CIRCULATION'S DAN LIAS PASSES AWAY

 

Dan, Dan the Beacon Man, as his family called him, has passed away in Houston.

Daniel J. Lias was a unique and impressive and patriotic former BJ Circulation home delivery manager.

Dan’s daughter, Melissa, describes him this way:

“My dad will forever be Dan Dan the Beacon Man. He is a legend in so many senses. I'm so proud of my dad. He has made me who I am today and will forever be.

“I am setting up a charitable fund in his name for an organization he loved very deeply.”

That would be Wreaths Across America, which honors America’s fallen military heroes, including Dan’s oldest brother Dayre, a retired Air Force colonel. The goal is $5,000. The project lays wreaths at more than 2,100 locations in America, including Houston National Cemetery and in Alliance, Massillon and Smithville in Ohio. December 18 is National Wreaths Across America Day.

Dan always flew the Stars and Stripes outside his home and volunteered his efforts for the Kiwanis Club of Blue Lagoon Foundation based in Pensacola, Florida, which in 1914 got the first Naval Air Station commissioned by the Navy.

The URL for the Dan Lias Wreaths Across America online donations in Dan’s memory:

https://www.facebook.com/donate/3835491913199199/5251656368208965/

That’s the family’s preference. If you want use the Postal Service to donate in Dan’s memory, make your check out to

Wreaths Across America

In the Memo on the lower left write:

In Memory of Dan Lias

From His BJ friend

The address to send the donation is:

Kiwanis Club of Big Lagoon Foundation

Att: BLKF Wreaths

10447 Sorento Road

Suite 100

PMB #19

Pensacola, FL 32507

Dan's brother is the spearhead of this group, and Dan volunteered with his brother.

Dan’s widow is Susan Lias. Melissa Lias and Kevin Lias are Dan and Susan’s children. Brooklyn Rose is his granddaughter. Dan was United Way drive chairman for the BJ for 8 years (2002-2010).

Dan was a close friend of the late Rod Dingle, also in BJ Circulation. Melissa recalled: “Rod was close with my dad. My mom said they were just talking about Rod. I grew up going to work with my dad sometimes and we would go get breakfast with all those guys. Such wonderful times and being with dad in his element always made me so proud, even as a little kid.”

Former Beacon Journal home writer Mary Beth Nord Breckenridge posted:

 

“Dan and I became friends when we served on the United Way committee together. His enthusiasm was infectious and his leadership skills impressive. He should have been the publisher.”

BJ reporter Betty Lin-Fisher added:

“Wow, I didn’t know Dan had moved to Houston. I agree with Mary Beth. His personality and enthusiasm was infectious.”

Dan was at the BJ from 1979-2011 when left for the PD as state circulation manager (till 2016). Dan left Cleveland for the Houston Chronicle. In 2018, he became a self-employed advisor till 2021.

Dan had to herd more than 700 independent contractors, as the carriers were called back then, at the BJ. Not an easy task. All three of my children had BJ carrier routes in Cuyahoga Falls long before Dan got there. Retired BJ photographer Don Roese was on their route.

When BJ circulation rose slightly to 142,941 in 2001 while PD circulation dropped by 15,290 or 4.2%, Dan, then Circulation Home Delivery Manager, was quoted in a May 7 Crain’s Cleveland Business article as saying:

“We are attempting to leave no stone unturned when it comes to circulation opportunities,” focusing more on single-copy sales and promotions involving special events like high school graduations and sporting events.

A BJ ad quoted Dan as saying:

“Each customer is a part of our family. I want to provide the service they expect.”

Sounds like Dan was channeling and echoing legendary owner John S. Knight’s mantra, huh?

Melissa posted:

“Right now we do not have anything planned for a service in Akron, but I will keep you in the loop as I will plan a Celebration of Life more than likely in the summer. His birthday is in June and I would like to have my mom present.”

If you want to send condolences to the Lias family, the email address is melissalias040@gmail.com .

My thanks to Ken Krause for providing the basic information before I went Googling away. And for Cheryl Scott Sheinen, a frequent tipster, for tipping off Ken who tipped off me and for being the go-between for days between Melissa and me for information. That’s what BJ folks do, help each other help each other and keep track of each other.