Daniel Thomas Ireland

Daniel was born in Rochester, New York to parents Elwood and Pearl Ireland. His siblings were Leona, Albert, Jack, Rosie, Noreen and Terry as well as his niece Janice, whom he considered a sister. After graduating from Thomas Aquinas High School, Dan felt fortunate that he was able to get a job with Taylor Instruments, where he worked until he joined the Air Force as a medic in 1957. After discharge from the service, he took a Greyhound bus to Los Angeles and began building his life from scratch in the banking industry. His best friend from those early days was James Molnar, a bond that endured through the decades. Dan mentored many people as a bank manager, many of whom felt fortunate to learn from the best because of his encouraging words in seeing talent in all of them. Many of those who worked for him became enduring lifelong friends thereafter.

After Dan’s retirement from banking, he was able to see his mentees thrive in the banking profession and he never missed an opportunity to let them know that he was proud and delighted at witnessing our success. But his mentoring was more than professional, it was the same on a personal level and he became part of our lives. He shared in our struggles, achievements, and triumphs.

In retirement, Dan filled his daily life with helping others, including serving as a Eucharistic Minister, Lector and the Holy Name Society as well as his most treasured activity, childcare of his two most favorite people in the world.

Dan was honest—sometimes blunt, without sugar-coating the truth. While he could be cantankerous, his loyalty and love for each of us was unconditional. He gave us all nicknames, and in doing so, welcomed us into his inner circle.

Dan faced dark years, times when he was inconsolable, but he persevered with the help of his church and his friends. He was a lover of the arts—a voracious, well-read man always eager to share insight and humor. Above all, he helped us become our best selves.

He leaves behind a legacy of honesty, integrity, mentorship, and deep, unwavering care. All of us who were touched by his wisdom and kindness are better for having known him.