Daniel (Dan) Brian Hall died on February 5, 2023 after 62 years of a life filled with family, friends, music, fishing, Philly sports, and of course photography. Dan was a loving father to his son Danny, husband to Jodi Hall, older brother (in the truest sense) to Craig Hall, Beth Snodgrass, and Heidi Sarnak, a "bonus brother" to Bruce Mattis, and half-siblings to Wiley Hall, Gabrielle Lauer, and Elissa Krauss. Dan was predeceased by his mother, Suzanne Meyers. Dan’s good-natured playfulness made it easy for him to develop connections with his many nieces and nephews, sisters and brother-in-laws. Dan was caring son-in-law to Scott and Mary Jane Verrei.
Dan was born in Norristown, PA in 1960, living his life in Valley Forge, Malvern, and Exton, PA. He graduated from Conestoga High School in 1978. After many years in restaurant management, Dan began a decades-long career as a photographer, earning him the nickname of “Photo Dan.” Dan was the proprietor of Prestige Photography, which he started in 1987. His creative eye and knowledge of finding just the right light created beautiful portraits. Throughout his career, he brought joy to countless families, creating portraits and chronicling weddings. His good-naturedness and humor brought out the best smiles in children. Dan helped professionals and models further their own careers through his photography. Dan also worked for Cardinal Camera for almost 15 years and loved his job and the people he worked with. Dan also managed to sneak his camera into the Philadelphia Spectrum (back in the day) and got some jaw-dropping shots of Jerry Garcia, Bob Weir, and Mick Jagger from the front row. He was proud of his work and for good reasons!
Dan was loved by many friends - many of these friendships were decades-long and spanned almost his entire life. Dan was a natural networker - he always “knew a guy” who could help out. Storytelling came naturally to Dan, and in combination with his endearing laugh, was a person who was fun to spend time with. One of Dan's other passions was fishing, fishing, fishing, with many of his friends and family over the years. He fished many waters- the Atlantic Ocean, Canadian lakes, and for many years on his local Schuylkill River and his favorite Susquehanna River with his favorite brother, Craig. The water will miss Dan! So will his fishing buddies!
Perhaps Dan’s most defining characteristic was his love for and dedication to his son Danny. Being a parent of an autistic child is not an easy road. Dan, in partnership with Jodi, embraced that journey with all his heart. Dan shared and nurtured many hobbies with Danny - most recently bike riding, bowling, and power-lifting. He encouraged Danny to communicate with family - sharing his best bench press weight (305 lbs!), what he ate during the countless visits to restaurants, how many pizza boxes folded at his job at T.D. Alfredo’s, and of course, favorite lyrics to Dead songs - “I wish I was a headlight on a northbound train.” Danny loved to give his Dad back rubs - and steal his Diet Coke - whenever he had the chance.
To say that Dan will be missed is an understatement. Dan, we’ll take inspiration from the lyrics of one of your favorite Dead songs, The Wheel, remembering each day - “won’t you try just a little bit harder, couldn’t you try just a little bit more” And Danny will remind us that we “need a miracle everyday.”
Dan greatly appreciated everything The Timothy School did to support Danny throughout the years. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to The Timothy School, using the Donation link below.
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