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Daniel Loftus Obituary

Daniel Patrick Loftus, whether it was being instrumental in building one of the world's most beautiful skylines, or sharing his artistry as an actor and singer on the stages of Chicago, Dan Loftus infused everything he did with an intensity that touched all who knew him. As a native Chicagoan, the Windy City provided the backdrop for a 42-year career as an Architectural and Ornamental Ironworker of Local #63, working alongside his brother, Tim Loftus. Chicago was also the setting for Dan's performances in over 100 shows on such stages as the Lyric Opera, Chicago Shakespeare Theater, and many others. During this time he raised his adoring daughter, Erica, who shares his love of music; and his son, Mike, who proudly follows in his footsteps becoming an ironworker. Dan and his wife, Jenny, who loves him with all her heart, were able to realize their dream of moving to Maui together. The last days of Dan's extraordinary life were spent with the woman that he cherished, in a place that brought him joy, doing what he loved. A gathering to honor Dan Loftus will be held Dec. 4 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Local #63 Union Hall at 2525 W. Lexington, Broadview, IL 60155. A fund has been established in his name to help ironworkers in need. For those unable to attend, donations can be made to "Local 63 Ironworkers" and sent to the above address c/o Injured or Laid Up Members.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Chicago Tribune on Nov. 13, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Daniel Loftus

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Linda Kornosky

August 17, 2023

I'm sorry for your loss of the amazing Daniel Patrick Loftus. I purchased his signes artwork titled Blu Grande in 2002. When I purchased this gift to self l, I was informed Mr. Loftus painted during a time of turmoil. May he forever.R.I
P. and best wishes to his family members. Linda

Linda Kornosky

July 28, 2022

In 2002 in San Diego, I purchased Daniel Patrick Loftus's artwork titled Blu Grande. It has brought me much enjoyment. It sounds like Daniel received a beautiful send off from his beloved family. May he RIP.

Shyamala Gupta

December 4, 2011

Although we did not know Dan well, we knew him through Jennifer, who instilled the love of piano in our kids. We could tell that Dan was a beautiful person and a loving and supportive husband. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Loftus family.

Karen Dexter Rolison

December 4, 2011

Jennifer,

There is little comfort in any words right now. Just know when you are ready my arms, heart, classes and home are open to you. In the meantime I shall pray for you and Dan's son and daughter. I so regret I can't be with you today. Hugs,

Brennen Keefe

December 3, 2011

Sorry to hear about Dan's passing. I had the great pleasure of working/playing with Dan in a Gallery Players production of Seven Brides for Seven Brother's at Dominican University in River Forest, IL. Dan was a great "Adam", belting out and swaggering to "Bless your beautiful hide!" and "Sobbin Women" among others. I think they were about to cancel the production for lack of a lead before Dan came aboard. As much of a talent as Dan was, with that great voice and movie star looks, he was also totally down to Earth. He was a great example, and friend to his "brothers". Thanks Dan! God bless his friends and family.

Anne Lunde

December 1, 2011

My condolences on Dan's loss. I first met him while at Taft High School when he was a spectacular Charlie Darymple in Brigadoon, and I was in the chorus. We were in several subsequent casts together in the Norwood Park Players. His brother Jim was in my division, our parents became friends, and I have always followed his dramatic career with interest. The Chicago metro theater scene was a brighter place knowing that Dan was out there as part of it.

Crystal McCarthy

December 1, 2011

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Loftus Family and loved ones of Daniel at this difficult time.

Ryan & Crystal McCarthy

Mike Swanberg

November 30, 2011

I had the pleasure and good fortune of working with Dan early in my career at the United Airlines project. He was truly a credit to the craft of ironworking. My deepest sympathies go out to Dan's family for their loss.

Brian Stronsky

November 23, 2011

It was a pleasure to know Dan as a colleague and friend for all the years we worked together. He will be deeply missed. Our family will keep him, and your entire family, in our prayers.

Bill Fosco

November 22, 2011

To the entire Loftus Family,
Please accept my deepest condolences for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Maureen Canty

November 20, 2011

Erica, I was so sorry to hear about your Dad, and I wanted to extend my sympathy to you and your family in ths sad time. Thinking of you, and hoping you are doing okay.

November 18, 2011

Please accept my deepest condolences. My memories of working with Dan in "Twelve Angry Men" are fond and enduring. We not only shared the stage, but many of our life and work experiences, as well.

Leonard J. Kraft

David Tibble

November 15, 2011

I was lucky enough to appear on stage with Dan at Pheasant Run Dinner Theatre, and again years later at Circle Theatre. He was a great man and always had a smile on his face. He will be missed.

Felicia Filip Burkovskiy

November 14, 2011

I was understudying Eliza a production of My Fair Lady, in which Dan played a wonderful Henry Higgins. I had the privelege of performing the role opposite him a few times. He was warm, supportive and a true gentleman. He helped me feel confident in the role and was a very giving scene partner. I am very sad to hear of this news and am sending much love to the family.

November 14, 2011

My thoughts and prayers are with you and yours. Actor and Brother Loc #63 IronWorker, Frank Payne

Louise Rabidoux

November 14, 2011

Sending love, light, and comfort to Dan's family and friends. We will miss you, Dan.

November 14, 2011

I had the pleasure of working with Dan both on stage and as his choreographer. My condolences. May his memory be a blessing.
-Bonnie Lasky

Fred Schwaneke

November 14, 2011

I was so sorry to hear of Dan's passing. It's been a long time since he and I performed together in a neighborhood production of Brigadoon, but I'll always remember his beautiful voice and winning smile. God Bless.

November 13, 2011

I barely new Dan. We were in Measure for Measure together at CST and I remember coming home and saying to my husband, "There is this real Gentleman in the cast who is also an iron-worker". My love goes out to his family. I wish I had known him better. Karen Janes Woditsch

Liz Steimle

November 13, 2011

My thoughts and prayers are with Jenny, Mike, Erica and the Loftus family. Dan was a bright light in this world. I have such fond memories of his full laugh and easy smile. My heart goes out to all who knew this great man. He will be missed.

Carolyn Katz

November 13, 2011

Jennifer:

You and Dan are in our prayers. We know it was a short time to be together in paradise, but the wonderful memories you had will always live in your heart.

Susan Durkin-Altera

November 13, 2011

I am so sorry to hear about your loss of Dan. He was a very nice man and he will be missed by many. I will keep him and all of his family in my prayers. God Bless and comfort you.

Martha Voorhees

November 13, 2011

Cousin Danny, What a gifted, handsome, beautiful gift you were to our family - we will miss you.

November 13, 2011

Dan, you have been a wonderful father-in-law. I am proud to be part of the Loftus Family. Mike and I will miss you, yet we know you will always be with us, around us. We will keep Jenny close as we love her very much.

May you be soaring with the angels and singing to the universe.

Love,
Jennie Canty-Loftus.

Paige Ehlman

November 13, 2011

My prayers are with you Jennifer. I had the pleasure of working with Dan in "Evita" many years ago and I was in awe of his amazing talent, humor and kindness. Thinking of you during this difficult time.

Edie Cespedes

November 13, 2011

I have no memory of a holiday or other event of my childhood that didn't include Danny, Jim, Tim, Aunt Marcy and Uncle Frank. We didn't see each other as much as we got older and had our own families, but he always stepped up to sing at my children's weddings and attend any gathering he could. He was always ready to laugh. There is another empty place in my life now along with too many others. My heart, however, will never forget. Love, your cousin Edie

November 13, 2011

November 13, 2011

Georgia and Jason Jochum

November 13, 2011

Mike, Jennie, and the family of Dan Loftus,

We are so sorry to hear about the sudden loss of Dan. He was a wonderful man and I remember him from your rehearsal dinner, wedding, and various events at your home. Please know you and your family are in our thoughts in prayers. Sending you our love.

Andy, Rhonda and Bobby Fornaro

November 13, 2011

Our hearts and prayers go out to you Mike, Jennie and family. We met your dad at your wedding. What a wonderful guy. Remember all the fond memories you have of him and he will live in your hearts forever.
All our love.

Lauren Creel

November 13, 2011

I worked with Dan 8 years ago in Cabaret. While I hadn't seen or spoken to him since then, I have nothing but fond memories of how talented, kind, and welcoming Dan was in the show and towards me. A true gem of a man. Condolences to Jennifer, Dan's children, and his extended family.

November 13, 2011

What a wonderful tribute for such a great man. Dan and I had worked on stage together and I could always count on his support, both on and off stage. He was decent and kind and always had my back and helped me through hard times. He earned the nickname "the silver fox," attributed to his good looks and charm. He will be greatly missed and my heart goes out to Jenny and his children.

Nancy Greco, Forest Park,IL

November 13, 2011

What a wonderful tribute for such a great man. Dan and I had worked on stage together and I could always count on his support, both on and off stage. He was decent and kind and always had my back and helped me through hard times. He earned the nickname "the silver fox," attributed to his good looks and charm. He will be greatly missed and my heart goes out to Jenny and his children.

catherine davis

November 13, 2011

The universe will miss you, Dan. I hope you are singing with the angels. My deepest sympathies to all concerned.

Showing 1 - 34 of 34 results

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