A real estate legend, a craftsman with pen to paper, a gift for gab, and a friendly smile to all who said “hello.” Weeks from turning 91 years old, Daniel J Elias lived a full life, which some would consider that of many men combined. “Santa Dan” was born in Cannonsburg, Pennsylvania. At six months old, his family moved to Washington, DC, where he planted roots and never wavered. Dan fought in the Korean War in his younger days, and returned state-side to start businesses with his family. A jeweler, a record shop owner, and most notably the “Captain” of his prized “Lone Star Steak House” in downtown DC. He traded all of that in to dive for treasure in Jamaica, as a lover of island life, Jamaican rum, and reggae. Dan sailed back to DC to begin a four decade reign as one of the top real estate agents in the metro District area, winning countless awards and accolades. As a true Washingtonian, Dan avidly rooted for the Washington Redskins and the Washington Nationals. He was an active member of St. George Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church and a booming baritone in their competitive choir for decades. Dan Elias was the consummate well-dressed son of the late John and Helen Elias, brother of Isabelle and Camille Elias and Marsha (Elias) Brewer. He is the husband of Dr. Elaine Esber, MD, and father of Danielle J Elias (Franklin Mitola). He has three beautiful grandchildren, Garner, Corlaine, and Camille, who love their Giddo endlessly. Dan was known as a man who loved his family, loved life, the Orthodox Church, and was very proud of his Syrian heritage. To many, he was their friend, their relative, and their council. He was full of wisdom, charity, and charm. Let’s all crack open a Heineken and sip on a Jack Daniels and soda, for this Sinatra-loving, charismatic, man of many lives. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Daniel Elias to St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church, 4335 16th St NW, Washington DC 20011 www.saintgeorge.org Church Service Schedule: Viewing - 10:30am at St. George Church Service - 11:00am Cemetery - Fort Lincoln, Brentwood, MD
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