Beloved and devoted husband of 53 years to Sonia (nee Kowalczyk), loving Dad and partner in crime to his daughter Michelle Herman, the best Father-in-law to Kevin, and caring “Grandpa” to Danny and Emily, his pride and joy. Dan is also survived by his fur babies, Maine Coon Cats Sydney and Sylvester, brother Kevin (Linda), nephew and Godson Nick Hnatusko, Sister-in-law Suzie Gricus and niece Janine Hnatusko. Dan is preceded in death by his parents Russell and Kay (nee Keyes) Hnatusko, brother Tom Hnatusko, Ryan his loyal rescue dog, and his trusted Chicago Police Canine partner Max.
A United States Army Veteran of the Vietnam War, Dan grew up in Chicago’s Burnside neighborhood. He retired from the Chicago Police Department in 2010 where he was an Explosive Detection Canine Handler. Dan and his partner Max are remembered with a memorial brick at the Gold Star Families Memorial and Park located on the Chicago Museum Campus.
In retirement Dan was busier than ever. He was an active member of several organizations, always traveling with his wife, part time employee of Mother McAuley High School, a self-proclaimed Genealogy Researcher (with his daughter’s help), advisor to his son in laws renovation projects which always included a lively conversation between the two, he spoiled the hell out of his grandchildren and he was an avid bike rider well known in his neighborhood, he truly never met a stranger.
In recent years he was touched by the conflict in Ukraine and felt compelled to do something. He generously provided much needed medical supplies for hospitals, a generator for a daycare, countless amounts of everyday items, and coordinated local donations for the war-torn country. He even organized high school students to make blankets for children to use while in bomb shelters. Dan was one in a million.
A memorial service for Daniel will be held Thursday, July 25, 2024, from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Andrew J. McGann & Sons Funeral Home, 10727 S. Pulaski Road, Chicago, IL 60655. A prayer service will occur Friday, July 26, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Andrew J McGann & Sons Funeral Home.
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