Daniel Maguire

Daniel Maguire, 76, passed away on September 29, 2026. Born June 22, 1950, in Chicago, Dan carried the spirit of his hometown with him throughout a life defined by warmth, laughter, and an openhanded kind of love that made people feel instantly at home. In his later years, he lived in Surprise, Arizona, where he remained until his passing.

Dan spent most of his childhood growing up in Cary, Illinois alongside his sister, Linda, where the days were filled with baseball, archery, and the sort of good-natured mischief that never quite left him. He attended Cary Grove High School and found his place behind the scenes, enjoying his work as part of the lighting and sound stage crew during school productions—already showing the steady, thoughtful presence that would mark so much of his life. Dan also received an Associate's Degree in Mechanical Drafting in which led to his craftsmanship in his career.

For 45 years, Dan worked as a structural designer and engineer at Sargent & Lundy, building a career grounded in dedication and skill. Three of those years took him to South Korea, where he met his wife, Myoung Hee. After retirement, Dan and Myoung Hee moved from Naperville, Illinois to Surprise, Arizona, embracing a new chapter with the same energy and optimism he brought to everything.

Dan stayed active and young-at-heart, especially when it meant being outside or sharing time with others. He played golf whenever the Arizona weather allowed, and he loved road cycling, softball, and billiards. A lifelong lover of the outdoors, Dan took his family on numerous road trips across the country’s National Parks to hike and camp—creating memories rooted in fresh air, open roads, and togetherness. Indoors, his joy was just as easy to find: movies, puzzles, making personalized gifts for friends, and cheering on the often struggling Chicago teams he remained devoted to—especially the White Sox, Bears, and Blackhawks.

More than anything, Dan loved having fun, and he had a gift for making others smile. He enjoyed harmless pranks—particularly at his sister’s expense—stand-up comedy, and the simple, sustaining joy of laughing with friends and family. Some of the fondest family memories are Christmas gatherings spent playing Cards Against Humanity after a little too much Baileys, the kind of moments where Dan’s playful spirit and loving presence filled the room.

Dan was deeply involved in his children’s lives, always finding ways to show up—camping trips, hikes, sports games, and the everyday moments that become the ones most treasured over time. He loved playing board games, lawn games, video games, and sports with friends and family, and though he almost always won, he remained humble and (almost) never gloated. Through the way he lived, Dan taught those around him to be generous and respectful to others, while remembering to extend that same care to themselves.

Dan is survived by his wife, Myoung Hee; his three children, twins Shannon & Mark, and Chelsea; and his sister, Linda Koren.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Surprise Funeral Care, 16063 W. Bell Rd, Surprise, AZ 85374, US, on October 8, 2026, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to all the members of the Arizona Korean Presbyterian Church who gave Dan’s family constant love and support during the final weeks of Dan’s life.