Daniel E. Needham

Daniel E. Needham, age 61, passed away on September 29, 2025, surrounded by his loving family, after a courageous five-month battle with pancreatic cancer.

Throughout his illness, Dan faced every challenge with his trademark positivity, humor, and unwavering strength. Even in his final days, his thoughts were always with the well-being and happiness of those he loved most.

Dan was born on August 24, 1964, in Boston, Massachusetts, to Rose (Unstead) Needham and Robert Needham. From an early age, he developed a love for sports, but hockey quickly became his greatest passion. At just seven years old, he could often be found outside for hours, firing pucks against the garage door of his mother’s house, determined to perfect his shot. During his time at Weymouth North High School, Dan’s second love football took hold, and he continued to play the sport throughout college at Springfield AIC. He later transferred to UMASS Boston, where he earned his bachelor’s degree.

Dan was the proud owner of Needham Security, a private investigation firm he successfully ran for over 20 years. Known for his easygoing nature, quick wit, and ability to connect with anyone, he could light up any room he entered. Through his company and his work, Dan formed strong connections and lifelong friendships, leaving a lasting impact on all who had the privilege of knowing him. Whether helping someone in a difficult situation or encouraging them to pursue their dreams, Dan had a gift for making people feel seen, supported, and valued.

Dan was also a proud hockey coach and mentor. Together with his son Zachary, he built a summer hockey team called the Wardogs, a project they both cherished as a bonding experience while also nurturing young athletes. He touched the lives of hundreds of players, teaching not just the skills of the game but the values of teamwork, determination, perseverance, and sportsmanship. Coaching brought him immense joy, and his influence will be remembered by the countless young athletes whose lives he helped shape.

Above all, Dan was a devoted husband, father, son, brother, and friend. His children Zachary, Rachel, and Ryan were his whole world, and they adored their dad. He cherished every moment spent with them, filled with laughter, goofing around, and creating memories that will last a lifetime. His family was his heart and soul, and he consistently put their needs above his own. His legacy is one of unconditional love, generosity, and joy.

Dan is survived by his beloved wife, Jill (Ferris) Needham; his cherished children, Zachary G. Needham, Rachel A. Needham, and Ryan T. Needham; his stepmother, Rita Needham; his sister, Kathy Needham, and her son Stephen Needham; his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Christopher and Lisa Ferris, and their children Jack, Serena, and Allie Ferris; and his parents-in-law, George and Carol Ferris. He is predeceased by his father, Robert Needham, his mother Rose Needham, and his brother, Robert Needham.

Family and friends are invited to greet the family during visiting hours on Thursday, October 9, 2025, from 4–8 PM at McDonald Keohane Funeral Home, South Weymouth, 809 Main Street (Rte. 18 opposite South Shore Hospital).

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, October 10, 2025, at 10:30 AM at St. Jerome Church, Weymouth.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Dan’s memory may be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, helping to continue the fight against this disease.

Dan will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing and loving him, and his spirit, kindness, and joy will live on in the hearts of his family, friends, the hundreds of young athletes he mentored, and the lifelong connections he made through his work.