Daniel Martin Smith Sr.

Daniel Martin Smith Sr., known to many as Dan Smith, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at the age of 77, surrounded by his wife and children. He was preceded in death by his parents, John Francis Smith Sr. and Mary Lucile (Ryan) Smith.

He is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 45 years, Gloria (Konwerski) Smith; his proud children, Melissa Mary Smith; Jacqueline Danielle Burnie (James Burnie); Maureen Ryan Smith (Aaron Cole); and Daniel Martin Smith Jr. (Craig Vigrass); his favorite grandson, Eli Daniel Burnie; his siblings, Elizabeth Lenhard, John F. Smith Jr., Kathleen McCarthy, Patricia Freund, and Monica Constantino; and his nieces and nephews.

Dan was born on August 14, 1948, in Detroit, Michigan. He was the third oldest of six children in the Smith family and grew up on Ashland in Detroit, just blocks from the family bar, John Smith Tavern. Dan was baptized Catholic at St. Ambrose Parish, where John and Mary brought their children to attend weekly Mass, and where Dan attended grade school and high school alongside his five siblings.

Growing up, Dan was a dedicated and passionate athlete who excelled in baseball, basketball, hockey, and football. After graduating from high school, he joined the Detroit Police Department and graduated from the Police Academy on February 17, 1972.

Dan proudly continued a family legacy as a third-generation police officer. He was bestowed with badge number 550, which had first been held by his grandfather, August Schmidt (Smith), then by his father, John Smith Sr., and was later passed on to Dan.

Dan began his career as a motorcycle traffic officer and later accepted a position with the Detroit Harbormaster, located on Belle Isle, where he helped protect both the island and the Detroit River. He dedicated 35 years of service to the City of Detroit as a police officer with the Harbormaster.

Throughout his career, Dan received 18 police citation awards for bravery and service. These honors spanned from incidents including two occasions where he was shot at, receiving a medal for single-handedly protecting the Belle Isle Bridge while awaiting backup to prevent a gang from entering the island, apprehending five armed felons, and earning four Lifesaving Citations. He was named Detroit Police Officer of the Month in 1987, and in 1997, he was nominated by the Detroit Police Officers Association and awarded the “Spirit of Detroit” award by the City of Detroit for outstanding leadership and his contributions to improving the quality of life in the city.

After five blissful years of dates, travel, and their cherished Friday lunches at Schmitt House in Warren, Dan and Gloria were married on August 30, 1980, at St. Martin de Porres in Warren, Michigan, surrounded by their loving family. They purchased their first home on Rolandale on the east side of Detroit, where they raised their children before moving to Chesterfield, Michigan, in 1999. They welcomed their first child, Melissa, in August 1983, followed by Jacqueline in April 1986, Maureen in November 1989, and Daniel Jr. in September 1992.

Their children all attended St. Joan of Arc Catholic School in St. Clair Shores, Michigan. Dan deeply valued the Catholic faith and prayed with all of his children each night before bed, just before leaving for his midnight shift with the Harbormaster. Each child took turns sharing intentions aloud, a tradition that reflected the importance and power of prayer in their home. His faith in God guided the way he lived his life.

Dan also helped his brother, John Smith Jr., when needed with his restaurant, Green Street Tavern in New Baltimore, Michigan. The business was a tribute to the original John Smith Tavern in Detroit. Dan’s siblings also worked there on occasion, and it became a family favorite during the holidays and for family celebrations.

Dan was a proud Michigan State Spartan, putting all four of his children through Michigan State University from 2002 through 2016. During that time, he loved attending Michigan State football games with his family, tailgating at Munn Field, and embracing the beauty of the campus and the rich history that made Michigan State University such an important part of the Smith family.

After retiring from the Detroit Police Department, Dan became a member of the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) and remained active in the Detroit Police Union. Still eager to make a positive impact through service, he became certified in tax accounting and built a successful book of business with Bunch Tax Service.

Dan often told family and friends that helping people with their taxes was his way of giving back to those in need. He truly enjoyed the office environment and valued his colleagues, whom he considered like family.

During the summer months, Dan spent his time camping with his family at The Double R Ranch and Golf Course in Smyrna, Michigan. Dan and his family have spent 42 years at the Double R, which became a second home away from city life. It was a place of reprieve and cherished time spent with his father- and mother-in-law, the late Roman and Dorothy Konwerski.

In the late 1980s, Dan also enjoyed annual fishing trips to northern Michigan with his father-in-law, brothers-in-law, and close friends. These trips were another way he connected with the outdoors while prioritizing time with family and dear friends.

Dan was an avid golfer and a natural on the greens. Over the years, he participated in various leagues and especially looked forward to annual winter golf trips to Hilton Head Island, as well as a friends’ golf trip to Gaylord, Michigan each summer. It was not uncommon for him to win tournaments, earn trophies, and play the game as if it were second nature; or not his first hole in one. He proudly attended The Masters with his brother John and John’s sons, Jeffrey and Jarett Smith.

Whether he was playing at the Double R Ranch Golf Course, The Jewel on Mackinac Island, or simply hitting balls to perfect his already refined swing, he often reminded his family of one of his favorite sayings: “Keep your head down on the ball and finish your swing, or you will miss the best shot of your life, just like anything in life.”

Later on, Dan and Gloria enjoyed traveling with their beloved German Shepherds, visiting each of their children wherever they were. Each year, before tax season, they would take time to travel and see the country at their own pace. Together, they explored the United States, visiting national parks and natural wonders, always taking time to appreciate the beauty of the land and the experiences along the way, making the best memories together while listening to Dan’s favorite band, The Beach Boys.

Dan loved spending time in northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula. He and Gloria frequently visited their daughter Melissa in Traverse City, sharing their love of Michigan’s forests, waterways, and natural beauty with her. These values became deeply rooted in the family’s appreciation for their home state, the outdoors, and their shared love of animals.

Another place Dan and Gloria cherished was Southern California, to visit his daughter Jacqueline and son-in-law James. There, they enjoyed family day trips to the beach, desert, and mountains, exploring new places and making lasting memories. Dan enjoyed quiet mornings on the deck with coffee and a good book, taking in the sunshine and sweeping views. He would often remark that “the sun makes everyone feel better,” and he would say his trips to California were his “carrot” to get him through the winter months. He especially treasured time with his grandson, Eli, who has his granddad’s Irish smile.

Dan and Gloria also spent meaningful time in New York and Chicago visiting their daughter Maureen and son-in-law Aaron. Maureen always planned thoughtful outings, reflecting Dan’s lifelong love of history and learning. A devoted reader and history enthusiast, Dan shared those interests with Maureen, often joking that she was a free spirit just like him. Dan always encouraged Maureen to continue laughing and instilled in her that life is precious and should be lived to the fullest, making sure to take full advantage of doing what you love and spending every moment with the people you love.

At home in Michigan, Dan and Gloria found joy spending time with their son, whom Dan referred to as “my favorite son,” Danny Jr., and his partner, Craig. Dan and Danny shared many interests, including golf, cooking, and working on home projects together. They also enjoyed bonfires at the Double R Ranch, staying on Mackinac Island during the summer, and cherished family traditions such as trips to the cider mill in the fall and cutting down the family Christmas tree.

The Catholic faith and family went hand in hand for Dan, as did his Irish heritage. He took pride in the close bond he shared with his siblings, whom he considered his best friends, as well as in his family’s history, whether through his mother’s side in Emmet, Michigan, or his father’s side in Detroit.

He was deeply committed to keeping his parents’ legacy alive, especially after losing his father, John, to cancer and his mother, Mary, to ALS. Although his parents passed away before his children were born, Dan spoke of John and Mary Smith often and continually emphasized the importance of family, siblings, and staying united when life presented its most difficult challenges.

Dan built a foundation of love, resilience, and empathy within his family, often reminding them never to judge others, as one never truly knows the circumstances of another’s life. Dan was humble, not driven by ego, and consistently put others before himself. In the words of the late Blessed Solanus Casey, “Thank God ahead of time.” That is how Dan Smith lived his life, and how his spirit continues in eternity.

On Tuesday, April 28, 2026, guests may meet with our family in the St Joan of Arc parish lobby, 21620 Greater Mack Avenue, St. Clair Shores, MI 48080, beginning at 9:00 AM until time of Mass at 10:00 AM. The Mass will be livestreamed for those unable to attend.

For all guests following the funeral Mass, please continue to celebrate Dan's life at the Sycamore Hills Golf Club, 48787 North Avenue, Macomb, MI 48042