Daniel Isaac Palant M.D., a man of principle and honor died August 18, 2018 in Albany, NY, as a result of a fall. Beloved husband of Barbara (Waldman) Palant, father of William Palant and partner Beom Hee Lee of New York, Stefanie and husband Thomas Sinks of Michigan, and Jonathan Palant and husband Mark Mullaney and “proud papa” of their children Noah and Caroline of Texas. He was the son of the late William Palant and Minnie (Hoffman) Palant and brother of Linda Urbanowicz. He leaves behind many cherished cousins and extended family.
Dr. Palant resided and practiced pediatric medicine in Lexington, MA. Known fondly as “Dr. Dan,” his life was built around caring for children and for everyone with whom he came into contact. A graduate of Dartmouth College ’58, he attended the University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine. After receiving his medical degree, Dan trained at both Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse, NY and Boston City Hospital. He was pediatrician and Chief of Professional Services at the 7206 USAF Dispensary in Athens, Greece where he and Barbara honeymooned for four years.
It was in Greece where he received the United States Air Force Commendation Medal for Outstanding Service, a recognition that typified his life. Dan not only dedicated himself to children, but also was also active in and supported the Boy Scouts of America, the Boston Youth Symphony Orchestra, Project STEP, and the Boston University Tanglewood Institute. Dan began playing the French horn as a child and was a member of the Springfield Youth Symphony Orchestra, the Dartmouth College Band, the Vermont Symphony, and the Lexington Bicentennial Band. A musical highlight for him was when the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra principal horn player borrowed Dan’s instrument to play Richard Strauss’ Horn Concerto No. 1.
Beyond musical interests, he was active in the Lexington Bicycle Safety Program, and shepherded a law requiring helmets be worn by children under the age of 14 riding bicycles in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Passionate about many things, creative and talented, Dan was often found in his workshop making stained glass artwork and colorful clocks sourced from recycled aluminum cans, which he donated to raise money and awareness for charitable endeavors. Most recently, Dan was a frequent volunteer at the LexEat Together program, serving meals to the hungry and the lonely.
When Dan saw a need, he immediately began to take action, such as the CPR training program he launched for the Lexington community. Following the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy, he hosted a panel discussion on the effects of violence in media upon children.
A lifelong member of Temple Emunah in Lexington, where he and Barbara married 53 years ago, Dan served on the Board of Directors and co-chaired the Membership Committee. His real place of worship, however, was his home and the sunroom from where he admired the miracle of creation and the beauty of Nature.
A funeral service will be held at Temple Emunah, 9 Piper Road, Lexington, MA 02421 on Tuesday, August 21, 2018 at 1:00pm with burial at Beit Olam East Cemetery in Wayland immediately following the service.
Shiva will be at the home of Barbara Palant at the following times:
Tuesday, 7:00-9:00pm, with Minyan at 7:45pm.
Wednesday, 2:00-4:00pm, and 7:00-9:00pm with Minyan at 7:45pm.
Thursday, 2:00-4:00pm, and 7:00-9:00pm with Minyan at 7:45pm
Friday, 2:00-4:00pm.
Sunday, 2:00-4:00pm, and 7:00-9:00pm with Minyan at 7:45pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Project STEP, 301 Massachusetts Ave., Boston, MA 02115 or BUTI, 855 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA 02215, or the Temple Emunah Landscape Program.
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