Daniel Jonah Levinson

Daniel Jonah Levinson died on January 3, 2026, due to complications from a sudden and aggressive cancer. He was 76 years old. A beloved teacher, writer, coach, and avid reader, Dan’s warmth and thoughtfulness led to lifelong friendships with peers, colleagues, and former students alike.

Dan was born in Indianapolis on March 24, 1949 and was raised primarily in Gary, Indiana. He studied journalism at Northwestern University and earned his master’s in philosophy from The New School. In 1973, he married his wife Cindy, and their marriage would go on to last nearly 48 years. They raised their two children, Richard and Emily, in Newton, Massachusetts, where he lived until he passed away.

Dan devoted 41 years to teaching at Thayer Academy in Braintree, Massachusetts, where he made a tremendous impact on generations of students and colleagues. He taught English and history, and served as chair of both departments, but his true passion was working directly with students. He advised the school paper and magazine, coached baseball, and wrote and directed plays performed at the school. He maintained close contact with many of his students decades after they graduated.

Dan retired from teaching in 2018 after Cindy suffered a brain hemorrhage, and he cared for her with great love, energy, and attention until her death in 2021. After this difficult period, Dan found joy through his close bond with his grandson Hugo, his relationship with his loving companion Amy, and the simple pleasures of reading and spending time with family and friends who had been a part of his life for decades.

Dan will always be remembered by those who loved him for his kindness, his great intellectual curiosity, and his easy, dry humor.

A memorial service will be held at Temple Emanuel at 385 Ward St, Newton, MA 02459 on Sunday January 18, 2026 at 1:30pm. A reception will follow where all are welcome to honor Dan by sharing stories, memories, and reflections.

Donations may be made in Dan's memory through the Pan-Mass Challenge to benefit the Jared Branfman Sunflowers for Life Fund for Pediatric Brain and Spinal Cancer Research at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Each year, Dan's longtime friends Steve and Ellen Branfman ride to honor their son Jared and to raise funds to support cancer research. Our families are grateful for the community’s support. Link to donate: https://profile.pmc.org/SB0159