Mr. Gaughan had such an impact in my life.  He was such a great teacher who treated us with respect.  Whenever I am in a political discussion I always think back on the one who taught me the most about the subject!  RIP Sir!

Just loved Mr. Gaughan.  Such a wonderful teacher and mentor.  Rest In Peace 

What a great teacher.  We fought the Civil War in his class he made it fun by making it a competition and it made it us work harder. His velvet voice announcing the football games


I worked with Dan at SAIC.  He was ALWAYS kind and extremely polite in all of his dealings with everyone.  My memories of him are as one of the nicest people in the entire building .  I remember how humble he was when I tried to engage him about being in the teaching hall of fame.  He was a true gentleman in every sense of the word.

Dear Rita and Family,
    I was saddened by receiving an email from Lance Ledebur, informing me of Dan's passing. I knew  Dan back in 1974-1978 when I went to Joppatowne Jr.-Sr. High School as a first year Assistant Principal. It was also my first year in Harford County. I soon recognized Dan as a Master Teacher and also as a really nice guy. I rarely saw him after I went to another school for the 1978-9 year, but always remembered him fondly. I don't know how I missed seeing him achieve the Harford County Public Schools Teachers' Hall of Fame. Glad it happened!
Peace to all of you. Sincerely, Don Raff

Rita,
My condolences on Dan’s passing.  Thoughts and prayers are with you and the family at this time.  Take care.
Eileen Turowski 

I was fortunate to play baseball  for Coach Gaughan when he became the first manager in Maryland to win back-to-back state championships.    It was 1976 & 1977.  No doubt we had great ball players those two seasons, but I used to tell him success starts at the top.  A man of impeccable character and unceasing modesty, he was quick to credit the players versus himself.  I know he was as proud of us as we were of him.  His dedication to that team, and commitment to playing and living right, fostered a lifetime of valued memories for the guys who he took under his wing.  It’s rewarding to know we helped him achieve the ultimate success on the diamond, but it is we who won the greater reward having been coached by Dan Gaughan.  Thanks Coach! Rest In Peace, and peace to his loving family!

Mr Gaughan was a great history teacher!! He always took the time to help you understand!!! Very patient!!! One of my favorite teachers!!! Rest In Peace sweet Angel!!!

Mr Gaughan was one of my favorite teacher s if you didn't understand  history assignment he would take the time  helped you that kind of teacher he was  rest in peace my friend  my prayers 🙏 are for the gaughan  family god bless you all

To the family of this wonderful human, 
Mr. Gaughan was one of my FAVORITE teachers! Such a kind man. He will truly be missed. I'm so sorry for your loss.
Heart broken graduate of 1983😪 and one his aides. Patty F. & I will never forget him! Love, Fruit or Loom❤


Dan Gaughan was by far my favorite and most influential teacher. I had no interest in History going in to 10th grade, but he was recommended by a friend of my sister, Sandy G (see below), so I chose his class. He started the first minute of the first class by lighting a match and holding it up to the US Flag- a hot topic in the news in ~1989 to capture our attentions and set the tone for the year... this class was never about memorizing dates. The first few weeks were intimidating, but you quickly learned how deeply he cared about each of us. He encouraged us to think about "who we wanted to be" in life, i.e. not what our job would be, but what type of person we wanted to be, and he taught us to set goals towards that vision and to strive for excellence. He made us write our own epitaphs to really bring this concept home. We also had to make t-shirts and wear them for a day with an image or slogan we were passionate about- no matter how controversial.  I took a second class my senior year and wanted to follow in his footsteps so bad that I entered college as a history major with plans to become a high school teacher. I will always carry memories and feel influence from this remarkable individual.

I was one of Mr. Gaughan's Aide's in my senior year and also had him for history.  History (at the time) was not a favorite subject but Mr. Gaughan made it interesting.  In my senior year, I just wanted to get through class and I think he kinda picked up on that.  He would either let us go early or excuse us for being late.  It was my pleasure to have  helped him  around the classroom.  You were my favorite teacher  Mr. Gaughan.  Rest in Peace

I was lucky enough to have Mr. Gaughan as a teacher and an  advisor for Student Council. I attended Joppatowne HS  for 2 1/2 years  until Spring of 1975. We moved my senior year. Mr. Gaughan was a great teacher and creative in the classroom with his teaching methods. He is one of the few teachers that I have remembered and thought about over the years. I tried looking him up a couple of years ago because I wanted to write him a letter. I wish I had followed through with it! Thank-you Mr. Gaughan for your service , dedication and excellence  in teaching. Prayers for the family. Rest in Peace. 

Mr. Gaughaun taught me more in a year about humanity, leadership, consideration and love than any teacher before him.  His influence lives on in me and thousands of kids I’ve had the pleasure to serve.  He will forever be my North Star.  “Oh Captain! My Captain”.  

Mr Gaughan was one of the GOATs of all teachers (high school and college as my brother stated earlier). His family should know he influenced dozens of students to become teachers, he pushed hundreds of students to think critically about important issues in the world and society, he demanded you to engage in the discussion or a discussion whether it was during class (with a bat:) or on paper in the form of an essay. Ive read too what an excellent coach he was as well. And what’s evident in other Facebook posts online, is how many ppl he inspired and motivated. He didn’t care what type of student person others thought of you. He brought out the very best in you. Mr Gaughan was truly a gift to Joppatowne High School and will be dearly missed.

Mr. Gaughan was the best high school teacher I had.  We had a class where we discussed issues - like what’s on the nightly news.  Really tough topics that made you think.  He taught values & inclusiveness.  And to really think about what is right in life & what is fair for all.  He included everyone’s opinion in discussions.  Not just the top students.  Because he valued everyone.  Saying he was the best high school teacher is enough.  But I think he influenced me even more than any college teacher I had also.  Our loss is heavens gain.  Rest In Peace.  

Mr. Gaughan was not only the best high school teacher I ever had, he was my counselor and friend as well. I was an a Army brat in high school and my wonderful father was not always available but I always felt I could talk to Mr. Gaughan. He taught me more than one subject in high school. He always treated me with respect. He easily earned my respect, trust and honor. I wish my kids had had him and some of my other high school teachers as their teachers.  There was a special group of teachers in my time at Joppatowne never to be forgotten and he was head of the class. I will never forget him!

Dan,

My teacher, and my friend, I’m grateful that i got to learn so much from you. You taught me that a writing life was about waking up in the middle of the night, with a burning passion to put something on the page that would not wait till morning. You taught me that writing was a thing you had to work on even when you couldn’t find that uncontrollable urge, that writing was a thing you had to just sit and do. You taught me to think critically about about the person I wanted to be and the world I wanted to live in. And you believed in me. I always felt that and I hope you know how much it meant. Your name lives on in my house, as the lessons you taught me about fighting for what is right are the ones Jenn and I teach our daughter. The times the three of us spent talking became the foundation for who I wanted to be and what I wanted to do with this life. Thank you Dan. Rest in love and peace.  

Always enjoyed his political conversations in Discussion Class and at Alchemy.  Dan was a really nice gentleman who loved his family, especially his grand kids and baseball.

Mr. Gaughan was a great teacher and positive role modal to his students. I remember the great Civil War Battles we fought in history class. He also had that great voice on the PA at football games.  

Mr. Gaughan was an extraordinary educator who helped to shape the educator and woman I am today! He sought to understand myself as a student and person, asked tough questions,  really listened to me, and fostered a love of learning and really thinking!!!! He made me feel supported and inspired me to do the same for my students all of these years later!  I thank you so much Mr. Gaughan and my heart goes out to your family during this difficult time! 

I, like many others, were a student of Mr. Gaughan. In my time, he was the toughest teacher, strict, particular, and kind. I graduated in 1998, and I feel personally, Mr Gaughan played a pivotal point in my education.  I could tell he had a passion for what he did, and I appreciate it to the utmost respect. I give my deepest condolences to his entire family. Please have peace in knowing his passion will live on for many years. Sincere condolences and God Bless.
Carrie Talley 
class of 98 Joppatowne High School.

I too have fond memories of Coach Gaughan. Although I never had him as a teacher, he would allow me to sit on the baseball bench and help Adrianne keep record of the score and batting order. Back in the day, (1975-78) the girl's varsity softball team traveled to away games on the bus with the boy's varsity baseball team. Our games always ended 1st for the most part. Coach Gaughan would aways say to me, "Diane, if your game finishes before ours, hustle on over here and help Andrianne keep the book".  I loved doing that and cheering on our boy's. We both had awesome teams back then. Coach was an awesome leader and motivator. So very sorry to hear of his passing. I'm grateful to have known him both as an athlete and as a colleague when I return to J-towne to teach my 1st year in 1982. Rest in Peace, Coach. The lives you touched and mentored will nevered be forgotten. ❤❤  Diane Hinton Bishop

Dear Rita and Family,

I send my very deepest condolences to you upon this loss.  I will always have pleasant memories of Dan from  our discussion class at Harford Community College; he was deeply  thoughtful and had very historical  important ideas to share to keep our conversations going.    We continued those important conversations at Alchemy happy hour for many months.  He was a gentle and kind man.  I know he   was in pain and now he can rest.   He  will be much missed.  
Sandra Tracy
   


Mr. Gaughan was my Government teacher my senior year at Joppatowne H.S. in 1999. He was one of the harder teachers I had, but was stern because he could see what a lot of us couldn't see within ourselves and knew we could be better and do better. I remember vividly some of the side talks he had with me, and some of his advice has stayed with me throughout life. 
   I have had - and will continue to have - the utmost respect for Mr. Gaughan. May he rest in peace and may his family be surrounded with love and prayers.

A couple months back, I was speaking to an elementary school teacher friend, who constantly gets invites to college graduations and letters thanking her for her influence.  She is humble and tries to downplay it.  I spoke to her of Mr. Gaughan.  I talked  about the truly great teachers you come across that influence your life.   The ones that don’t take any crap and demand the best from you, because you deserve it.  The ones who will not accept your excuses, and teach you not to as well.  The ones that teach you to be inquisitive and that learning is more than just what’s written in books.  He did it from a place of respect.  He did it with a simple honesty in his eyes.  An honesty that believes in you and let’s you know it’s ok to believe in yourself.  The man taught me over 20 years ago, and I’m still speaking his name.   I have told my children about him.  I will continue to speak of him.  The world is truly a better place because of Mr. Gaughan.  

Best teacher ever!!!  I was a screw up most of high school but Mr Gaughan got the best out of me which wasn’t easy. I still talk about him to this day. Prayers for his family, the world needs more Mr Gauhans!

Mr. Gaughan was by far my favorite teacher!  He was a great role model that showed a lot of passion for his students and education that inspired you to be a better student and person.   Hope he knew how much he meant to all of his students, he was the best!

I only had Mr Gaughan for one semester, but he influenced me for sure.  I think the greatest lesson I received in that semester was to always dissent.  For a young man who believed everything he read in a history book or heard from a parent, or a teacher (such as himself for that matter); Dan Gaughan told me to ask "WHY".  Even if you  agree with the subject, you have to find a view of dissent for you to understand the subject and yourself.  That's how I remember it anyway, Thank you sir.  /salute

My first memory of Mr. Gaughan was sitting in his Gov't class. He would ask me what I was thinking. I told him "Nothing. I'm just listening to everyone else. I'll form my opinion later." He would later ask me my opinion. My second, more important memory, was sitting with him after school to talk about these 'papers' I wrote.  These were shared with very few, and I mean, VERY FEW people.  We would talk about what I wrote, what I was thinking/feeling as I wrote them.  He told me my writing could take over my life if I let it.  I, to this day, wonder what would have happened if I let it.  He made me feel, that no matter what choice I made, it would be ok. I was thankful for that. Wish I could have talked to him one last time to let him know. He had a major impact on my life and I will always be grateful!

Mr Gaughan was that teacher that made me want to learn, always kept us interested and engaged.  I appreciate the time and effort he gave to all of his JHS students.  Thank you sir, May your eternal life be glorious.  

I remember Mr. Gaughan's class vividly as one of my favorite classes and favorite teachers.  So much so that as an art student, I gave him one of my favorite pieces - a prismacolor pencil drawing of Marilyn Monroe which he hung on his wall for the years I was in school.  Wonder whatever happened to it.  I'll never forget him, or his baseball bat!  Condolences to his family.  

I was never in a class that he taught but I learned a lot from Coach as a member of the back to back State Champion Mariners Baseball Teams...Great Coach and an even better man who schooled us in life as well as being ballplayers.
R.I.P. Coach...

Awe so sad. Mr Gaugan was an amazing teacher and a wonderful listener. He was definitely one of my favorite teachers. Class of 1987

He was a great teacher at JHS and touched a lot of lives! A life well lived! Rest in Peace. 

Mr. Gaughan was one of the best teachers I have had in my life. I like another classmate said had the one nap in your class. I am grateful you woke me up and sparked my passion for learning and taking an active rule in government and social issues.  What a blessing you were to so many.  May you rest easy and may god comfort your family! 
 

Simply the best.  His personality was the light of each day in class. He truly impacted so many of us at Joppatowne High and will surely be missed. 

I was talking about him as my favorite teacher on the 2nd. My sympathy to the family. He was a special guy.

Mr. Gaughan changed the trajectory of my life. I was in his class when I realized how much I LOVED history.  Today I work in genealogy and love to help families learn the ways their family was a part of history.  He had a way of goading me -- while not alienating -- that was masterful.  It made me study harder, want to be smarter and think more critically.  He challenged my worldview and made me much more thoughtful.  I'm sorry I lost touch with him but I want his family to know that his life had a profound impact on so many of his students!

My favorite teacher and mentor will be missed. God bless Mr. Gaughan! 🙏❤️

I once fell asleep in his class, and quickly learned why everyone said not to. But that one time falling asleep never happened again and I began to understand that as long as my eyes are open, and my mind is ready to receive, I could make a difference in our world. Thanks to that one nap, I have spent my adult life awake, and hope I make as much differences in lives as Mr. Gaughn did for mine.




Mr. Gaughan was by far the best, secondary teacher I ever had. He was my Government teacher and my Independent Study AP Government advisor. He let me write my own class plan and I scored a 5 on that test, so I'd say it all worked out well! Lol. He wrote me a GLOWING letter of recommendation to an Ivy League University that I desperately wanted to go to. When they offered me only $2000 per year in scholarships (it cost about $30k/year at the time), he was there to wipe away my tears and offer a little advice about the world of higher education. When I obtained a position on a Presidential campaign in 2000 for which I was grossly underqualified, he was there to cheer me on and tell me that if anyone could do it, it was me. When I deferred on law school the final time and veered my life in a completely different direction, he warned me to think through my choices, but said he knew I would always make the right choice. He believed in me. He cheered  my Poli Sci degree, he was elated with my Social Science Masters, but I think he would have been the most proud of my Teaching Masters...although I'm sure he would have looked at me sideways over the top of his glasses if I told him I only use my Special Education license and not my Social Studies license. I can see the look! Lol
As an adult and a teacher, I can look back and reflect on just how special Mr. Gaughan truly was. He was my kind of person...a pillar of excellence, consistency, and calm, but always with a wink and a hint of mischievous in his eye. Of all the many things, that's what I will remember best about him and enjoy most about him. Rest in peace, my favorite teacher. You were spectacular...thank you for teaching me to aspire to be the same! ❤🙏💙

I loved being in Mr Gaughan’s class. He taught government with integrity and honesty, something I utilize as a teacher myself. I appreciated his candor and brilliance. RIP...

So sad. Thoughts and prayers with the family. He was one of my favorite teachers. 


Mr Gaughan was an influential teacher in my life. I heard he was a challenge to have and I tried my hardest to challenge him right back. He cared so much for his students, helped lead me into a path of education focusing on students first. He always cared about students first and that is what made him an exceptional teacher and mentor! Thoughts and prayers are with the family. 

He was one of my favorite teachers.  He had a quick wit, a dry sense of humor, and a hilarious way of waking up sleeping students.  Thank god it was never me. Lol. My deepest condolences to his family and friends. He was a great man.

Mr. Gaughan had such a huge impact on me not only as a student but as a person. I’d often used to joke that he was like a second Father.  For years after I graduated I would seek him out to just talk. Of course, as life took me to a different coast, I lost touch but I was always hoping to reconnect.  He was loved by MANY of his students.  This man shaped many of our lives.  Mr. Gaughan is another one of the those teachers that belongs in the Joppatowne Hall of Fame.  

Mr. Gaughan is a teacher that always stood out in my memory. I had him for government in 12th grade at JHS (1997). I wanted to slack. He pushed me, and it ended up being one of my favorite classes. Good man, great teacher. He will be missed. Very sorry to hear of his passing. 

I had Mr. Gaughan in 11th grade at JHS for History. We didn't seem to like each other very much that year for whatever reason. Probably because I didn't work the way I should have in that class...didn't live up to my potential.  But senior year, I had him again for Govt....loved him that year and got an A in that class. We got along great...he turned out to be one of my favorite teachers from my years at JHS. Will always think of him fondly. My heart goes out to his family.

Rita, Corey, and Little Gaughan,

I am sending  love and thoughts of peace to you over your loss of such an incredibly wonderful man. I have, and will always have, great memories of Dan as I was growing up; his wicked sense of humor, his smile, and his great laugh. He was always great at encouraging my sisters and I into fun mischief. I always enjoyed our conversations and valued his insight; to have such a person in your life as you grow up and into your adulthood is such an amazing gift.  My heart aches that he is gone; he will be missed by so many.

Much love,
Cindy (Palmer) Etgen



I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Gaughan's passing. He taught me and my five brothers and sisters at Joppatowne in the 80's and 90's. He was such a great teacher and man. Later in my life I had the pleasure of working with him at SAIC and got to know him on a more personal level. When I asked him if he worked at Joppatowne High he was surprised I remembered him after 22 yrs. My response was you do not forget a great teacher who carried a baseball bat! We all loved him. Your family will be in my prayers during this difficult time. RIP Mr. Gaughan

OBITUARY

Daniel J. Gaughan Jr.

29 March, 1946 – 3 July, 2020

Schimunek Funeral Home

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