Rev. Daniel Stephen Spychala

The Reverend Father Daniel Spychala passed away peacefully at Virginia Hospital Center on July 15, 2026. He was 69 years old. He left behind a lifetime of faithful service, quiet compassion, and countless lives touched by his ministry. He was born on December 18, 1956, in Gary, West Virginia, where he spent the first five years of his life in the close-knit coal mining community that always remained a cherished part of his story.

In 1962, Father Spychala and his family moved to Arlington, Virginia, where he was raised and educated. He attended Patrick Henry Elementary School, Thomas Jefferson Junior High School, and Wakefield High School. At Wakefield, he served as senior class treasurer and was an enthusiastic member of the marching band, proudly playing the clarinet. In addition, he was in countless clubs and service organizations. Friends and classmates fondly remembered his playful sense of humor and mischievous spirit. One of his favorite stories from those years involved persuading a friend to pull the school's fire alarm, sending everyone outside and creating a memory that he would recount with laughter for years to come.

Following high school, Father Spychala attended Northern Virginia Community College before transferring to American University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology. While enrolled at American, Father spent a summer abroad studying literature at Oxford University. Before discovering his life's vocation, he held several jobs that helped shape his perspective. His brief career as a busboy at the Arva Motel lasted just one demanding eight-hour shift before he decided hospitality was not his calling. During one summer, he had the opportunity to work on Capitol Hill for Senator Lawton Chiles, gaining firsthand experience in public service.

It was shortly after the death of his own father, that Father Spychala, at the age of twelve first experienced the call to the priesthood. Monsignor Burke visited his home to offer condolences to his mother and sisters. Years later, while working at the Cathedral of St. Thomas More the call to the priesthood became more evident. There, surrounded by the life of the Church and inspired by the faith of those around him, he recognized God's invitation to dedicate his life to serving others. He answered that call with generosity and unwavering commitment.

After concluding formation at Mount Saint Mary Seminary in Emmitsburg, Maryland, Father was ordained a priest for the Arlington Diocese by Bishop John R. Keating on May 12, 1984. His priestly parish assignments throughout the diocese included Nativity in Burke, Saint Michael in Annandale, Saint John the Beloved in McLean, Saint Mary Parish in Old Town Alexandria, Sacred Heart in Winchester, Saint Philip in Falls Church, Saint Theresa in Ashburn, and Saint Lawrence the Martyr in Alexandria. Father also served as Chaplain at Fairfax Hospital during his years of active ministry. He was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus and a Knight of the Holy Sepulcher.

Father Spychala is remembered for his great love of the Church – the Diocese of Arlington, in particular. A gifted homilist, he preached the message of the Gospel with great zeal and compassion alike. He touched many lives throughout his years of active ministry and continued to do so in his retirement as a resident of Vitality Assisted Living. Though he devoted his life to the Church, Father Spychala never lost the warmth, humor, and humility that endeared him to family, friends, parishioners, and fellow clergy alike. He enjoyed sharing stories from his childhood in West Virginia, his Arlington school days, and the unexpected experiences that ultimately led him to his true vocation. Father was an avid reader — he loved studying the history of the Church and the royal family of England. A seasoned traveler, he made numerous trips overseas and throughout the United States.

Father Spychala's life stands as a testament to God's grace and the power of answering His call. He will be remembered not only as a devoted priest but also as a beloved son, brother, cousin, family member, friend, mentor, and shepherd whose faith and compassion enriched the lives of so many. Those who knew him best know that they will never laugh as hard as they did with Father Spychala who was generous, forgiving, grateful and hilarious. He fought for many years with poor health and never complained because he was so brave and strong.

Father was preceded in death by his parents Ignatz Daniel Spychala and Mary Kapusta Spychala. He is survived by his sisters Donna Spychala and Debbie McFarland and cousins Darlene Coble and Cathy Silvious, four nieces and nephews, Martina (Eric), Lex (Marisa), Katrina (James), and Nic (Paula) and ten great nephews and nieces.

Visitation will be at Murphy Funeral Home, 4510 Wilson Blvd. Arlington, from 2:00-4:00 and 5:30-8:00 pm. A Rosary will be led by Father’s Legion of Mary praesidium from Saint Lawrence parish beginning at 5:45 pm. A wake service will be led beginning at 7:00 pm. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at the Cathedral of Saint Thomas More, 3901 Cathedral Lane Arlington, VA at 10:30 am on Friday July 24, 2026. A repast will follow. Interment will take place at Fairfax Memorial Cemetery at 2:30 pm.

In lieu of flowers, please donate in honor of Father Spychala to the American Diabetes Association 2451 Crystal Drive, Suite 900, Crystal City, VA.

May he rest in the eternal peace of Christ, whom he served so faithfully throughout his life.