Daniel E. Meehan

1930 - 2019

Daniel E. Meehan obituary, 1930-2019, Milwaukee, WI

BORN

1930

DIED

2019

FUNERAL HOME

Feerick Funeral Home - Shorewood

2025 East Capitol Drive

Shorewood, Wisconsin

Daniel Meehan Obituary

Meehan, Daniel E.
March 3, 1930 - December 30, 2019
Daniel E. Meehan never met a stranger. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, friend and philanthropist, Dan worked endlessly to make a difference in other's lives at home and around the world. Now we celebrate the life of this generous, joyful man who always put faith and family first. A serendipitous man, Dan passed away at 3:33 p.m. on December 30th, 2019 in his home in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, hand in hand with the love of his life, Eileen. He was 89 years old.
A gifted storyteller, Dan's favorite one to tell was how he and Eileen met while he attended Kings Point Merchant Marine Academy in New York. "It all started on a blind date!" he would say with a twinkle in his eye. Anyone who knew them could see their unwavering devotion to one another; Eileen grounded Dan and was his source of calm when business and life became stormy. They held hands constantly, as if drawn together by their own gravity. They celebrated a private renewal of vows on their 67th wedding anniversary, just three days before he passed.
Dan was born on March 3, 1930 and grew up in a lively, loving home in an Irish neighborhood in Staten Island, New York City. The son of Philip, a surveyor for New York City, who was known to give unassuming but practical advice to many, and his mother, Alice, who without fanfare, helped and fed almost everyone in the neighborhood. Dan drew from his parents' influence when he taught his children and grandchildren lessons about the importance of faith, family and humility.
Dan's vast encyclopedia of adventures and experiences grew while he matriculated at Kings Point, and from the subsequent years he spent at sea. One such voyage included the care of a wild Cheetah on board from Mombasa, Kenya to Boston.
Dan then started his Merchant Marine career in 1951 after graduating from Kings Point; he and Eileen were married the following year on December 27th, 1952. Eileen had the clever idea of marrying at Christmastime because the church would still be decorated and filled with poinsettias, and as a young couple coming from humble beginnings they smartly saved in every way possible.
As the Meehan family grew, Dan decided to bring his career closer to home. His love of the sea was surpassed by the love and joy his young family brought him, so he hung up his merchant marine uniform and, in his words, "came ashore" permanently. Dan transitioned his career to the commercial side of international shipping at the Port of New York, overlooking the historic Brooklyn Bridge. There he was able to build his reputation as an ethical, smart, and tireless worker, even when his modest wages did not reflect his impressive output. His children recall their father occasionally borrowing change from their piggy banks to pay his ferry commute to work. It was clear to all who worked with him that Dan was destined for a successful career as soon as fate delivered the right opportunity. So when his stellar national reputation led him to be recruited by Ted Hansen to manage Hansen Seaway Service at the Port of Milwaukee, Dan seized the fortuitous opportunity and moved his young family to the Midwest. He eventually bought the business and six other international shipping companies at various ports around the United States. Dan sold his companies in 1996 at the age of 66.
Regimented from his years as a merchant marine, Dan always greeted the day with the sunrise. He enjoyed spending his mornings writing letters and emails to his five children and 18 grandchildren. He shared a daily phone call with his sister, Clare, and like the proud Irish Catholic he was, Dan always answered the phone "Top o' the morning!"
Dan was passionate about setting up future generations for success; this was true of his own family and the global family he grew through decades of generous giving. Dan valued education as the greatest tool for success, and taught this to his children and grandchildren, and to the countless children around the world whose lives he impacted. He will be remembered in schools, orphanages, and hospitals across the globe. Dan had a huge heart that was reflected through the many blessings he shared with his family and community. He shared a special relationship with each member of his large family, and his favorite way to say goodbye was to remind each one, "I love you, and I like you."
An active member of the Catholic Church, Dan lived the Gospel and served the poor. He witnessed abject poverty while traveling to third world countries, so he started the Meehan Family Foundation. The Foundation has supported scholarships, schools, hospitals, and orphanages throughout the world. Dan was known by staff at the Milwaukee Foundation to have given more money abroad than any donor in the history of the Foundation. His legacy will transcend many lifetimes.
Through his philanthropy, he had the privilege to meet Pope John Paul, Mother Teresa, President Ronald Reagan, President George Bush Sr., President Richard Nixon, Fidel Castro and many other historic leaders.
Throughout his illustrious career in the international shipping industry and the decades of philanthropic work that followed, Dan was honored with countless civic and business awards, along with many distinguished service awards from organizations near and dear to his heart, including his alma mater Kings Point Merchant Marine Academy, Legatus and the Knights of Malta. Dan's involvement with the Knights of Malta enabled him to multiply his own financial assistance for the projects he was most passionate about. His favorite fundraising challenges were matching grants, when his charisma and charm would inspire and open the hearts of many to get involved and give back.
Dan Meehan was one of a kind. He will be remembered for the beautiful legacy he created, and his warmth for every soul he met. His mother always said he had a smile that could light up the world. And it did.
Dan is survived by his wife Eileen, five children and in-laws: Laurie (the late Chet) Lukaszewicz, Theresa and Zach Felknor, Daniel Meehan Jr., Suzanne and Ali Siadat, Margie Meehan. In addition, he is survived by 18 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren and sister, Clare (the late Jay) Murphy.
Dan lived by the sentiment he held most dear, and asked that we all do the same, "When all is said and done, it boils down to...have we made other peoples' lives a bit better than they would have been without our presence?"
Visitation will take place on Saturday, January 11th, from 9:00 to 11:00AM, at the Basilica of Saint Josephat, on the corner of South 6th St. and West Lincoln Ave., in Milwaukee, WI. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated immediately following at 11:00 AM. Reception to follow. Interment will be private.
Memorials in Dan's name may be made to The Sisters of Mary, C/O Meehan Family Legacy Fund, Greater Milwaukee Foundation, 101 W. Pleasant St., Ste 210, Milwaukee, WI 53211 or to Three Holy Women, C/O Meehan Family Legacy Fund, Greater Milwaukee Foundation, 101 W. Pleasant St., Ste 210, Milwaukee, WI 53211.
Feerick Funeral Home in Milwaukee, WI is assisting the family, (414)962-8383, www.feerickfuneralhome.com

Published by Herald Tribune from Jan. 9 to Jan. 10, 2020.
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Memories and Condolences
for Daniel Meehan

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Dan, you were an inspiration to me. You believed in me when I couldn't believe in myself. I am very grateful to have been in the presence of you and your family. May God bless you and all you have contributed to the world. You are wonderful!


Larissa

Larissa Brown

May 27, 2020

Just found out about his death today, April 2, 2020. I first met Mr. Meehan in Haiti on a trip with Physicians for Peace. Later on he helped the Episcopal Diocese of Milwaukee-Haiti Project get 40 ft container shipments to Haiti. What a great, generous man. I'll always remember having breakfast and conversations with him at Hotel Roi Christophe in Cap Haitian, Haiti.

John Brusky

Acquaintance

April 2, 2020

Dan Meehan: A great man of God who made Jesus visible and tangible in our broken world:

Hearing about the passing away of our dear Dan was indeed a painful shock for me. As I heard of his final journey into his heavenly home, all I could visualize was the great celebrations of welcome for Dan in heaven! How our good and provident God and the heavenly hosts must have danced in delight as they welcomed Dan, one of God's most generous, compassionate, faithful and loyal sons, into his heavenly home! I count myself very blessed to have experienced Dan as a caring personal friend and a generous benefactor of our congregation. We, the Sisters of Notre Dame, will continue to remember Dan, Eileen and the Meehan Foundation with deep gratitude and warm affection. Dan's deeply sensitive heart reached out to all parts of the world. Indeed, our world is a better place, where countless poor and needy persons came in touch with our compassionate and caring God of Jesus, in the person of Dan. Yes, in so many ways Dan was a beautiful and visible reflection of Jesus for all of us. I have so many memories of him, especially when Dan and Eileen came and picked me up from Chicago in 2012 and brought me to their lovely home for a short stay. It was indeed a true God-experience for me to listen to Dan's incredible life journey and to know from him how amazing were the ways of God in his life. With Mary, our Mother, can we not hear Dan singing now, The Almighty has done great things for me and through me. Holy is His name! Dear Dan, pray for all of us who know you and love you dearly so that we too may walk with God and accomplish the mission entrusted to us. Thank you for the many ways you have been a great blessing to our world.
With deep love and gratitude,
Sister Mary Sujita, SND,
Sisters of Notre Dame, India

Sister M.Sujita SND

January 21, 2020

Dan Meehan: A great man of God who made Jesus visible and tangible in our broken world:

Hearing about the passing away of our dear Dan was indeed a painful shock for me. As I heard of his final journey into his heavenly home, all I could visualize was the great celebrations of welcome for Dan in heaven! How our good and provident God and the heavenly hosts must have danced in delight as they welcomed Dan, one of God's most generous, compassionate, faithful and loyal sons, into his heavenly home! I count myself very blessed to have experienced Dan as a caring personal friend and a generous benefactor of our congregation. We, the Sisters of Notre Dame, will continue to remember Dan, Eileen and the Meehan Foundation with deep gratitude and warm affection. Dan's deeply sensitive heart reached out to all parts of the world. Indeed, our world is a better place, where countless poor and needy persons came in touch with our compassionate and caring God of Jesus, in the person of Dan. Yes, in so many ways Dan was a beautiful and visible reflection of Jesus for all of us. I have so many memories of him, especially when Dan and Eileen came and picked me up from Chicago in 2012 and brought me to their lovely home for a short stay. It was indeed a true God-experience for me to listen to Dan's incredible life journey and to know from him how amazing were the ways of God in his life. With Mary, our Mother, can we not hear Dan singing now, The Almighty has done great things for me and through me. Holy is His name! Dear Dan, pray for all of us who know you and love you dearly so that we too may walk with God and accomplish the mission entrusted to us. Thank you for the many ways you have been a great blessing to our world.
With deep love and gratitude,
Sister Mary Sujita, SND,
Sisters of Notre Dame, India

January 21, 2020

I want to express my deepest condolences to the family and big thank you for all your generosity. I am a graduate of "Villa de las Niñas" Chalco Mexico, because of you I was given the opportunity to continue my education and therefore a chance for a better life. Daddy Dan Meehan will live forever in the hearts of the many lives he changed, like myself.
I know the doors of heaven were wide open to him, and our Lord welcoming him with open arms and saying: "well done, my true servant"
May the Lord give your family the comfort and strength you need during this time, and continue blessing your family abundantly.

Ariadna Holloway

January 14, 2020

With a heavy heart I write this to Eileen and family. Dan was not only my cousin but so special to me in so many ways. Our families shared many happy and sorrowful ones. He showed me his love of God and humanity. May he Rest In Peace. Love Choo and John

Cecilia Scalia

Family

January 12, 2020

"Like a bird singing in the rain, let grateful memories survive in time of sorrow."
Robert Louis Stevenson

To my dear friend T (Theresa),
My heartfelt sympathies to you, your mother Eileen and family.
Through your friendship I met your parents, Dan and Eileen Meehan.
Over the years of being present at some of the family gatherings I was able to speak with Dan. He always greeted me with that smile his mother talked about but also with his Irish smiling eyes!
In reading his legacy, he truly lived his faith with passion.

As you know, I had the privilage of working on one of Dan Meehans and Marty Steins projects with Sr. Edna Lonergan in Milwaukee;
St. Ann Center for Intergenerational Care opening in 1999 on Milwaukees south side.
What a wonderful project to create a space for senior adults and children, many with disabilities to spend the day with the best of care. Children and adults sharing experiences together in an indoor park!
It was a pleasure and a joy to be a part of it and see it continue and grow.

Dan lived his faith, love of family and giving to great heights.
With sympathy, blessings, and love.

Donna Ritke

Donna Ritke

Friend

January 11, 2020

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. You are in our prayers.

Sue and Ed Devine

Friend

January 11, 2020

Dear Eilleen, we met Dan and you through the Order of Malta events and some First Fridays Masses in Old Saint Mary's, Milwaukee. I admire the love you have for one another, it inspire us in our marriage. Dan's, and your's, Wisdom, courage, love for others, generosity, gentle fear-less determination to make people's lives better and to bring God to everyone's lives has , over the years, stayed within us and inspire us. God be with Dan, you, the family and everyone whom he loved. Much Love and Peace !
Lucía Román and Sean Phelan

Lucia Roman-Marcial

Acquaintance

January 11, 2020

Patricia Holmes

January 10, 2020

On behalf of the entire ministry of Living Hope International, we send you our deepest condolences for Dan s passing.
We are so sorry for this great loss. Dan was indeed a great man, and had a huge heart to help so many children all over the world, including the children of our orphanage in Puebla, Mexico. We so appreciate the opportunity to get to know him and share moments with him in Puebla and in Wisconsin. He will be greatly missed by our family and the entire Living Hope family.
We are praying for you at this difficult time.
With much love,

Jerry and Susy McNally
Note: The photo we have included is from our childrens dormitory dedication ceremony in 2011. Dan was there to cut the ribbon with us.

Jerry & Susy McNally

January 10, 2020

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Bob& Fran Goff

January 9, 2020

Eileen, my deepest sympathy for your loss.
I had very pleasant days playing golf with Dan.
Joe Regan

Joe regan Regan

Friend

January 8, 2020

Dan was a caring and generous person who did much to make the world a better place. He will be greatly missed. It was a privilege knowing him as a fellow alumnus and friend.

Paul Krinsky, USMMA '50

Paul Krinsky

Friend

January 8, 2020

Dan was like a father to me as a child. The family was my family, holidays, camping, life in general. I have not cried for loss since my daddy died in 1978. I have many tears for all of you now, and regrets that I wasnt able to stay close. What a wonderful man. Love to all of you., Laurel H.

Laurel Huckbody

Friend

January 7, 2020

Dan is one of the finest men I have ever had the privilege to serve with. His generous sponsorship of many containers of beds, mattresses, and kitchen equipment from our local universities was inspiring. I look forward to the day when we share our Irish spirit together with our Lord in heaven. Rest in peace my friend and "good and faithful servant".

John Lally

Friend

January 7, 2020

We first met Dan when he brought his generous spirit, and aid, to Morton, Il to discuss-and help with the Christian Appalachian Project. His humility was palpable. Deepest sympathy to his wife and family. Mary Ellen Smith

January 6, 2020

Dan came into my life in December 2018 when he offered a substantial Challenge Grant to Building Hope In Kids - Uganda, and organization that is building and operating a boarding primary school to help break the cycle of generational poverty in southwestern Uganda. Dan's grant was an incredible challenge to us, yet with his encouragement and God's grace we were able to energize others to meet his challenge. This was a huge boost to the funding for our school. His legacy will continue at our school as Meehan Hall, our new boy's dormitory, will open next month. My wife Kay and I were blessed to meet Dan and Eileen for an extended lunch in July 2019 during which we shared the many commonalities of our lives and families. Our condolences to Eileen and family.

John Grillot

Acquaintance

January 6, 2020

Our dearest Daddy Dan,
We are saddened that you have gone ahead of us but we are consoled that you now with God in heaven receiving the reward of having accomplished faithfully your mission on earth. We will forever remember you, your joy, your generosity, your being you...a loving father to your children, to us Sisters of Mary and the children of the Girlstowns and Girlstowns and to many less privileged people whom you and your family have supported and have uplifted. For almost 30 years, you have been with us in our mission. We are most grateful. We will miss you but you always will live in our hearts and in all those whom you have touched. Enjoy now with the Lord, Mama Mary and the angels and saints as you had lived your life to the full on earth... We will pray for you and please do for us... You are always our Daddy Dan. We love you.
The Sisters of Mary and all the children of the Girlstowns and Boystowns.

To Mommy Eileen and the Meehan family, we are one with you in this most difficult time. Our deepest condolence and prayers for you - have courage! Daddy Dan has always been very proud of you all. We are most grateful to all of you. You have a golden hearted father, grandfather and he will always be with you in spirit and now he will intercede for you and all of us.
We love you and we pray for you always.

Sisters of Mary Tanzania

Friend

January 6, 2020

The legacy of a fine man lives on in his grandson. We wish you comfort in the memories of the man who set examples for those around him. May God bless and be with each of you.

Joyce Davis

Teacher

January 6, 2020

I met Dan in 1982 through the Wisconsin Marine Historical Society. He was such a sweet guy. Always a joy to talk with. I remember when he took his 5 grandkids - 4 girls and a boy - on the bus trip to the Shed Aquarium in Chicago. They all had a great time but I'm not sure if he would do that again. He will be missed. Suzette Lopez.

Suzette Lopez

Acquaintance

January 5, 2020

So sorry for the family's and all the people that Dan touched for their loss. May he rest in peace.

Edward and Tami Gorecki

Friend

January 5, 2020

I met Dan and Eileen ten years ago and my life is better because of it. He was kind, intelligent, intuitive and generous. I enjoyed all his stories and amazed at the people he met. Ever humble, he helped me gain strength and faith in God. The love between Dan and Eileen inspired me - how lucky to witness it and what a blessing for their family. The world is better because of Dan and heaven certainly gained an angel. Most of all, I will miss his phone greeting "Top O' the morning, Meehans!" Blessings and love to Eileen, their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Susan Rabe

Friend

January 5, 2020

Dear Eileen--

Dan will be greatly missed among those whose goodness has strengthened the Milwaukee Community and, most significantly, the Basilica of St. Josaphat. I will remember Dan and you and your family at the Holy Mass. I join the Franciscans and the Knights and Ladies of Malta and the countless good souls who share the light of Dan's good humor and generosity. God be with you.
Sincerely,
+William Patrick Callahan, OFM Conv.
Former Rector/Pastor of the Basilica
Bishop of La Crosse

Most Rev. William Patrick Callahan

January 5, 2020

My deep and dearest condolences to Eileen and the Meehan family. And to Dan, who gave me such an honor to help so many under-priviledged: "May the road rise to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face. May the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again, May the Lord hold you in the palm of His hand. "

Carolyn Vogt

January 5, 2020

Betty Jane Ryan

January 5, 2020

May he Rest In Peace! What a wonderful man who helped people all over the world! He has the prayers and thoughts of Salvatorians all over the world!
Prayers,
Bro. Sean, SDS

Bro Sean McLaughlin, SDS

Friend

January 4, 2020

May his Legacy live on forever!
Rest In Peace!

Jay Murphy

Family

January 4, 2020

I had the privilege of accompanying him along w/my sister-in-law Carol to Honduras to cost a number of his charities! Truly was one of the most memorable trips of my life-Dan certainly is one of the humblest kind generous human beings I have ever met!! Definitely a wonderful human being-will be missed- Heaven will welcome have! Blessings to his wife Eileen and family -Linda kroll

Linda Kroll

Acquaintance

January 4, 2020

Dan helped us send the first two containers of humanitarian aid to our sister parish, Santisimo Sacramento in Piura, Peru and even paid for them. 20 years later we are still shipping all because of his generous big heart! We at St. Anthony on the Lake are forever grateful to have known him.

Maureen Michaels

Friend

January 4, 2020

What a beautiful obituary to a truly remarkable man. He made the world a better place by all of his organizations which Im sure his family is very proud of. And I am proud to call him my uncle. His life was an incredible and fascinating journey. He will be missed very much by everyone in the family.

Patricia Dechon

Family

January 4, 2020

God Bless and Smooth Sailing Dad!
It has been an honor and joy to be your daughter and associate in your projects and adventures! I aspire to carry on living life as you always did, with arms wide open❤ Love you forever, Theresa

Theresa Meehan-Felknor

Daughter

January 4, 2020

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Jan

11

Visitation

9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Basilica of Saint Josephat

South 6th St. and West Lincoln Ave, Milwaukee, WI

Jan

11

Mass of Christian Burial

11:00 a.m.

Basilica of Saint Josephat

the corner of South 6th St. and West Lincoln Ave, Milwaukee, WI

Funeral services provided by:

Feerick Funeral Home - Shorewood

2025 East Capitol Drive, Shorewood, WI 53211

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