Daniel Edward ‘Dan’ DeStephen, Ph.D., passed away on August 1, 2022. Dan was born on October 2, 1950 in Canton, Ohio. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Bowling Green State University and his master’s degree and Ph.D. from the University of Utah, and he was key to the scholarly establishment of the Wright State University Department of Communication, within the College of Liberal Arts. Dan served as Director of WSU’s Center for Labor-Management Communication, and also Director of the Center for Teaching and Learning at WSU, and his expertise in the study of conflict and conflict resolution led to the establishment of the Dayton Mediation Center.

Dan was an avid Cleveland Browns fan, and loved science fiction, Star Wars and Lord of the Rings, watching Marvel superhero movies, traveling, especially to Europe and New Orleans, LA, and enjoying great food and drinking fine wine, in particular Taylor Fladgate Ruby Port. His love of wine tasting naturally lead him to join the Dayton, Ohio chapter of the American Wine Society, of which he served as President. Dan was funny, kind, gracious, humble, and generous with his time and attention when it came to family, friends, and colleagues. He will be fondly remembered, and greatly missed, forever. As Prince sang, nothing compares to him.

Dan is survived by his wife Martha (Antolik), his son Michael (Angelia), granddaughters Caitlin and Hannah, great-grandchildren Hannah and Mikey, step-grandchildren Elizabeth, Kaytlin, and Matthew, and step-great-grandchildren Lillian and Owen.
A Celebration of Life for Dan will be held on October 7, 2022, from 4:00 to 7:00pm at the Woods clubhouse, 2161 Hidden Woods Blvd., Beavercreek, OH, 45431, to share memories and stories of his life and offer up toasts to Dan.

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