I met Dan in 1973 when my parents took me to Alan Swain's studio to start piano lessons. I was 9. Since that time, music has been the center of my life. I have had an amazing career as a musician, songwriter and record producer, and I continue to discover new things and explore new directions in music. My great good fortune at having Dan as my first teacher cannot be overstated. Dan showed me the priceless connection between the instrument and music! Never did I associate the piano with work, even though I've worked hard. It was and has always been my friend, my sanctuary, and the first way I truly found my "voice". Too many times I have seen young musicians turn their backs on music because of a punitive or pressure filled first experience. Dan, for me, was the opposite and I will forever credit him with starting me on the path that has shaped my life. 
Today, I am at Ravinia, playing a show tonight with Alison Krauss. Sitting on the bus this close to where this crazy journey started, I thought of Dan and looked him up. I know it has been 7 years, but I am so saddened to hear of his passing. If any of his loved ones read this, please know how grateful I am for having crossed paths with your Dan. I'll never forget him, and only wished I could have re-connected with before he left us.  Blessings, Matt Rollings

I just found out today. It is always sad when someone this young leaves us, he will be missed by all. I met Dan back in 1988 and we worked together in the mortgage business at Banc Associates in Schaumburg. He made me laugh everyday! He was a very funny man. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time.

Dan and I attended Gordon Tech and DePaul University together.  We were both in DePaul's music program and we had a great time during that period of our lives.  Dan was such an outstanding musician. I played a bit of piano myself and took lessons from him at Alan Swain Studios on the North Shore.  He was a great teacher and mentor and I always wished I could play like him...never to be though. I was so happy to have met with him last year.  We had quite a few laughs over the mischief we got into while at DePaul.  He made my experience there very enjoyable. There are probably no words to describe my feelings after hearing of his passing.  I will really miss him.  And I offer my condolences to his entire family.  He played a very large part in my earlier musical life and I will always cherish my memories of him. 
Michael Samocki, Skokie, Illinois

Dan's passing on Tuesday left me and many friends with a deep sense of loss. He was a phenomenal musician and a great entertainer with a good and strong heart.  To overcome the physical damage of his earlier stroke and renew his career took enormous will and courage.  My deepest sympathies to his family and most especially to the beautiful lady who stood by his side.  Diane, we are all here for you.

From bass to treble and all the notes in between....that was Dan's life. He's now in the next octave of his life, one that many are envious of.  He will be missed.  Take care Diane and know you are in my prayers!

Our deepest condolences to Dan's family.
When we remember Dan we will hear his music, his hardy laugh and great stories ringing in our memory.  Diane, may our friendship continue for many years. 
Teresa and Don Dunhac, Itasca, IL

I was a high school friend of Dan's (Gordon Tech) and I just hooked back up with him this Fall via Facebook. I enjoyed our "reunion" via Facebook and over our phone conversations.  In wishing him a happy birthday a week ago, I expressed to him that I had hoped that we could get together in Chicago in the near future.  From my memory of high school, Dan had a mischievious sense of humour as we (Tom, Tim, Dan & myself) roamed the halls of GT after classes.  The four of us also took Driver's Ed (over at Lane Tech) with "special" passes to get us out of our last period class - and continued with those passes even after our Driver's Ed class had been completed!
God be with you Dan - you will be missed.  Bob Zak, Gordon Tech 1969 now living in Nashville, TN

A very talented, very funny and great guy.
I will miss him and his attitude very much.

OUR SINCEREST SYMPATHY TO YOU.  HE WAS A GREAT GUY AND SO TALENTED.  WE WILL ALL MISS HIM. HE WAS A PART OF OUR LIVES AS WELL AS YOURS.  WE WILL TRULY MISS HIM.
OUR LOVE TO YOU.  WISH WE WERE THERE TO
GIVE YOU A HUG. LOVE VIC & JOAN

Diane, we are so sorry for your loss; may Dan rest in peace.
Joan & Rich Niemi

Dan was pretty much a brother-in-law to me.  He meant the world to my sister, Diane Hill.  And we grew to love him very much as a family.  We all loved to hear him play piano and still listen to his recorded music.  He will be sorely missed.

Sincerely,  Julie (and Tim) Kerrigan

Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish Dan's memories forever.  His beautiful music will now be enjoyed by the angels.  He will be missed.

OBITUARY

Daniel J. Mrowinski

January 14, 1951 – January 24, 2011

Montclair-Lucania Funeral Home

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