Daniel Mark Rifkin

June 15, 1954 – April 1, 2025

With profound sadness and deep gratitude for a life well-lived, we announce the peaceful passing of Daniel “Danny” Rifkin, on April 1, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Danny was a man of vision, determination, and endless love for those around him. Son of Leonard and Norma Jean (Smith) Rifkin, he was born and raised in Fort Wayne, Indiana, he was a proud graduate of Elmhurst High School (1972), attended the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania, and earned his degree from the University of Miami in 1977.

He began his career in the scrap industry at OmniSource, eventually rising to President and CEO, playing a pivotal role in shaping the company into an industry leader. A founding member of Steel Dynamics, Inc., Danny later founded MetalX — a business he poured his heart into. Scrap wasn’t just a profession for him; it was part of his identity. And working alongside his sons made it even more meaningful.

While Danny’s professional accomplishments were many, his greatest joy and purpose came from family.

He was a devoted father to Neal, Sarah, and Mark; a loving grandfather to Neal & Sonya’s three wonderful children, Levi, Sophia, and Benjamin; and a loyal brother to Ricky and Marty; and cherished fiancé, Tamara Braun. He shared a special and enduring partnership with Tamara, whose strength and care stood beside him through life’s greatest challenges — including his brave fight with leukemia. His deep love and unwavering presence shaped the lives of those closest to him.

Danny was known for his sharp mind, dry humor, and boundless energy, but perhaps most unforgettable was his smile — one-of-a-kind, warm, and always just a little mischievous. It lit up every room and will be remembered forever by all who knew him.

His passions in life were clear: family, scrap, and house projects. Whether building businesses, planning renovations, or chasing new ideas, Danny was always in motion, always creating — always building something better. He leaves behind a legacy not only in the companies he helped shape, but in the family, he loved, and the countless lives he touched with his wisdom, generosity, and strong sense of purpose.

Danny will be deeply missed, but his presence will continue to be felt — in the strength of his family, the business he built, and in the values, he carried so consistently throughout his life.

This will be a time for quiet reflection, shared memories, and heartfelt goodbyes in a place of peace and remembrance.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Danny’s honor to:

• Fort Wayne Center for Learning

• Congregation Achduth Vesholom

• Fort Wayne Jewish Federation

• United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

May his memory be a blessing.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, April 6, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM at D.O. McComb & Sons Funeral Homes (8325 Covington Rd, Fort Wayne, IN), followed by a service and eulogy from 1:30 PM to 2:00 PM. A graveside service will take place at Lindenwood Cemetery (2324 W. Main St., Fort Wayne, IN) immediately following. All are welcome to attend and pay their respects.