Daniel A. Smith, Sr., 69, of Cherry Valley passed away Sunday December 12, 2021. Daniel was born on July 31, 1952 in Rockford, the son of Arthur and Lois (Kilkelly) Smith. He married Yvonne Fritz on August 18, 1973. Daniel was a Class of 1970 graduate of Boylan High School. Daniel owned and operated CDY Electric in Cherry Valley. He was a member of the Electrical Union #364 for 47 years and the Lombardi Club; he loved fishing, gardening and hunting, especially with his longtime friend Ron Butler. Daniel was known by family and friends as a “Reconnoiter” expert or “Dan-O”. He loved playing softball and coaching all sports, especially coaching his children’s teams and his friends teams; cooking on the grill every weekend; loved messing with you and brightening your day. He always had an open door policy at his home for everyone. His greatest enjoyment was his spending time with his grandkids, his family and working with Vito and the boys making pizzas.
Daniel is survived by his wife Yvonne; son: Daniel (Danielle) Smith, Jr. and children Madisyn, Danny and Jersey; daughter: Christina (Fiance Jay Brugman) Smith and child Ashley; sisters: Janette (Vito) Grisanzio, Phyllis Grisanzio and Kathy (Larry) Haney; aunt: Mary Kilkelly and cousins; numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Arthur and Lois; sisters: Rosemary Kopp and Patricia Haney.
Visitation for Daniel will be Sunday December 19, 2021 from 1:00 PM until 3:00 PM at Sunset Funeral Home 8800 N. Alpine Road in Machesney Park; a memorial service to celebrate Daniel’s life will follow at 3:00 PM at the funeral home.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.sunsetfhmemgardens.com for the Smith family.
