Obituary of Daniel Jason Beder

Daniel Beder passed away on June 8th after an eight-year battle with cancer. He was just 55 years old.

Dan was born in New York, one of two sons of Steven and Joan Beder. He grew up in Westbury, New York, and graduated from Westbury High School, where he enjoyed playing on the baseball and basketball teams. He went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in marketing from Syracuse University. Dan was a proud alumnus—grateful for the education he received and the opportunities that came from being an “Orangeman.”  He met his lifelong best friends there, and had the pleasure of seeing Matt, his son, graduate from Syracuse as well. 

Dan was a shooting star in the marketing industry. He began his career as an account manager at D’Arcy, where he authored the marketing strategy behind “Tickle Me Elmo,” which became the number one toy in 1996. He spent three years at Modem Media as an account manager and Managing Director, then spent nearly 11 years at Digitas, where he served as Senior Vice President of Marketing, Executive Vice President, and Global Marketing Director. In that role, he led teams of more than 150 employees across the United States, United Kingdom, France, China, and Brazil.

He went on to hold executive roles at Isobar (Executive Vice President, Managing Director), Catalyst (Vice President, Client Services), and Epsilon (Senior General Manager). His final role was at Allen & Gerritsen until stepping away due to illness.

Even during his illness, Dan remained active and intellectually engaged. He was happy to speak with and counsel SU students, and volunteered with local nonprofits to help them develop marketing strategies.  No matter the role, Dan’s reputation remained the same: he was an exceptionally intelligent marketer who conducted thorough research and always seemed to have his finger on the pulse of the organization.

But what truly set Dan apart was his humility, empathy, generosity, and unwavering commitment to his people—whom he always referred to as “his team.” He approached every challenge by starting with the goal and working backward, bringing unbridled enthusiasm to every project. Among his peers and colleagues, Dan was deeply respected and loved. He never said “I”—it was always “we,” because he genuinely valued every member of his team. Dan had your back. He wanted you to succeed, and he wanted you to feel seen, appreciated, and fulfilled.

Dan brought that same spirit to his family. He met his future wife, Christine Fastenau, on the first day of junior high school when they were both 12 years old. They were best friends for years before dating, went to prom together, and married in 1994. They were true partners in life—making decisions together, supporting each other’s careers, and facing challenges side by side. Together, they made homes in Stamford, CT; Chicago, IL;  Beacon Hill, Andover, and most recently, Burlington, MA. They fought his illness together, and throughout those eight years, they cherished every single day.

Dan was a devoted father and best friend to his son, Matthew. He coached baseball, cheered from the stands during hockey games, and shared with Matt a love for fishing and golf. He built a backyard rink, passing Matt endless pucks and mastering a homemade Zamboni. They took many memorable trips together—including two visits to Pinehurst to golf, and a special weekend in Toronto to see the Maple Leafs, Raptors, and Blue Jays play. Summer vacations were often spent together at lakes in Maine.

An avid sports fan and athlete, Dan held season tickets for the Jets and rooted for the Islanders and Yankees. He was a dedicated runner, cyclist, and swimmer, having completed the New York City Marathon and competed in numerous sprint triathlons. In recent years, he took up painting and sketching to occupy his time and creativity.

Dan will be remembered not just for his professional accomplishments, but for the person he was. He brought out the best in others, made people feel valued and appreciated, and was a remarkable teacher, role model, and leader. He was genuine, compassionate, generous, humble—and above all, loving.

His memory will live on through the many lives he touched, and those who knew him will smile when they think of him, grateful for the connection they shared.

Dan was the beloved husband of 31 years of Christine (Fastenau) Beder.  He was the best friend and loving father of Matthew Beder. He was the endlessly devoted dog dad to Arden and Jinxie.  He was the loving son of Joan Beder of Mineola, NY and the late Steve Beder.  He was the caring brother of Eric Beder & his wife Jacki of Westbury, NY.

Our gratitude for Dan’s unequaled care at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Dana Farber Cancer Institute and Brigham and Women’s Hospital is infinite - for 8 years Dan received the highest level of care and kindness humanly possible.  We will forever have a special place in our hearts for everyone who had a hand in Dan’s care.  All the medical professionals we encountered are doing the work they were meant to do on this earth.  We would especially like to thank the following people, along with their support teams: 

Dr. Glenn Bubley, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

Dr. Peter Chang, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

Dr. Kerry Kilbridge, Dana Farber Cancer Institute

Breanna Leathersich, RN, Dana Farber Cancer Institute

Dr. Anand Vaidya, Brigham and Women’s Hospital

Dr. Neil Martin, Brigham and Women’s Hospital

Dr. Raymond Mak, Brigham and Women’s Hospital

Dr. Jon Wee, Brigham and Women’s Hospital

Dr. Bill Lian, Brigham and Women’s Hospital

Dr. Caroline Cubbison and Regina Piotrowski, CNP, Dana Farber Cancer Institute

Cathy Bettencourt, RN, Compassionate Care Hospice

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Dan’s memory may be made to the Adrenal Research Fund (Dr.Vaidya) at Brigham and Women’s Hospital.  Gifts can be made online: https://give.brighamandwomens.org or sent to Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Development Office, 263 Huntington Avenue, #318, Boston, MA 02115.  Please indicate your gift is in memory of Dan Beder to support Dr. Vaidya’s Adrenal Research Fund. 

Dr. Vaidya played a large role in Dan’s early care.  Supporting Dr. Vaidya’s research for this rare, aggressive cancer could possibly alter someone else’s experience with this merciless disease. 

A memorial service will be held at The North Parish of North Andover Unitarian Universalist Church, 190 Academy Road, North Andover, MA on Saturday, August 9th  at 10:30 a.m. 

For online guestbook and video tribute see www.sullivanfuneralhome.net.