Rev. Daniel J. Nicewonger

Rev. Daniel Joseph Nicewonger, age 55, of Landenberg, Pennsylvania, passed away on May 17, 2024 at Chester County Hospital in West Chester, Pennsylvania.

Known as Pastor Dan to many, he was the beloved husband of Nancy Nicewonger, with whom he shared 33 years of marriage. Born in Albany, NY, he was the oldest son of the late Richard and Judy Nicewonger. Dan married Nancy three weeks after college graduation then was thrilled with the later addition of a son and daughter, Joseph and Rayann. Family life involved love, laughter and many "Big Adventures." Dan recently officiated at Joseph's wedding, adding Julia Allen to the family.

Dan graduated from Messiah College in 1990 and then earned his M.Div. from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in 1995. Most recently, Dan served as the Spiritual Formation Catalyst for A Place in the Conversation. He had a heart and a skill for bringing people together. He used his writing, speaking and podcast to meet this goal. Dan chose to share his cancer journey through two books, The Journey Continues and Caring Conversations, helping others through his experience. Dan had a deep faith, always desiring to grow closer to God.

Dan, Nancy, and Rayann moved to Kennett Square in 2014 for Dan to serve as pastor at First Baptist Church and quickly became a part of the community. Even during illness, Dan truly saw those around him and sought to help in strategic ways, often by bringing others to work together on a shared goal. On May 4, 2024, Dan was recognized as the Outstanding Citizen of the Year by the Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce. 

Dan served as a minister at First Baptist Church of Kennett Square (2014-2021), Church in the Acres in Springfield, MA (1999-2008), Memorial Baptist Church in Cortland, NY (1995-1999), Maplewood Baptist Church in Malden, MA (1990-1995), and The Shared Ministry (1987-1990). Dan worked for Corning, Inc. in NC (2008-2014) and was a skilled carpenter.

Dan is survived by his wife, Nancy Nicewonger; his son, Joseph Nicewonger (Julia Allen); his daughter, Rayann Nicewonger; brothers Kevin (Meghan) and Philip (Faith) Nicewonger; in-laws Judy Parnell, Todd (Tonia) Parnell and Joy (Rob) Johnson; nieces and nephews. Dan was predeceased by his parents and his father-in-law, Ray Parnell.

You are invited to visit with Dan's family and friends from 5:00 pm-7:00 PM on Thursday, May 23, 2024, at First Baptist Church of Kennett Square, 415 West State Street, Kennett Square, PA 19348. You are also invited to visit with Dan's family and friends on Friday, May 24, 2024, from 12:00 - 1:00 PM at First Baptist Church of Kennett Square. His funeral service will follow at 1:00 PM. Interment will take place following the service at Union Hill Cemetery, 424 North Union Street, Kennett Square, PA 19348.

Contributions in his memory may be made to A Place in the Conversation: https://aplaceintheconversation.org/support-apitc/ or Kennett Area Community Service  https://kacsimpact.org/support/. Checks can be mailed to KACS PO Box 1025, Kennett Square, PA 19348. 

Arrangements are by Grieco Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. (484-734-8100) of Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. To view Dan's online obituary and leave condolences, please visit www.griecofunerals.com