Daniel Bard “Dan” Garrett, 80

November 22, 2025

Educator, Judge, Civic Leader, Equestrian

Daniel Bard “Dan” Garrett, 80, of Lititz, passed away on Saturday, November 22, 2025. Born and raised in Denver, PA, he was the son of the late Clarence and Hilda Bard Garrett. Dan was the loving wife of Mary Ann Sneeringer Garrett and they observed their 47th wedding anniversary, with his last day here on earth. Dan proudly graduated from Cocalico High School and Millersville University.

Dan led a life filled with cherished memories. His teaching centered on history, social studies and economics throughout a 32-year career in Conestoga Valley School District. One of the many highlights of his career was to be selected as one of thirty teachers from around the country to spend a week on Wall Street hosted by the New York Stock Exchange. Contacts made from this experience enabled him to take groups of students from his Financial Management and Investing elective to a day on Wall Street ending with experiencing the close from the VIP gallery and subsequent time at a trading post with their host. Following his retirement from teaching in 1999. Dan was elected as Magisterial District Judge in Lititz in 2000. Upon Retirement in 2012, he was appointed by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court to the position of Senior Magisterial District Judge, a position he held until 2018.

Beginning in 1989, Dan was appointed to the Warwick Township Planning Commission (Chairman), a position he held until his election to the Township Board of Supervisors (Chairman) in 1994. After retiring as MDJ, Dan was once again appointed to the Planning Commission, resulting in a 35+ year service.

A dedicated and highly skilled horseman, Dan spent more than 25 years operating horse boarding, training, and showing facilities. His deep knowledge of horsemanship earned him respect throughout the equestrian community. He was a proud member of the Cochran Foxhunt and also owned many successful racehorses.

Dan also trained his three German Shepherds to exceptional levels, earning numerous service and obedience titles. His last shepherd, Jetta, was his constant companion and even had a job of her own-carrying files between Dan and his office staff.

Dan and Mary Ann founded Owl Hill Learning Center in 1984, and their childcare business has continued to thrive ever since. Today, it remains in the capable hands of their sons and daughters-in-law.

Organizations to which Dan had the privilege of contributing his time and talent include the Ephrata Jaycees (Past President}, Ephrata Area Social Services, Lancaster Housing and Opportunity Partnership (LHOP}, Quentin Riding Club (Past President},Lititz Lion’s Club, Warwick Education Foundation (Past President}, Lancaster County Magisterial District Judges’ Association (Past President}, and Moravian Manor Communities Board of Trustees. He was also a member of the Hamilton Club.

Many people will remember Dan’s sense of humor, including his quick wit, puns, jokes, and stories. He also enjoyed many hobbies including golf, playing guitar, playing Texas Hold’em, reading and his many aquariums. Enjoying a good cigar with his good friends was a cherished memory. Above all else, Dan was a family man, spending most Saturday nights surrounded by his sons and their families. His grandchildren lovingly referred to him as Pap and will continue to carry on his legacy throughout their many years.

Surviving in addition to his beloved wife, Mary Ann, are two sons, Andrew B. husband of Ashley B. Garrett, Alexander B. husband of Meg K. Garrett, grandchildren, Audrey, Addison, Caroline, Ava, Jackson, and James as well as his sister, Rebecca wife of William Rowe, and many nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend a Celebration of Life at Charles F. Snyder Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA 17543, on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at 12:00 Noon. There will be a time of visitation from 10:00 AM until the time of service. Interment will be private. Those desiring can send contributions in Dan’s memory to Lititz Moravian Communities, 300 West Lemon Street, Lititz Pa 17543, or the Warwick Education Foundation, https://warwickef.org/donate/.