Obituary of William Daniels

Arthur Daniels’ Life Reflections Our Father and Creator who does all things well, invested in William Arthur Daniels the giftedness and drive to be excellent. Art succeeded in building a life of family leadership, prolific artistry, barrier-breaking accomplishments and significant achievements. Arthur was born in Camden, NJ, September 4th 1928 to the late William Arthur Daniels, Sr & Priscilla Mae Smith. Arthur was the first-born of two sons within this union of marriage. During his youth, Art trained and obtained distinction as a Golden Globe boxer. For high school, he was educated at boarding school where he discovered his love and talent for music. The Bordentown School – Manual Industrial School gave him a foundation of independent thought and discipline that served him well throughout his life. He started learning various clarinets there and developed a love and skill for carpentry and cabinet making as well. Art mastered 9 instruments in all. Art was an U.S. Army veteran stationed at Fort Dix, N.J. during the Korean War. Upon Arts discharge from the Army, his sustained himself as a professional jazz artist. He toured the country with the greats. He married Della Elaine Boyd of his hometown of Camden, NJ. From this union, their only child, Noelle Elaine Daniels was born. Art decided to leave the touring behind in the mid-1960s to be available to his family. He achieved a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music from Philadelphia Musical Academy (currently University of the Arts). With these credentials, Art taught at several music schools in New York City and Philadelphia. Art enjoyed an 18-year career with the Fleisher Collection of Orchestral Music – Free Library, City of Philadelphia. This achievement broke racial barriers for the prestigious position of Music Copyist. In 1988, Art joined the Grammy award-winning, Illinois Jacquet Big Band. This same year, Art became a first-time grandfather to Jordan Lacy. Art balanced family, local performances & teaching, caring for his aging mother and traveled the world in performances for another 30 plus after his “1st retirement” in the 1980s. In 2007, he became a grandfather for the 2nd time, Gerald Mubaira II was born. Art continued actively working until age 91 when the government-mandated stay-at-home orders forced him into retirement from music performance. Shortly thereafter, Art moved from Philadelphia, Pa. where he resided most of his adult life, to Delaware to live with his daughter and family. William Arthur “Art” Daniels, Jr., aged 92 years peacefully entered into eternal life on Saturday, January 30, 2021 while at Seasons Hospice, Christiana Care, Wilmington DE. Art was preceded in passing by: his parents, his brother Henry B. Daniels, his sister Charlotte Riggs and Della Boyd Daniels Remaining to cherish his memory are his daughter, Rev. Dr. Noelle E. Mubaira, (2) Grandsons, Jordan L. Lacy, Gerald Mubaira II, his (3) sisters, Janet Howard, Shirley Bright & Roberta Patrick, his sister-in-law, Gwendolyn Daniels and her four loving sons, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, band members other close friends and neighbors. Lovingly Submitted – the Family of William Arthur Daniels Jr.