Daniel Howerton Wedderburn

He was preceded in death by his former wife, Monique Bernier Wedderburn; his father, Alexander John Wedderburn, Sr.; his mother, Joan H. Edgar; his brothers, Alexander John Wedderburn II and Bruce Gattis; and his sister, Sally Olson.

He is survived by his daughters, who meant the world to him, Hope Belfiore (Joe Belfiore) and Paige Wedderburn, both of Washington, DC; his cherished grandchildren, Estelle and Nicolas Belfiore; his sister, Robyn Turriff; and his brother, Peter Wedderburn.

Daniel spent his childhood in Laurel, Maryland, on his father’s farm, originally 300 acres and later developed into West Laurel Acres. He held fond memories of the animals, the open land he explored, and the long walks to school. He graduated from Laurel High School.

A resilient and determined individual, Daniel overcame significant hardships early in life. As a child, he and his brother were placed in an orphanage while their father served in World War II and their mother was unable to care for them. After the war, their father brought them home to live on the family farm.

From a young age, he learned to rely on himself. At 18, he left home and enrolled at the University of Maryland, where he worked multiple jobs to support himself and graduated, earning his bachelor’s degree.

He later served in the Armed Forces and was honorably discharged in 1972. Gifted with a natural aptitude for numbers, he pursued a career in economics, earning a master’s degree from George Washington University. This led to a successful career as an economist, policy professional, and real estate entrepreneur.

Daniel dedicated much of his professional life to public service. He served as Executive Director of the Alternative Fuels Production Program and worked as a Policy Analyst and Program Manager at the U.S. Department of Energy, as well as in policy development at the IRS. After 25 years of government service, he retired at the age of 51, supported by his success in real estate.

He was deeply engaged in civic life and public affairs. Among his proudest accomplishments was serving two terms on the DC Human Rights Commission in the 1990s, appointed by two different mayors. A committed advocate for his community, he maintained strong ties within Washington, DC politics, served as Campaign Treasurer for Phil Mendelson, and remained actively involved in the DC Democratic Party.

Politics—both local and national—was his greatest passion. He formed lasting friendships through his involvement and remained engaged for as long as he was able. He believed deeply in fairness and equality and that all forms of discrimination should be against the law.

Daniel also had a lifelong love of baseball and shared season tickets to Washington Nationals games. He often joked, “Growing up there was a saying, ‘Washington, first in war, first in peace, and last in the American League.’ Nothing’s changed.”

Despite his fiercely independent nature, Daniel was warm, engaging, and deeply interested in others. He loved meeting people, hearing their stories, and forming meaningful connections wherever he went. Known for his lively conversations—especially about politics—he was selfless, determined, humble, and full of life and laughter. Nothing brought him more joy than helping others.

He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church in Washington, DC, where Daniel was a devoted member and cherished the community, and/or to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).