Danny Lewis Whitacre, aka Dan the Man, beloved husband, father, brother, son, grandfather, coach and friend entered into eternal rest June 29th, 2022 after battling aggressive gastric cancer.

Summing up Dan’s life and legacy is a near impossible task for someone so special… If you were lucky enough to meet him, you’d know he exuded light. Dan grew up in a tight knit community in Newport, KY with his family of 7.  In high school Dan played many sports including football and wrestling. After graduation he felt called to serve in the United States Army. Dan then graduated from NKU and began his career in the private sector. Dan always felt called to serve and mentor others, often through coaching soccer and mentoring entrepreneurs. In his final years, Dan felt a strong connection to St. Nicholas of Myra, and transformed himself into a real bearded Santa to share the real meaning of Christmas. Looking back it should be no surprise that he became Santa. After all, Dan brought peace, love and joy to all who knew him– with his signature sense of humor.

He is preceded in death by his father, Jerry Whitacre and niece, Andrea Salter. He is survived by his wife, Gwyn aka GiGi, and 4 children, Brian aka Yassa, Joey aka José, and Beth aka Libby, and Andrew aka Andrew as well as his siblings Jerry, Marty, Kenny, and Angela. He leaves behind 2 grandchildren, Kyle and Alex, and a slew of nieces and nephews.

In his last days, Dan imparted 2 pieces of wisdom. The first, “No regrets” and the second, “The journey to heaven was worth the trip”. His legacy will live on in all those who met him, loved him, and had the honor of calling him a friend.

A memorial visitation for Dan will be held on July 16, 2022 at St. Agnes Church in Ft. Wright from 10:00am until 11:00am with Mass to immediately follow at 11:00am. Following Mass a reception will be held at St. Agnes. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Dan’s name to the Covington Latin School Athletic Program.

Details here