Daniel Larkin Lindblom, age 72, died on April 23, 2020 at home in Dedham, MA surrounded by his family. Simply known as Dan or Papa, he is survived by his loving wife, Donna Lindblom (Corrigan) of 47 years. Dan is lovingly remembered by his oldest daughter Bridgett Paz and husband Alex, his youngest daughter Kristen Bouchard and husband Andy, his granddaughters Esabelle Paz and Natallia Paz, and his sister Judith Wallace and husband David. He was loved by his extended family and friends; from his neighbors to his friends all across the globe. A true testament to how uniquely special he was.
He was born in Crailsheim, Germany on December 30, 1947 to Antoinette Britenger. His birth name was Hartmut Assel but he was adopted by an American couple, Ann and Victor Lindblom. They named him Daniel and brought him to America at the age of 5.
Dan was an unconventional guy, who led a pretty interesting life to say the least. If you ever sat next to him on an airplane, train, at a bar or coffee shop, you might have heard pieces of it. Dan loved to regale with stories of his childhood living in places like Japan, Philippines, Germany, Georgia, California, and Colorado. He loved to share his experiences and perspectives from the U.S. Army Special Forces in Vietnam, his travels around the world, his visionary environmental and engineering concepts, his deep understanding of world religions and the latest scientific developments from space exploration to biology. Dan was an outstanding storyteller, handyman, Financier, rose gardener and dancer but most of all an extraordinary father and husband. There wasn’t a thing he couldn’t build, a problem he couldn’t solve or a topic he couldn’t talk about. Every story had a positive twist, silver lining, obscure fact, and examples of the greatness in humanity and humility.
Throughout his life, he continuously beat the odds and exceeded everyone’s expectations. He was a decorated Army sergeant. He received the Cross of Gallantry, the Purple Heart, the Presidential Unit Citation, Vietnam Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Air Medal, three Army Commendation Medals (two for Valor), National Defense Service Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, Parachute Badge, Vietnamese Parachute Badge, and the Meritorious Unit Emblem. He volunteered for every mission to be there for his fellow brothers.
A common saying of his was, “if you can see it, you can build it”. And he would jokingly remind everyone that they either have “two holes in their nose” or to “get a job”. Other favorites: “This is the best steak I’ve ever had!!” and “who ate this the first time?”
He was one of a kind. He was never intimidated by anyone; without a doubt holding to his high moral character and principals. He was clever, brilliant, an extreme optimist. He stood out with his suave sense of style. He loved to laugh and make people laugh. He left an impression on everyone he met. He greatly improved the lives of many all over the world….but his greatest weakness was his inability to spell which he passed on to his daughters.
To say he will be greatly missed is an understatement. The world has lost an extraordinary man, humanitarian, visionary, entrepreneur, philanthropist, thinker and jokester.
Due to the current social restrictions, a celebration of Dan’s life will be held at his home with his immediate family. As a way to share heartfelt messages and stories about him, please send them to this special email for his remembrance: [email protected]. His family would love to hear any stories you have and will cherish them for years to come!
In lieu of flowers, please honor Dan with a donation to: Disabled American Veterans (www.dav.org/) or VNA Hospice & Palliative Care (wwwvnacare..org/)