Daniel James Totten

Daniel James Totten “DT”, 34, of Rockford, Illinois, passed away on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, surrounded by love. He was born on January 23, 1992, in Highland Park, Illinois, to Jill (Romano) Zell and Daniel Totten.

Daniel was the middle child in his biological family and the oldest in his adopted family. He was born a fighter, spending the first several years of his life in and out of the hospital undergoing multiple surgeries. Each challenge only strengthened him, and through it all, he remained a source of joy to everyone around him. He adored his sister Ashley and shared a laughter “bigger than the moon” with his brother Jordan.

Daniel loved Disney movies and snacks. As a child, he would fill mixing bowls with Cheez-Its and watch his favorite movies over and over again. He especially loved being outside in his Flintstones car, so much so that he had to be gently kept inside at times so he wouldn’t sneak out to play while others were sleeping. Cleaning days were some of his favorite, as music filled the house and Daniel would dance along. Though often seen as gentle, he also had incredible strength famously moving a box TV on his own when he didn’t want to watch the same show as his brother.

In January 2004, Daniel moved to RocVale Children’s Home, where in 2005 he met Erica, beginning a lifelong, unbreakable bond. During his time there, Daniel learned many important life skills and deepened his love for music, especially Chris Brown. He loved swimming (even in the bathtub) and had a special passion for superheroes. He delighted in mimicking their moves from making a giant “Hulk fist” to pretending to shoot webs like Spider-Man.

As Daniel grew older, Erica’s role in his life evolved from caregiver to friend, and ultimately to family. In 2011, she became his legal guardian, and Daniel officially became her son. While he gained a new family through Erica, the truth is Daniel had already created a family of his own formed by the countless staff members and friends whose lives he touched. To know Daniel was to love him. His affection, silliness, and occasional stubbornness made him unforgettable. Among his many nicknames, the one that stuck most was “DT.”

Daniel had an unmatched love for food. Cheeseburgers were his top favorite he could spot the golden arches from miles away. In truth, there wasn’t much he wouldn’t try at least once. During his time at RocVale, he participated in many activities and outings, continuing his education at Jefferson High School before transferring to Auburn High School, where he graduated in 2014. He was also a proud Special Olympian, competing in track and field, bowling, volleyball, and basketball skills.

After aging out of RocVale in 2014, Daniel moved to Tulip Group Home, where he lived for four years. That same year, he began working at Milestone Industries, where he completed various work projects and assisted others often helping push wheelchairs and deliver meals. Daniel loved being helpful and, most of all, being included.

In September 2018, Daniel moved to Javelin Group Home, where he found yet another family and would remain for the rest of his life. He loved his home deeply, rarely wanting to be away. With an active social life, frequent outings, growing his love for ice cream, his own spot on the couch, and access to his favorite iPads and chargers, Daniel thrived. He also shared a special bond with one of his team leaders, Mary. The dedicated staff at Javelin truly made it a home filled with love.

Daniel was a light in some of life’s darkest moments. His smile could brighten any room, and his laughter was contagious. His unique sounds, expressions, and food-focused sign language were one of a kind and will never be duplicated. Forever Our Superhero, you'll be.

He was preceded in death by his biological father, Daniel Totten; his stepfather, David Zell; and his adopted great-grandmothers, Donna Erickson and Loretta Oddo.

Daniel is survived by his adopted legal guardian and “Angel,” Erica Erickson; his adopted sister, Taiya Chapple; his adopted grandparents, Donald and Carolyn Erickson; his adopted great-grandpa, Rudy Erickson and his adopted uncles, Dustin Erickson and Adam (Alexis) Turner, along with several adopted aunts, uncles and cousins. He is also survived by his biological family, including his sister, Ashley Lallaman; his brother, Jordan Zell; his mother, Jill (Romano) Zell; his grandmother, Joyce Romano; his grandfather, James Romano; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

A special thank to the staff from RocVale and Milestone that helped raise “DT”. His Guardian would also like to thank Dr. Roy and his incredible nurse Brandi, without their compassion and care the situation would have been even more unbearable.

Celebration of Life will held on April 4th, 2026 at Camp Winnebago Lodge, 5804 North Main Street, Rockford, IL, 61103 from 11am to 2pm. Lunch will be provided in True Daniel Fashion.

Easter Egg Hunt to begin at 12:30pm

Piñata activities to begin at 1:00pm

Please wear your favorite superhero attire or bright colors!