Daniel Paul Duggan

Daniel Paul Duggan, age 69 of Saranac Lake, died on Friday May 29, 2026 at the Albany Medical Center following a brief illness.

Daniel was born August 21, 1956 in Syracuse, New York to William and Frances (Hansel) Duggan.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in Business from SUNY Fredonia and it was in western NY that he met the Van Arsdale family and started playing the hammered dulcimer. Dan became an accomplished musician and was the hammered dulcimer National Champion in 1985.

He was a proud member of the Susquehanna String Band, Jamcrackers, and a trio with Tom Hodgson and Henry Jankiewicz and was devoted to music communities throughout his life including, the Oswego Music Hall, TAUNY, Great Camp Sagamore, Caffe Lena, and Old Songs. Dan was a prolific music producer and sound engineer: recording, mixing, and mastering dozens of albums in his home studio.

He released many albums of his original songs and tunes, and in collaboration with his dear musician friends. Dan worked with John O'Hara designing and building hammered dulcimers under the Blackhawk label. He loved teaching and taught scores of music students through master classes, workshops, children's programs, and weekend retreats.

Dan is survived by his beloved wife, Peggy Lynn, and stepchildren Willow DeMulder-Eyres (Sierra DeMulder-Eyres), Winter Eyres (Mike Vance), Travis Spalding (Megan Spalding), Taurin Spalding (Courtney Harris), and many grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Kathy Jacobson (Bill Jacobson).

Please join us for a celebration of life on Friday June 5th, at the Visitor Interpretive Center in Paul Smiths from 5-9pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to The Visitor Interpretive Center, Old Songs, or Great Camp Sagamore. Funeral arrangements are in care of the Fortune-Keough Funeral Home in Saranac Lake. Family and Friends can Share their condolences and memories at fortunekeoughfuenralhome.com.