Daniel P. Connealy

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 29, at the Church of the Nativity, 3800 W. 119th Street, Leawood, Kansas. Visitation will take place at the same location beginning at 2:30 p.m.

Dan was born on June 6, 1946, in Colorado Springs, Colorado, to Philip James Connealy and Marcella Ellen Malloy. A proud alumnus of both Rockhurst High School and Rockhurst University, he earned his undergraduate degree in accounting and became a Certified Public Accountant in 1968. On May 24, 1969, he married Mary Ellen (Roche) Gawlik, and together they were blessed with three children: Michelle Marie, Edward Philip, and Robert Daniel.

Over the course of his career, Dan served as a trusted advisor to Fortune 50 financial services companies, offering expertise in audit, compliance, SEC reporting, and financial performance optimization. In 1969, Dan began his professional career as an auditor with Price Waterhouse, now PwC, quickly distinguishing himself and becoming one of the firm’s youngest partners in 1979. Having served in the Kansas City and Seattle offices of PwC for 32 years, Dan became Chief Financial Officer for Stilwell Financial, Inc. in 2001. Following the merger with Janus Capital Corporation, Dan continued in that role at Janus Capital Group Inc. in 2002. He concluded his distinguished career at Waddell & Reed Financial, serving as Senior Vice President and CFO from 2004 until his retirement in 2014.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Philip and Marcella; his brothers Joseph, John, and Terence; and his sister, Cathleen. He is survived by his loving and much-cherished partner Julie Clarkson, his brothers Kevin (Candy) and Timothy (Laura); his first wife, Mary Ellen Gawlik; his daughter Michelle Connealy; his sons Edward (Kate) and Robert (Heather); six beloved grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Dan will be remembered as both a hard-nosed professional and a hilarious, quick-witted friend. He was a rabid Kansas City sports fan (Chiefs, Royals, Jayhawks), an avid golfer, and a fierce friend to those within his wide circle. Known for his sharp intellect and warm humor, he never turned down a good time with good friends. He will be profoundly missed and vividly remembered.

The family wishes to express thanks to the caregivers at Meadowbrook Assisted Living for their talent and kindness over the last three years. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Rose Brooks Center, P.O. Box 8619, Kansas City, MO 64114 - rosebrooks.org/donate/