Daniel Mcneil Hallett, Jr.

Daniel McNeil Hallett, Jr., 83, of Meadville, passed away Wednesday, May 19, 2021 at Meadville Medical Center surrounded by his loving family.

He was born January 8, 1938 in Canton, PA, a son of Daniel McNeil and Blanche MacCauley Hallett, Sr.  He married his college sweetheart Elizabeth R. Gillette June 27, 1960 in Elkton, MD.

Dan was a 1955 graduate of Canton High School, 1959 graduate of Mansfield State College with a B.S. in Music Education, and 1965 graduate of Penn State University with a M.S. in Music Education.  He was further educated in piano technology at Chautauqua Institution and at the Randy Potter School.

Dan taught elementary music and strings for three years at Bradford Area School District, elementary and instrumental music at Townville Elementary School, and at Maplewood Junior Senior High School where he served as choral director until his retirement.  He was also self-employed for many years with Hallett’s Piano Service.

Dan was a member of the First Presbyterian Church where he was active in the Chancel Choir for many years.  He was a member of the Piano Technician’s Guild and became a registered piano technician in 1980.  He was a member of Yesterday’s Sound Barbershop Chorus where he served as the director for 7 years and was Barbershopper of the year in 1995.  He was a former member and past master of Masonic Lodge 408.

Dan enjoyed playing the piano, singing, golfing, keeping in touch with friends, keeping up with the Cleveland Browns, reading, watching sports on television, and ancient history.  He loved vocal music and determined that anyone in his music classes who wanted to sing would have success.  He was fondly known by his students as the “music man.”

Survivors, in addition to his loving wife Betty, include a daughter, Marian Christine (Christy) Hornstein of Meadville; a son, Daniel McNeil Hallett, III of Meadville; four grandchildren, Holly Ruggiere of Austin, TX, and Alicia, Samantha, and Elizabeth (Libby) Hornstein, all of Meadville; two great-grandchildren, Carmen and Dominic Catalano; one niece and two nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Penelope Hallett Krepps.

Family and friends will be received on Sunday, May 23rd from 12 to 2 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 890 Liberty St., Meadville where the memorial service will follow at 2:00 p.m. with the Rev. Dr. Brian Jensen officiating.  The wearing of masks is encouraged.

Interment will be in Greendale Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church (for the Chancel Choir), 890 Liberty St., Meadville, PA 16335.

The arrangements have been entrusted to the ROBERT W. WAID FUNERAL HOME, 581 CHESTNUT ST., MEADVILLE where memories and condolences may be shared at www.waidfuneralhome.net