Daniel Melvin Harris

Daniel Melvin Harris passed away unexpectedly on August 7, 2025, at the age of 58. The youngest of six, Dan was born in Toledo, Ohio to Melvin and Barbara (Lechlak) Harris on December 12, 1966.

Dan had a passion for many things such as bigfoot, the movie “Jaws,” airplanes, golf and most importantly his family, especially his kids. He would always plan something fun to do with his family, there was nothing that brought him more joy than seeing his family and kids happy.

Dan graduated from Roy C. Start high school in 1985. A year later, Dan’s passion for airplanes led him to enlist in the United States Navy where he served from 1986-1995. While in the Navy, Dan was an airplane mechanic stationed on the USS Theodore Roosevelt’s (CVN-71) maiden voyage. He has also traveled to many places around the world such as Italy, Spain, Egypt, Morocco, and so much more. He had so many joyful stories from these places that he loved to share with others any chance he got.

If there is one thing Dan’s loved ones knew about him, it was his love for sports. Dan was a huge fan of the Ohio State Buckeyes, the Miami Dolphins, and the New York Yankees. Every time his teams would play, he made sure he was watching or keeping up with the scores. The happiness and excitement on his face when his teams would win will be remembered by others for years to come. However, if one of his teams suffered a tough loss, he would refuse to watch any more TV to avoid hearing the negative outcome about his team’s loss.

Dan would want to make sure that his family and friends remember that the 1972 Miami Dolphins were the only NFL team to complete an entire season undefeated!

The most important thing in this world to Dan was his children, Benjamin Daniel, Emily Grace, and Haley Elizabeth, who passed away at the young age of 4 months. He would always make sure to call them every day to check in on them. He would constantly make fun plans with them and would talk about them to others any chance he got. Every note, drawing, and picture his kids made for him he made sure to keep. Daniel had an amazing life, and he will be celebrated and remembered by his loved ones. His legacy will be carried on by his children, his siblings Kim Kulwicki, Terry (Tracy) Holt, Michael (Theresa) Harris, and Mary Beth DeLaTorre, and his nieces and nephews.

He is now reunited with his parents, his daughter Haley, and his brother Ricky. A visitation will be held at Walker Funeral Home (5155 W. Sylvania Ave.) on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, from 2 pm to 7 pm, ending with military honors. Please join us for a celebration of life which will be held on September 27, time and details will be posted later.