Daniel Seppanen of Audubon tragically and unexpectedly passed away on the morning of Monday, September 23rd, 2024. Dan is survived by his loving parents, Vincent and Terry Seppanen (née Gatti), his brothers Shawn (Shena) and Keith (Alyssa), his niece and goddaughter Emma Mae, as well as his niece Nora Mae, both of whom he adored, and his loving girlfriend, Lauren Realey along with her son and Dan's buddy, Gus. Dan is also survived by a large, supportive extended family and good friends. Dan is predeceased by his grandparents Ralph and Mae Gatti (née Howard) and Henry and Susan Seppanen (née Rubin).

Throughout life, Dan was guided by his passions and loyalties. In his youth,this often meant athletics. Dan was at home on the baseball diamond, the basketball court, and the hockey rink. He relished the opportunity to take on the best competition and often came out on top. His confidence soared while playing, and being a key member of his teams gave him great joy. Dan gave his all to his teammates as he helped them reach their own athletic potential.

Off the field, Dan was fortunate to have a close group of friends to whom he remained loyal. This group filled his teen years and young adult life with community, support, joy, and memories he would always cherish and love to recount. They simply and affectionately called him, "Sepp." "Sepp" certainly had an adventurous streak, but he always believed he could get him and his friends out of any situation with a charming smile and quick wit. He was often right. Dan would chuckle, and explain that everyone understood "that's just Sepp."

As an adult, Dan's passions led him on an ongoing search for knowledge and understanding; both of himself and the world around him. Dan returned to school and spent years studying and working to become a journeyman electrician. Outside of academic and professional pursuits, music was always a love for Dan, and he listened at full volume. He had also recently begun to try his hand at painting as a way of expression. He loved to cook and try foods of all types. Dan kept an open mind and looked to expand his palate in food and all things. Dan loved to read, listen, and discuss to gather new perspectives on spiritual matters, current events, politics, and the human condition. His search for understanding knew no bounds, and he valued the perspective added by everyone with whom he crossed paths.

All who knew and loved Dan, knew that Dan, like so many, battled addiction. While he ultimately succumbed to this fight, it did not define his life. Dan believed and recognized that we all have struggles, but he knew that the value of each of us is far greater than the challenges we face. Dan was deeply and wonderfully attuned to the humanity around him. This ability to connect was why Dan was able to be deeply forgiving and kind and good. Ultimately, this is his legacy, and how he will be carried on by those who love him.  Dan is, and will remain, deeply missed.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend Dan's visitation on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon at the FOSTER-WARNE FUNERAL HOME, 250 S. White Horse Pike, Audubon, NJ.  Remembrance service will follow at 12:00 Noon.  Interment private.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations in Daniel's name. Dan believed in the need to help people no matter their circumstances. Donations in Dan's name to organizations dear to you are greatly appreciated, or consider causes and organizations important to Dan:

Food Instability

The Cathedral Kitchen - https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/donatetoCK

The Food Bank of South Jersey - https://donate.foodbanksj.org/give/396962/#!/donation/checkout?c_src=donatepage

Drug Rehabilitation Programs

The Salvation Army - https://give.salvationarmyusa.org/give/164006/#!/donation/checkout?amount=Other

Oaks Integrated Care - https://oaksintcare.org/giving/support-oaks-integrated-care/

Youth Sports

Audubon Little League - through check made out to "Audubon Little League" or through their Venmo @Audubon-LittleLeague (profile picture "AL")