Daniel Paul Macuga

“An awesome teacher is hard to find, difficult to part with and impossible to forget.”

A chorus of laughter rained down from heaven on February 8, 2022 as Daniel Paul Macuga delivered his first punch line at the pearly gates. Dan, 69 years old, entered eternal rest after a courageous battle with cancer. He passed away peacefully while surrounded by his loving family.

Dan was a storyteller like no other. He was blessed with a great sense of humor, and always had a new joke ready for any occasion.

Dan was born on January 11, 1953 in New Brighton, PA. He was the self-proclaimed “favorite” son of Rose and John Macuga. Second favorite was left to his siblings, Judy Macuga Wandschneider, John (Debbie) Macuga, Ed (Sheryl) Macuga , Theresa (Rich) Engel, Rosemary (Ron) Thellman, Mark (Barb) Macuga and Vickie (John) Ludwig.

Dan was very accomplished. His proudest achievement was marrying his wife Cindy (Martin) who loved him deeply, cared for him daily, and supported him in everything that he did. Their children, Nick and Johnna were the most important part of his life.

Upon graduating from New Brighton High School in 1971, he decided to enroll at California State College to the utter surprise of his high school guidance counselor. There he reunited with brothers John and Ed and together they enjoyed college life, at AKL fraternity parties, dancing to Motown, all while Dan ran the mile for the Vulcans track team. He graduated in 1975 with a teacher's degree that set him on his career path.

He was hired as an elementary school teacher in his hometown, and began a rewarding career nurturing and teaching countless students. He created interesting characters and told funny stories to help his students learn...his favorites were “The Bully Brothers”, “The Coin Design Contest”, and “Mr. Matter”. In 2001 he was honored as one of the Top 40 Teachers by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. He treasured that award, but it was the pride that he felt each time a former student told him "Mr. Macuga, you were my favorite teacher," that he cherished the most.

He passed down his passion for track by serving as an assistant and head coach for the New Brighton High School track team. In 2005 his team reached the WPIAL finals. He also coached football and basketball.

Dan didn't slow down (as if anyone could ever slow him down) after retiring from teaching. He packed up his favorite stories, trivia and jokes and headed to the Backdoor Tavern and Oak Hill Vets as a part-time bartender.

Like his uncle Joe Peluso, Dan loved to collect antiques.

He also was a natural in front of the camera. Dan appeared in numerous television commercials for DeAngelis Donuts and Ryno Production.

An avid golfer, Dan played in the Backdoor Tavern Legue. He also took pride in attending high school and youth sports events, cheering his nieces and nephews.

He was a devout member of Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church in New Brighton.

Dan will be sadly missed by his sister and brother-in-law Linda and Chas Hoffman, his numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends' especially Keith Barrow and Joe Greco. He had a special place in his heart for his godchildren Josh Macuga, Danny Macuga, Andy Joe Ludwig, and Rachel Ciccone.

He was preceded in death by parents, John and Rose Macuga. His grandparents Philamena and Dominic Peluso and Paul and Francis Macuga. Father and mother-in-law Nick and Helen Martin and sister-in-law Sheryl Macuga.

Visitation will be held at J&J Spratt Funeral Home, 1612 Third Avenue, New Brighton, PA on Friday, February 11th from 2 to 4 pm and 6 to 8pm where a prayer will be held Saturday at 9:30 am followed by a Mass of Christian burial at 10am in Our Lady of the Valley parish, Holy Family Catholic Church, New Brighton.

In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer donations to be made in memory of Dan P Macuga to the New Brighton Public Library.

Dan was someone who had a love of life and a firm understanding of what was important - the simplicity of living a life with those you love.