Daniel Phillip Rako II

Daniel Phillip Rako II, born July 21, 1997, passed away in Columbus, Ohio on January 19, 2024 surrounded by his family and enveloped in love. From the beginning, Daniel’s life was a miracle. Born with spina bifida, Daniel survived more than 40 surgeries against all odds. Daniel never let his physical challenges affect his attitude.

No one believed more in “team” than Daniel, and it truly took a team of people to make his life both possible and worth living for all of his improbable 26 years. Although never able to play himself, Daniel was a proud coach of New Albany High School’s football team and always felt a part of the gang thanks to its incredible coaching staff and team members. Daniel spent his time rooting for his beloved Eagles, Cincinnati Bengals and Reds, and Ohio State Buckeyes with his family and friends. If Daniel wasn’t watching sports, he was listening to country music, his favorite being Toby Keith (whom Daniel saw in concert countless times and even met backstage).

Daniel was a pillar of his family and community, all of whom are beyond devastated by this loss. Daniel had the biggest smile in the room, and his optimism will be sorely missed. Daniel’s motto was “it’s possible.” His life, while too short, is a shining example of the power of believing in possibilities and the good even when the odds are against you. Daniel made each person he met better and will continue to inspire us all.

Daniel is preceded in death by grandparents Carol and Daniel P Rako I and aunt Laura Rako. He is survived by his team of loved ones, the quarterback of which has always been mother Jill Clark. Also surviving Daniel are father Daniel E Rako and step-mother Megan Powell; sisters Morgan Gang and Claire Rako; brother-in-law David Gang; step-sister Nola McClaskie; grandparents Larry and Patricia Clark; step-grandmother Pamela Ryan; aunts and uncles Lori Clark and Duane Ward, Paula and Michael Pingue, Jennifer Rako and David Fry, and Joshua and Victoria Clark; and numerous cherished cousins.

The family would like to extend its thanks to Daniel’s care teams at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, and his incredible host of in-home nurses, without whom Daniel never would have been able to enjoy 26 years of life well lived. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Central Ohio Spina Bifida Alliance.

Friends may gather on Wednesday, January 24th, from 4PM-7PM at Schoedinger Northeast, 1051 E Johnstown Road. Mass of Christian Burial will take place the following day Thursday, January 25th, 11AM at Church of the Resurrection, 6300 E Dublin Granville Rd.