Search by Name

Search by Name

Reverend Daniel J. McCloskey Jr.

Reverend Daniel J. McCloskey Jr. obituary

Daniel McCloskey Obituary

Reverend Daniel J. McCloskey Jr.

Died on October 13, 2011, at the age of 62.

Father McCloskey was born in Bronx, NY on January 19, 1949, son of Daniel J. and Grayce (Reilly) McCloskey. He received his early education at Immaculate Conception Elementary School and St. Helena High School in Bronx, NY. He attended Holy Apostles College, Cromwell, CT. He studied for the priesthood at St. Mary Seminary, Baltimore, MD. He was ordained on June 3, 1983 at St. Peter's Cathedral, Wilmington by Bishop Thomas J. Mardaga.

He served as associate pastor at St. Mary Magdalen, Wilmington, Holy Family Church, Newark, St. Matthew Church in Woodcrest, Wilmington, DE, Holy Rosary Church, Claymont, and St. John the Beloved, Sherwood Park, Wilmington, St. Peter's Cathedral, Wilmington and St. Michael the Archangel, Georgetown, MD.

In 1998, he was named Administrator to Immaculate Church, Marydel, MD, and later that year he was appointed associate pastor of St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Georgetown, DE. In 2000 Father was appointed pastor of St. Michael/Mary Mother of Peace Mission, Georgetown. Father retired from active ministry in June of 2011.

He is survived by his sister, Maureen McCloskey of West Babylon, NY; his brother, Tom and his wife, Robin and his niece, Lily all of Wantagh, NY; his uncle, Rev. James McCloskey and his cousins, Mary McCloskey of Pearl River, NY, Ellen McCloskey of Silver Spring, MD and Tom Farry of Bronx, NY, Kathleen Renneisen of Bethpage, NY, Barbara Tissier of Lindenhurst, NY and Patricia Carey of Barnegat, NJ.

His brother Tom said "I can remember when we were growing up in the Bronx, my brother Danny always seemed to have a knack for bringing people together. He also loved to cook and the meals he created, especially Italian dishes, delighted many friends and family. I think the most telling attribute that defined his life and priesthood was his unique sense of humor that connected him with so many everyday people and the parishioners that he served."

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday morning at 11 am at Holy Rosary Church, 3200 Philadelphia Pike,Claymont, DE 19703. Friends may call at the church on Tuesday evening from 6 to 8 pm. Burial will be in All Saints Cemetery, Wilmington.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to Share the Spirit Fund, 1925 Delaware Avenue, Wilmington, DE 19806 or Maryknoll Fathers, P.O. Box 304, Maryknoll, NY 10545 or St. Mary's Church, 1215 7th Avenue, Worthington, MN 56187.

www.mealeyfuneralhomes.com
(800) 608-3533

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

Published by The News Journal from Oct. 17 to Oct. 18, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Daniel McCloskey

Sponsored by Tom Mc Closkey.

Not sure what to say?





Monica & Ira Brittingham

October 12, 2021

I am having a Mass for Fr. Dan Oct. 17, 2021, at Mary Mother of Peace. My family and I had such a great friendship with Fr. Dan. He flew to Arizona 20 yrs. ago and married our son Matthew & wife Lori. He will always have a special place in our hearts.

BEVERLY-IN-HEAVEN AND ARNIE SHER SAMSON

October 11, 2021

DEAR FR. DAN/FAMILY/FRIENDS-WONDERFUL BLESSINGS @ ST. MARY MAGDALEN/202 GETTING TO KNOW YOU WHEN FIRST ORDAINED. SAMSON FAMILY SENDS SINCERE LOVING CONDOLENCES TO ALL-THANKS FOR EVERYTHING FR. DAN. BEVERLY-IN-HEAVEN AND ARNIE SHER SAMSON...TOWNSEND DE.

ARNIE SAMSON

October 11, 2020

GOD BLESS AND THANKS FR. DAN-202/ST. M.M. WAS GOOD TO US-

Alberta Brown

October 11, 2020

I signed the guest book shortly after he died, and I am happy to sign it again in rembrance of his death. I remember his kindness to me when I went to confession on the first Saturday of the month many years ago, and I didn't make it in time on that day because of the unusual large crowd. Although he wasn't the priest hearing confessions, he knew why I was there and took me in another room, heard my confession, and gave me absolution. I will never forget what he did and how he went out of his way to help.

Alberta Brown

October 11, 2020

Gone, but not forgotten. You're always in my prayers!

October 11, 2019

THANKS-RIP FATHER DAN-THANKS FROM ST. MARY MAGDALEN-202/TALLEYVILLE.

Helen Samson and Son

Arnie Sher Samson

October 14, 2015

I remember @ St. Mary Magdalen when you first came...You were fun and people were drawn to you...Carmen Cutrona asked me to help on Sundays and that Labor of Love was a gift for many, many years.
Thanks Father Dan.

Children's Farm Townsend DE...

Lily Mc Closkey

October 13, 2015

Uncle Danny I miss you so much~Lily Rae Mc Closkey

Tom Mc Closkey

November 4, 2011

My family and I would like to thank you for all of your kind words and rememberances which have been posted at this site. Reading these comments and also hearing of other Father Dan stories have helped to support all of us through this difficult time. My brother lived his life fully. And it is great to realize how much he reached out and made a difference in so many lives. We hope that those fond and fun times you had with Danny will leave you always with a smile in your heart. Thanks for being our big brother.

October 23, 2011

Dear Father Dan:

Although, we didn't know each other too well, in all the years that I've heard you preach, I came to like you and your sense of humor. You knew I always went to confession on the first Saturday of the month, and on one particular occasion, you noticed the long lines, and how time had almost run out. Knowing that I wouldn't make it to the priest in the confessional, you took me in the back room of the Church and heard my confession. I have never forgotten your kindness to me, and will continue to always remember you in my prayers. May God bless and keep you.
Alberta Brown .... Millsboro

Christina & Jerald Heron

October 20, 2011

Father Dan will forever be a part of my familys life and dearly missed. In 1986 he married my husband and I at Holy Family Parish in Newark, De. We are truly blessed to have known Fr. Dan. He was a priest that was one of kind.

Joan Stanley

October 19, 2011

I first had the pleasure of meeting Father Dan while I was attending RCIA classes at Holy Rosary Church back in 1992. He was, as mentioned in so many entries, a very down to earth and approachable man. he was also a great storyteller. He was transferred to a different parish not long after, but never forgotten.

Rest in Peace Father Dan.

Jeanne Swartz

October 19, 2011

Father Dan was a TRUE MAN of God! I will never forget when he stood in front of the HF congregation and said I will never bow my knee to any statue of Mary, but only to the Lord Jesus Christ! He was always there 100% for anyone who needed help day or night. I will miss his hysterical jokes, his wonderful smile and the spirit of God's love and compassion he showed wherever he walked......the Lord has gathered him with His true and faithful servants! Jeanne Swartz

Gary Kaier

October 18, 2011

Father Dan married my wife and me in 2000 and christened both of our sons. We were very fond of him and are saddened to hear the news. God bless.

Arnie Sher Samson

October 18, 2011

The Samson Family of McDaniel Crest/Talleyville remembers Father Dan @ St. Mary Magdalen on Concord Pike when he was first ordained. Our condolences to Family and Diocese for His passing.

Marian Handlin

October 18, 2011

When I was about 5 years old (now 30), I was going to Easter Mass. Father Dan saw me outside and gave me a chocolate Easter bunny. I was so excited. During Mass he commented, "I better hurry, the Easter bunny is melting." I knew he was talking about my bunny. He always made me feel special and welcomed at church. His interactions with me made me have a love for attending Mass at a young age. I've have heard Masses from many priests, but Father Dan is one of the best! The Church has lost an excellent priest.

Jim Piraneo

October 17, 2011

Dan, I will cherish our 46 year friendship forever. Rest in peace.

October 17, 2011

Father Dan, You will certainly be missed. Your sense of humor was amazing. Thank you for baptizing two of our grandchildren and marrying our son and daughter in law. Our family always enjoyed having you for dinner with your stories and jokes. You kept our church on it's toes, not knowing what you would say or do next. You maintained a great perspective for our parish and understood people and their needs. You understood the concerns and practical problems that people face everday, which is rare today. You will be sorely missed by our family. Dave and Sandy Baker

October 17, 2011

Father Dan, you will be missed so much and our condolences to your family. You are a very special priest to us. You married our two sons and baptized our first grandchildren. We will miss your awesome sense of humor, sermons and seeing you at Mass.
Ira & Monica Brittingham

October 17, 2011

Father Dan, we always looked forward to going to mass and hearing you speak when
we were at our summer home in Riverdale. You will be missed by many.
Peggy & Robbie Roberts

Steve, Stefanie, Nick and Brendan Kuzminski

October 17, 2011

We were so sorry to hear about Fr. Dan's passing. Father Dan officiated at our wedding almost 20 years ago at Holy Rosary in Claymont. Steve and I asked for Fr. Dan specifically because he was so approachable and had a wonderful sense of humor. He will be missed!

October 17, 2011

Father Dan, going to miss you and your sermons. Always looked forward to your Mass's.
Mike & Linda Pryslak
Wilmington/Rehoboth Beach.

john sharp

October 17, 2011

Father Dan:was one of the findest preist i have ever met He was a great person he said the last rights for my wife betty.she liked father dan very much like my self.i send my condolences to the family. john b sharp

Showing 1 - 23 of 23 results

Make a Donation
in Daniel McCloskey's name

Memorial Events
for Daniel McCloskey

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Daniel's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Daniel McCloskey's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more