Truly a man of spirit, humor and a police officer who loved Chicago and a veteran who loved his country. You will be missed.

Our heartfelt Sympathy for you, Sonia, Kevin and Michelle, Emily and Danny and all family. We will truly miss Dan very much. He was kind and so generous to others, always joked around and made us laugh , and always had time for you. We know he loved you Sonia along with you children and grandchildren very much and he was so very proud of you all❤️ We all are very blessed to have you not just as neighbors but very much family to us. We love you all❤️

So sorry to hear about Dan. I never knew him on the job but got to know him well over at the Shannon center in the mornings.  He certainly brightened up the day.  I enjoyed our conversations.  My deepest condolences.  May he rest in peace.  Bob J

Dearest Sonia, immediate family and all of us who deeply loved Danny.   Dan will always be remembered; I remember the times you and Dan,  sitting at our kitchen table, talking about Burnside and all the friends and fun times we all had.  He loved life, loved helping others.  
Tim and I will miss him - there was no other like him.  Rest Peacefully - our dear cousin. We love you dearly.

We are all so sad to learn of Dan’s passing, and his presence will truly be missed at McAuley. I could not walk past Dan without him saying “MISS Lanuti!”  and then proceeding to talk about his family or his cats, his CPD memories of being “on the job,” or asking me a question about grammar.   He embodied service to others as a veteran and police officer, volunteer, and willing friend to all. No one was a stranger to Dan.  He always had time for a story, a kind gesture, a terrible joke that still made you smile. My deepest condolences to all of you.

Many years ago I worked at SXU and worked out at Shannon Center at 6:00 am.  I met Dan and had the pleasure of chatting with him.  Every morning he greeted me with a smile and joke.  I was lucky to have seen him in the neighborhood riding his bike and again was lucky to chat with him.  I feel blessed to have known Dan.  Prayers for his family and friends!  RIP Dan.  Heaven has gained an angel!

Heartfelt and prayerful condolences from the Chicago Police Chaplains.  Dan will be remembered at the next Police Mass.

In the meantime, may family and friends know the healing touch of our all-loving, all-merciful God!   [Police Chaplains Ministry: www.ChicagoPCM.org or 312/738-7588]

Dan was a colleague of mine at Mother McAuley, and each day I looked forward to seeing him. He usually greeted me with funny nickname each morning as I walked down the hallway. “Tom Tom Tamale” or “Tom Terrific” were my favorites. We chatted about life often, catching up about our lives, how our weekends were, or what we were watching on TV or Netflix. There is one particular act of kindness that Dan did for me that I will always remember, where Dan went from just Dan to “Dan the Man.” 

It was the day of my second formal lesson evaluation as a teacher at McAuley, and of course, the day had to be miserable: blizzard, with the snow blowing sideways and the air so cold it hurt your face and hands. I arrived at school safely but discovered that one my tires was completely flat. I was a ball of anxiety now—not only about whether or not my lesson evaluation would go well, but how I would safely get home in this blizzard. As I walked into school, Dan saw me and could tell something was wrong. I told him about my flat tire, and he told me to stop worrying because he was going to help get my spare tire on my car. During one of my break periods, I took my car to the McAuley garage, and he helped me to see if my flat would take air and eventually swapped my flat for my spare, all while the snow and the freezing wind raged around us. My car troubles were gone, and my later lesson observation went well. I credit Dan for this because I was much more at ease with my car being in a functioning state. 

I don’t think Dan had to help me, but Dan did because that was just the type of guy Dan was. He would do anything to make you smile or help you out, even if that meant braving the freezing cold to help a worried teacher change their tire. I saw these smiles on so many students’ faces as they walked into school or talked about Dan in my classes. We were all made better for knowing him, and we will all miss him dearly. Rest in peace, Dan the Man.

It was an honor to know Dan when I was at Mother McAuley. He was indeed a gentleman who loved to talk about his family. He was so proud of all of you. His kindness and thoughtfulness to faculty, staff, and, most of all, students were extraordinary. I feel blessed to have known him.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Mary Klingenberger

I have known Dan and Sonia for over 30 years.  Little did I know that when I met them, they would become such great friends for so many years.  Dan was a great man with a wonderful sense of humor.  He always had a story to tell, like only Dan could tell.  Dan loved to talk about his grandchildren, whom he was very proud of.  Dan was a great animal lover.  When his canine partner Max retired, Dan did everything to give him the best treatment.  
My heart goes out to Sonia and his entire family.  My life has been richer knowing you both and Dan will be greatly missed.  If you need anything, please let me know.  My thoughts and prayers are with you.

I was one of the blessed students that was able to experience Officer Dan. This picture is from my last day as a senior. I asked him for a picture, he was so confused but did it anyway😭 He was the sweetest security guard ever, we used to have such thoughtful and loving conversations. I remember he used to always listen to me talk when I should’ve been in class😭and always knew how to make me laugh. He was definitely a friendly face to see in the halls especially on my rougher days💗Thanks Officer Dan for your kindness, you will be missed.

Dan Dan, he was my Uber driver to midway or a medical visit. Got all the latest news from Dan. We shared the snow blowing the bike riding or quick hello  hope you and max are making the rounds

Every single day I walked to my classroom in “C” wing at Mother McAuley, I was greeted by this larger than life voice booming out, “Good morning, Miss Mary. How is your garden growing?” I would respond, “it’s dead, Dan” and then he would laugh and ask me some  random question about grammar, or a movie and there we were for 5 minutes, talking nonsense and enjoying every minute of it. When he wasn’t at McAuley in the morning, it was always less joyful, less happy, less fun. To say I will miss him is an understatement. His “light” was so very bright and the students, in particular, loved him. There were always kids hanging around him and he affirmed them, laughed with them and cared for them. And they knew it. How blessed we all were to have shared in his life.

I was touched by the smiles and kindness that Dan showed to every Mighty Mac as they entered school daily.  I always said he is the perfect first contact for these girls to make sure they are smiling going into school and starting their day. 

I will keep him and your family in my prayers. Thank you for sharing him with all our students for all these years.

I am so sorry for your loss. I told Mr. Dan about how I would be attending Culinary School after I graduated from McAuley and everyday after that he would always ask me if I had come up with any new recipes or what I would like to do after culinary school. I always enjoyed the conversations we would have and He always had such a contagious Smile. My dad also enjoyed talking to him whenever he would drop me off at school.

Mr. Dan was a truly wonderful person. I pray that your family will find your way to the Lord and ask for his guidance through this very delicate and saddening moment.

He was truly the best. He made tons of jokes with us walking to our lockers and when we would come out of class he would stop us and talk with us about anything and everything. He checked in with us and offered great advice on occasions. He will be truly be missed. -‘24

Sonia and the Hnatusko family,I am so sorry for your loss. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. 

I went to the police academy with Dan. He was always like an older brother to me, as he was one of the oldest in our class and I was one of the youngest. Even back then, he would look out for me and offer his advice. I always appreciated that. 

After the academy, I had the pleasure of working with Dan in three different districts. He continued to look out for me and share words of wisdom. I always knew he had my back. 

Some of my best memories are working midnights in 018 with Dan on the Rush Street wagon together. We definitely had some crazy nights and our share of unruly suburbanites.

Through it all - the good, the bad and the ugly - Dan was always there for me. He always knew how to make me laugh, even in the toughest times. I remember being so scared and worried when Dan was shot in Cabrini Green. But we went to visit him at home afterwards, he was cracking jokes the whole time - trying to comfort me. 

I will miss our phone conversations and the way he would say “Hellooo Joe.” I will miss reminiscing together about the old days. Dan was a friend to all. He was such a good dad and grandfather, the kind that I strive to be.

Dan, I love you brother! Rest in peace!

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God”

	⁃	Matthew 5:9

He was an amazing person. For the four years I was at Mother McAuley he made my day. I’d get to school early just to talk to him. He was so funny and kind. He occasionally let my friend and I in a bit early to our lockers. He was the talk of the school. Everyone knew who Officer Dan was. He will always be in our hearts. - Class of 2023

So sorry to hear the news! My favorite memory of Mr. Hnatusko was when he worked at Midway airport. I would sometimes see him and say hi! He loved to scare me with his fake rat! He would always laugh to see me scream!  I still look for him as I walk through Midway just in case, lol! He was a loving Grandpa to Emily and Danny!! He loved picking them up from preschool! Hugs and prayers to all of you!

Sonia and family 
I am so saddened by the news of Dans passing. Turns out he passed away the same day as my only sister. Both the services are Thursday and Friday, so I won’t be able to make Dans. Virtual hug from myself and my husband Brendan. RIP
Peggy Murphy (Meagan’s Mom)

OBITUARY

Daniel Michael Hnatusko

September 4, 1949 – July 12, 2024

Andrew J. McGann & Son Funeral Home

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