Survivor: Nicaragua alum Dan Lembo has passed away at the age of 75. The former reality show contestant died at his home in Manhattan in September. Dan’s daughter-in-law Emily Lembo has revealed that he died of a rare brain disease.
The Lembo family has also published an obituary remembering their beloved Dan. He was known for participating in the 21st season of Survivor in 2010, where he was able to reach the final five. Read on to know more about his life and career.
Dan Lembo Passes Away at 75
Emily confirmed that Dan passed away on September 3 after battling an incurable brain disease called progressive supranuclear palsy. He struggled with the illness for six years which eventually affected his speech, memory and motor skills.
A memorial service for Dan Lembo was organized by his family members in September. The service was attended by hundreds of his friends, however, nobody from the Survivor community seemed to have gotten the news at the time.
Lembo’s family remembered him as a “charismatic, larger-than-life, outgoing bon vivant who loved nothing more than spending time with his children and friends – new and old. On weekends he enjoyed softball in Bridgehampton with friends. Daniel will be remembered as a friend to all and a father to two.”
The Survivor alum is by his sons, Matthew and Michael, daughter in laws Emily and Dana, grandchildren Ava, Annabelle, Sailor, James, and Harper, and ex-wife Barbara.
Dan Lembo Appeared in the 21st Season of Survivor
Dan was born in Brooklyn on November 7, 1946. He graduated from Brooklyn College, New York, in 1969. At the age of 63, he participated in the 21st season of Survivor, titled Survivor: Nicaragua, in 2010.
Dan was liked by his fellow contestants on the show but performed poorly in the challenges. He reached the top 5 and was voted out on Day 37. He also had a career in real estate and was a millionaire when he competed in the reality show. Dan was famous for wearing branded alligator shoes while performing the challenges.
After his elimination, he revealed in an interview that he did not participate in the show for money. Instead, he wanted to go on an adventure. “I didn’t play Survivor for money. I wanted the adventure,” Dan had said
“I’m the type of guy who sees a challenge and thinks, ‘I could do that.’ So I wanted to be part of this crazy game — and I did pretty well, I’d say! I made it really far,” he had added.
Dan’s Sons Pen an Emotional Tribute
In the obituary, Dan’s sons Matthew and Michael have paid a heartfelt tribute to their father. “Thank you for being my Dad. You were a happy person. You were my best friend. I will miss you,” Matthew wrote.
Michael Lembo wrote, “Dad, no matter the situation, you were always there for me. You were my first phone call. You were my travel buddy. Every weekend, we would take our trips. From skiing in Vermont, looking at homes in the Hamptons, a sunny weekend in Miami, or a Yankees’ playoff game, we were always together. I will miss you. I love you.”
Our condolences to Dan Lembo’s family and friends. May his soul rest in peace!
