Edward Daniel

Edward F. Daniel passed away peacefully on August 5, 2026. He was born on January 11, 1942, the oldest of twin boys to Mary Frances Penell and Edward C Daniel of Swanton, VT at St. Albans Hospital and was baptized at the Nativity of Blessed Virgin Mary in Swanton. His Godparents were Henry and Regina Penell Fitzsimons of Burlington, VT. In 1947, he and his twin brother James were invited by the nuns (family neighbors) to start school one year early and he graduated from St. Anne's Academy in June of 1959 as President of the Class. His education continued at St. Michael's College in Colchester and in 1963 he received his BA in History.

In September of 1963, he began a 40-year career in education on the staff of Alburgh High School and after two years moved on to 3 very enjoyable years at Bellows Free Academy in Fairfax, VT. In 1968, he was offered a job at Highgate High School which would last two years, as the construction had begun at the new Missisquoi Valley Union High School. It was here that Edward would spend the next 35 years as a History teacher. He also served as advisor of the Student Council for many years and was the recipient of the dedication of the MVU Yearbook by the Class of 1976. For many years, he took students annually to Washington DC with Close-Up Program where he could share his love of government and civics. He was one of the founders of the MVU Skit Nite which became a popular tradition for thousands of Thunderbirds. He was very proud he was asked to award the trophies at the conclusion of the program after the 50th presentation in 2019. His commitment to MVU continued to as he served on the "Hall of Fame" committee and on the committee that established the "MVU Wall of Honor" after retiring.

The move to Highgate High School in 1968 also led to many years of personal happiness as he was introduced to the 3rd grade teacher, Ms. Sandra Beyor at the Highgate Elementary School. After a whirlwind courtship they were married at St. Louis Church in Highgate on August 2, 1969 and have lived their entire life together in Swanton. It was here that they raised their three children, Meredith, Jeremy, and Laurette of whose accomplishments they are very proud.

He has continued to serve the Nativity Church as a member of the church board, a lecturer at Sunday Mass, and in retirement served at the altar for many funerals.

Since 1977, he was generous with his time given to the Village and Town of Swanton. He served four terms as a Swanton Village Trustee and two terms as Swanton Village President where he served as chair of the committee that organized and developed the Robin Hood Industrial Park. It was his idea to lease the old railroad line which became Robin Hood Ave. It was during this time that he opened the doors to communication with the local Abenaki nation. He assisted them in securing the grant to purchase the property on Grand Ave and to relocate their annual May festival to the Village Park unit it outgrew that location. 

Edward also served on the Swanton Board of Civil Authority since 1990 and as a Justice of the Peace for 30 years. He always enjoyed the questions from his students in Government class about "What do you do as a Justice of the Peace" or as a "Cemetery Commissioner" and he would comeback with quick and sarcastic answers. 

Edward is survived by his wife Sandra Beyor Daniel of Swanton, his daughter Meredith Daniel-Prowse, her husband Thomas and their children, Benjamin, Abigail, and Rebecca of Butler, NJ, their son Jeremy, his wife Heather and their children Jeremy Jr and Anna of Attleboro, MA, their daughter Laurette Patten, her husband Michael and their daughter Kaila of Feeding Hills, MA. 

He is also survived by his brother Maurice and wife Micheline of Peterborough, NH, Thomas and his wife Linda of Essex Jct, VT, sister-in-law Karen Daniel of Shelburne, VT, sister-in-law Mary Ann Kroener of St. Louis, MO. Also surviving are godchildren Julie Edwards of St. Louis, MO and Jason Beyor of Highgate, VT, cousins Mary Fitzsimons O'Neil of Richmond, VT, Anne Murdock of Houston, TX, Suzanne Foley of South Burlington, VT, and Dani Fleming of Winooski, VT.

Edward was predeceased by his parents, Edward and Mary Daniel, his twin brother James Daniel, his brother Paul Daniel, his parents-in-law, Gordon and Mary Beyor, his cousins Christine Charron, and Patrick Fitzsimons.

Friends & family are invited to Edward's life celebration to include visitation from 4-7:00 PM on Monday, August 10, 2026 at the Goss Life Celebration Home, 89 Grand Avenue, Swanton, VT. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, August 11, 2026 at Church of the Nativity, 65 Canada Street, Swanton, VT. Interment will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery in Swanton.

For those who wish, contributions in Edward's memory may be made to the Alzheimer's Association (www.alz.org).

Condolences, photos and favorite memories may be shared through www.gossfs.com.