The ranks of collectors, antique dealers and museum curators are diminished by the death of Dan McNamara on July 31 at age 70.
Dan was known for a smile that sparkled brighter than any Baccarat paperweight he owned; it was just as much his signature as the one he signed with a Waterman pen from his outstanding collection. He was also known for his willingness to share his knowledge with anyone who showed an interest.
Those of us who were lucky enough to know him, can’t help but remember his infectious enthusiasm for life as well as for beautiful objects created by talented artisans from all periods. Dan always had an eye for beauty †he would say that started when he saw Therese, his wife of 48 years.
Born May 10, 1938, Dan began learning about and collecting antiques more than 40 years ago. He took a course in stained glass to understand the intricacies and skill of the art while collecting Tiffany glass lamps.
He marveled at the beauty and complexities confined in the small sphere of paperweights. One paperweight started a collection that has grown to be one of the finest. He was an active member of the New England and the National Chapters of Paperweight Collectors. He was quick to share information. He helped auctioneers and museums throughout the East Coast to identify and catalog weights.
When Le Compagnie des Cristalleries de St Louis of France launched a mega exhibit to celebrate the history of paperweights, Dan accepted its invitation to send several of his best weights to Paris for the show. Dan’s paperweights were included in the St Louis’ exhibition and were photographed for the company’s commemorative book.
Dan took early retirement as an administrator for the City of Boston, 13 years ago. This gave him more time to devote to searching and collecting interesting objects. He loved the competition at auctions for a prize piece. But like an explorer discovering new worlds, he searched out-of-the-way places, shops, even yard sales to find the one treasure others overlooked.
He expanded his collecting to include pens, lamps and Oriental objects. It was his knowledge and skill at karate that sparked his interest in Oriental things. He held a third degree black belt in karate, but was never intimidating, not with that smile.
Dan is survived by his wife Therese and daughter Teri.
