Daniel James O'Day

Daniel James O'Day, age 67, passed away peacefully on November 8, 2017 after his 15 month struggle with melanoma cancer. He was born in Kenosha, Wisconsin and came from a large family which included eight brothers and sisters. Beloved husband of Janet. Loving father of Jennifer O'Day and Timothy (Mallory) O'Day. Dearest grandfather "Papa" of Jayna, Patrick, and Dakota. Dear brother of Kathleen (Guy) O'Day, Bonnie (the late Peter) Scholko, Mary (John) Hinkle, Nancy (Steve) O'Day, Patty (Ernie) O'Day, Kevin (Debbie) O'Day, Tom (Patty) O'Day, and Julie (Mike) O'Day. Daniel was predeceased by his parents Thomas and Bonnie O'Day. Daniel met his wife Janet while they both were working in the same office at TACOM. After proposing on St. Patrick's Day, they were married on Nov. 27, 1981 and enjoyed 36 years together creating many beautiful and wonderful memories. Daniel was a loving, proud, and devoted father to Jenni and Tim. He always wanted the best for them and he cared deeply about them. Tim and Jenni could not have asked for a better dad. He always was in attendance for the numerous activities that the kids were involved in. He was part of the group that organized the first “Applefest” for Jenni’s school and worked as a chairman to help organize it for 10 years. He was very involved in Girl Scouts for Jenni, cooking pancake breakfasts and driving to and from field trips. Boy Scouts for Tim, camping and helping with fundraisers. He could often be found at the sporting events for the kids over the years, which included soccer, baseball (where he also helped coach), and roller hockey. He also attended the many dance recitals and school plays and concerts. The family also enjoyed many trips together to various places including Wisconsin Dells, Disney Land, Universal Studios, Washington D.C., and Shenandoah Valley. Dan was overjoyed when Tim married his wife Mallory in 2008. He was so quick to welcome her into the family and embrace her as one of his own. He was such a proud grandfather, in-fact, when is first grandchild was born, he came to visit in the hospital and when he walked out of the room he was telling the other visitors in the hallway that his grandchild was cuter than theirs. He was so proud to attend his granddaughter, Jayna’s piano recitals, her school play where she played an Oompa Loompa, and playing piano for her church. He attended many of his grandson Patrick’s T-ball games as well. Being around Dakota, she always made him smile and laugh. Daniel worked as a civilian employee for the Department of Defense (TACOM in Warren, Michigan). He retired in 2007 after 34 years of dedicated service as a Supervisory Contract Specialist. He worked as a Group Leader/Supervisor and held high levels of responsibilities on various programs (such as the Abrams Tank). Dan received many awards, medals, and certifications from work for his involvement in various projects and special assignments, however he was most proud of serving as a mentor and teacher to those who worked with him. He also traveled to many countries, including Germany, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Egypt, Greece, England, France, and Pakistan. He had officially retired for 10 years, however he was often called back for special projects, investigation, and teaching incoming interns. Many of his coworkers always said what a great boss he was and joy to work with. He was always willing to share his knowledge and skills with those who needed help. He was known to help several family members and friends do their income taxes so they didn’t have to pay someone to do it for them. Dan was so dedicated and devoted to his family and friends. He attended many special occasions with his family, including First Communions, graduations and weddings in Wisconsin, California, Texas, Minnesota, Florida, and Missouri. He was a very caring and loving man. He considered everyone family and always made sure everyone was included in everything and that nobody was ever left out. He was very trustworthy and always treated others with respect. Many of his nephews looked up to him and saw him as a role model. Dan enjoyed playing softball while at TACOM and was on a men’s league and a mixed league. He enjoyed playing fantasy baseball with a group of his friends. He used to spend a lot of time on this and looked forward to the drafts at the start of each season. He also enjoyed reading, playing poker, traveling with family and friends to Vegas, cruises with friends to the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Alaska, and visiting with family out of state. Dan also enjoyed making wine with his neighbors Dominic and Dennis. They used to rotate between each other’s houses hanging out in the garage while making wine. He loved to play board games with family. He was always very competitive and like to “talk trash” while we played. The night after he came home from the hospital (four nights before he died) he got a sudden burst of energy and we stayed up late playing a board game. The day before he died he mentioned how much fun he had that evening, and how he cherished the time spent with Tim, Mallory, Jenni, Bonnie, and Tom. He was always willing to help people and put others before himself. He was the kind of guy who would drop whatever he was doing to help someone else. Even after being diagnosed with cancer he would still drive an hour to his son’s house to help him with various things he needed. He would give anyone the shirt off his back. Daniel was a true gem and will be missed by everyone who know him. Visitation Wednesday, November 15, 2017 from 4-8 pm and Thursday, November 16, 2017 from 2-8 pm with a Scripture service at 7 pm at Resurrection Funeral Home, 40800 Hayes Rd., Clinton Township. Instate Friday 9:30 am until time of Mass at 10 am at St. Lawrence Catholic Church, 44633 Utica Rd, Utica. Interment at Resurrection Cemetery, Clinton Township, Michigan. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Melanoma Patient Clinical Fund - 328802. Checks may be made payable to “University of Michigan” and sent to Michigan Medicine Office of Development, 1000 Oakbrook Dr., Suite 100, Ann Arbor, MI 48104. You may also call 734-764-6777 or visit the website http://victors.us/danieljamesoday to make your gift.