Philip T. Dancause, a longtime Lowell resident, passed away peacefully on December 16, 2021. He was the widower of Mary Jean (Brodeur) Chisholm Dancause and also the late Helen M. (Chadwick) Dancause.
He was born in Lowell on August 3, 1930 and was a son of late Daniel E. Dancause and his wife, the late Martha (Oddie) Wood. He was raised in the Belvidere neighborhood of Lowell and graduated from Lowell High School. As soon as he was old enough he worked at his father’s car dealership/auto repair shop at the Post Office Garage. After high school he went on to graduate from Boston University before enlisting in the United States Army to serve his country, he intended to make the military his career. In 1957, he was medically discharged from the Army with Multiple Sclerosis, which he would battle the rest of his long life.
After obtaining his Masters Degree at Boston University, he worked as a physical education teacher and health teacher at Lowell High School. During his time at Lowell High he was well known and respected by the faculty and the student body. He was instrumental in the installation and implementation of Lowell High School’s first swimming pool. He was also a pioneering instructor of the first ROTC program.
Physical fitness was a hallmark of Phil's life. Whether pushups, jogging, swimming or walking his dogs, he stayed active until his very last days as much as he could. A talented story teller, his vivid memory would be on full display anytime he recounted a tale from his long and interesting life. He also enjoyed traveling and countless charities benefited from his boundless generosity over the years.
Phil was also a longtime social member at Longmeadow Golf Club, a member at Vesper Country Club and a freemason at the Lowell Masonic Center. He enjoyed a ballgame anytime he would get a chance and loved the 3 stooges. He had a great sense of humor and cherished his large family. More than anything else, his family will remain his legacy.
He is survived by his children, Daniel E. Dancause of Pelham, NH, Donna J. Lambert of Lowell, Jean A. Cafeteiro of Dracut, Patricia M. Dancause of Seabrook, NH, and Karen D. Cassella and her husband, William R., of Lowell, his eight grandchildren, Ryan Cafeteiro and his wife, Natalie, of Dracut, Amy Costello and her husband, Tom, of Dracut, Michael Cafeteiro and his wife, Susan, of Dracut, Karen Dancause and her husband, Andy Thompson, of Kentucky, Kristine Iannazzi and her husband, Jacob, of Andover, Shelagh Parent of Lowell, and Will and Thomas Cassella, both of Lowell; his great grandchildren, Nicholas, Andrew, Matthew, Landon, Carson, Maya, Riley, Violet, Alexander and Daisy. His brother in law, Richard Chadwick of Pelham, NH; his sisters in law, Evelyn Silva of Groton, Barbara Brodeur of New Hampshire; and many nieces, nephews and close friends.
He was the last family member in his generation and he was predeceased by his sister, the late Janet Chertavian, and his brother, Richard Dancause; and many other family members before him.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Long Meadow Scholarship Fund, 165 Havilah Street, Lowell, MA 01852 or to the MSPCA at Nevins Farm, 400 Broadway, Methuen, MA 01844.
In accordance with the City of Lowell mandate, masks are required on Wednesday, December 22, 2021 and all are welcome to attend his calling hours from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. at the McDonough Funeral Home, 14 Highland Street, Lowell, 978-458-6816.
His Funeral Mass will follow at 1 p.m. at the Immaculate Conception Church, 144 East Merrimack Street, Lowell. Burial will follow at Lowell Cemetery.