Derek Daniel Tare

Derek Daniel Tare, 27, of Newberry Township, PA, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at WellSpan York Hospital. Born on November 23, 1998, in Harrisburg, he was the son of Derek William Tare and the late Melissa (Zeigler) Tare.

Hard-working, athletic, and blessed with an infectious personality, Derek—better known as “Danny” to family and close friends—made an impact in every chapter of life. He played sports from a young age and excelled in both football and lacrosse during high school. After attending Red Land High School, he transferred and graduated from Trinity High School in Camp Hill (Class of 2017). His lacrosse career continued at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, where he earned a degree in Business Marketing.

Following college, Danny began his working career with Herc Rentals in Western PA before transferring to the company's Harrisburg branch in 2022. In 2024, he fulfilled a lifelong dream of opening his own custom concrete business—Concrete Cowboy, LLC. Most recently, he worked as a project estimator for ProMax Fencing in Wrightsville.

Danny loved spending quiet time fishing, rooting for the New England Patriots, working out, building things with his hands to give to his loved ones, and spoiling his pocket pit bull, Copper. Music was one of the ways he expressed himself, often sending songs to friends and loved as a way of checking in and letting them know he was thinking of them. Outgoing, upbeat, and effortlessly personable, he had a gift for putting people at ease. He made a friend out of anyone he met. He was the ultimate fun uncle and youth sports coach, most memorably leading the Chartiers Valley Colts to a season championship after a previous losing season alongside his good friends Collin and Nate. He was always looking to take someone under his wing and was adored by the many young people who looked up to him.

Just when things grew quiet, Danny had a knack for breaking the silence with a perfectly timed one-liner or unexpected comment that left everyone laughing. He genuinely wanted those around him to feel comfortable, and it was his mission to bring a smile to your face.

Above all, Danny was a man of deep Christian faith. He was baptized in July 2024 with Carlisle Evangelical Free Church (CEFC) at Silver Spring Park in Mechanicsburg, a milestone that reflected the foundation upon which he sought to build his life. Nearly equal to his love for God was the love he had for his family. He was a devoted son, brother, grandson, uncle, and fiancé.

Without either of them realizing what the future held, his sixth-grade crush, Lexie, reentered his life more than a decade later. They began dating in January 2023, and after three and a half years together, became engaged just days before his passing.

Though his story feels unfinished to those who loved him, Danny’s life was one of purpose, joy, and unwavering faith. His memory will live on in every life he encouraged, every smile he inspired, and in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know him.

Surviving Danny is his father and namesake, Derek William Tare of Etters; three sisters, Heather Tare, Ali Tare (Devon Liquori), and Madi Tare (Ethan Ellenburg); and he was a fantastic uncle to Elias Urich, Charlie Ledford, Camryn Liquori, and Melanie Liquori. He also leaves behind his grandmother, Alma Murray; aunts, Kathi Zeigler, Veronica Murray, Tammy Davidson, Lisa Tsopoitas, and Tracy Brightman; and his fiancée and best friend, Alexandria “Lexie” Creamer. Derek was preceded in death by his mother, Melissa Ruth Tare (d. 2003).

A visitation will take place from 3PM until a Celebration of Life service begins at 4PM on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at CEFC The Pike. Interment will be private and held in the future in Camp Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution in Derek’s name to the Highmark Caring Place.