Daniel "Danny" Joseph Smith

Daniel “Danny” Joseph Smith, 68, of Indianapolis, Indiana passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on June 24, 2025. Born to James and Dolores Smith on April 29, 1957, Danny grew up on the eastside of Indianapolis with his four siblings (Dorene, Jimmy, Cheryl & Pat) and graduated from Scecina Memorial High School in 1975. Following high school, Danny served in the Navy for three years, completing his service as a Boatswain’s Mate, Third-Class on-board USS FORRESTAL (CV-59).

After an honorable discharge from the Navy, Danny joined the Indianapolis Fire Department (IFD) in 1979 where he spent over 37 years, 26 of which were spent serving the community near where he grew up at IFD Station 27. Danny was affectionately known as “Danger” by his fellow firefighters for his unwavering bravery and commitment to saving lives. During his time with the IFD, Danny helped raise funds for the implementation of the first thermal imaging cameras used for identification of fire victims in burning structures. Danny also advocated for the local installation of blue reflective road markers for fire hydrant identification, which resulted in more efficient and rapid rescues. Danny served as the full time Engineer of Ladder 27 for nine years until his retirement in 2016. To Danny, his time with the fire department was incredibly fulfilling, and he loved every second spent on the job with his fellow firefighters.

Most importantly though, on July 16, 1983, he married the love of his life, Anita. Danny and Anita first met while he was coaching her softball team. The two quickly fell in love and were married shortly after. Prior to having children, Danny and Anita thoroughly enjoyed a life filled with riding on his motorcycle, traveling across the United States, and spending lots of time with their friends at the Shi-Kay. In 1994, they welcomed their daughter, Jenna. They completed their family with the birth of their son, Eric, in 1997. Danny found great pride in becoming a father and watching his children grow over the many years. In the early years, Danny loved the simple, everyday activities with his children such as reading books, playing games outside, and swimming in the pool. As they entered adulthood, he enjoyed the family RV trips, seeing his children graduate college, and simply spending time together during “family meetings.”

Danny was passionate about many things in life outside of his family. You could often find him “tinkering” around the barn on one of his many ongoing projects. Danny considered himself a “Farmer in the City” whenever he was out working on his tractor. He was an extremely handy man and was always willing to put those hands to work by helping family, friends, neighbors, or even strangers. While it was no secret that he was a dog lover, Danny also treasured his morning routine of feeding the numerous birds and squirrels in his backyard. The list could go on and on, but those who knew him can also attest to his love for NASCAR, weekly lunches with friends, his motorhome, the Indiana Hoosiers, and an ice-cold Coors Light.

Danny is survived by his loving wife, Anita Smith; children, Jenna Smith and Eric (Mary Claire) Smith; siblings, Dorene (Craig) Perry, Jimmy Smith, Cheryl (RayBob) Spencer and Pat (Michele) Smith; father-in-law, Daniel Miller; sister-in-law, Donna Cook; brother-in-law, Keith (Ann) Graber Miller; and many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and cousins. And last but not least, his loyal and beloved dogs Sadie and Millie.

Danny was preceded in passing by his parents, James and Dolores Smith; mother-in-law, Evelyn Miller; and many close friends.

A visitation for Danny will be held on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM at Feeney-Hornak Shadeland Mortuary, 1307 N. Shadeland Ave. Indianapolis, IN 46219. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at 11:30 AM at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 7200 Sarto Dr. Indianapolis, IN 46240. Danny will be laid to rest at Our Lady of Peace Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS) Cancer Foundation at https://www.mds-foundation.org/donate/