loss. We wish the best to his wife and family in their time of grief.
January 22, 2013
Carol Hauss
If it weren't for Dan, we'd still be in the Dark Ages of technology, and I would have missed out on the fun and joy of working with such a mensch. Dan was a smart, caring man who always gave me a reason to chuckle. You will be so missed. This world was a better place because you were in it, my friend. My sympathies and prayers to the family. May his memory be a blessing. CJ Hauss, Director, Literacy Volunteers of Greater Hartford, CT.
January 22, 2013
Feza Oktay
A friend, colleague and inspiration for a positive outlook on life. I will miss his smile and treasure the nuggets of wisdom he shared in our conversations about our children. My sympathies to Rachel and Jacob about whom I've heard so much - you made you father proud.
January 22, 2013
Heather McDonald
Very sorry to hear this sad l news. I worked with Dan at New England Wildflower Society and he was such a joy to be around. My condolences to his friends and family. He will be missed.
January 22, 2013
Jodie Silverman
I did not know Dan well...only through his consultancy with my organization. But I enjoyed our many talks about kids and life and found him to be a true mensch...rare in our time.
January 21, 2013
Dwight Porter
A Cantata Singers fellow singer, board member, confidant, technologist, thought and calm-leader, caring mate, loving dad, community activist and all-around nice guy. I will miss you Dan. Peace to you Merle, children and family. His legacy lives in you and us.
January 21, 2013
Bob Joress
Words can't express my shock and sorrow. I'll miss Dan terribly - his smiling face, optimistic outlook, sensitivity, generosity, energy, and wonderful friendship. My deepest condolences to his beloved family.
January 21, 2013
Clare Urion McCully
Rest in peace, my dearest friend. The world will be bleak without you. How lucky I was to have your friendship for more than 3 decades.
January 21, 2013
May Dan's memory be a blessing to us all.
May his loved ones be comforted among the mourners of Zion, Jerusalem, and all the world.
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