Daniel Hussey

1957 - 2021

Major Chaplin Father Daniel Hussey

December 23, 1957 - July 10 2021

The death has occurred of Major Chaplin, Father Daniel Hussey. Father Daniel Hussey was born in a small town called Youghal in County Cork, Ireland to Thomas and Breda Hussey. He was the eldest son from a large family of 7 children.

Father Dan was educated in the Presentation Convent Primary School in Youghal and he continued his secondary education with the Christian Brothers. After leaving school he worked as a bartender as he discerned a vocation for the priesthood which he began his studies for at St Patrick's College Maynooth, Co Kildare. Father Dan graduated with a Masters degree in Theology and was sponsored in the seminary by Bishop Jerome J. Hastrich, Bishop of Gallup, New Mexico. He was ordained into the Priesthood on October 13, 1985, the first Priest to be ordained in his home parish, St Mary's Church for over 100 years.

His first assignment was as Associate Pastor at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Gallup, NM. His next assignment was at St Mary's Parish, Pinetop, AZ assisting Fr Pat Universal who became a lifetime friend. He also served at St Mary's Parish in Farmington and St Joseph's in Aztec, NM.

As Father Dan came from a tradition of seafaring his lifelong dream came true when he was given a leave of absence to serve as a Navy Chaplain and following basic training he was assigned to a Naval Station in San Diego, CA, alternating between shore and fleet duty. At the end of his first tour of duty he was assigned to St Joseph's Parish, Winslow, AZ and also as Chaplain to the Arizona State Prison in Winslow. He continued to serve as a reserve Chaplain supporting the Marine Corps reserve unit at Seal Beach, CA.

In support of Operation Desert Storm Father Dan was mobilized to the Chaplain Corps, US Army and his assignments included Fort Jackson, SC and Fort Knox, KY. His last assignment was at Fort Hood, TX serving as Senior Catholic Chaplain. Father Dan received numerous military awards including the Meritorious Service medal, Navy Commendation medal, Navy Achievement medal, Global War on Terrorism Service medal, Outstanding Volunteer Service medal and Army Service Ribbon. As his final tour finished at Fort Hood he was accepted for service in the Diocese of Reno under Bishop Randolph Calvo then to St Joseph's Parish in Elko, and a short time at St. Galls in Gardnerville.

Father Dan made a huge impact on the lives and community of every place that he served and will be sadly missed by everyone whose life he touched. He will be greatly missed especially by the parishioners of St Joseph's in Elko, many of whom accompanied Fr Dan on many trips around Europe almost always ending in a mass in the church he was ordained in, in his beloved home town of Youghal where the locals would mingle with his American friends, possibly even sharing a glass of Guinness later to celebrate their good fortune in having a friend like Father Dan.

Father Dan is survived by his loving brothers and sisters Gina, Anne, Michael, Tommey, Katharine and Louise; sister-in-law Mag; brother's- in- law, Michael and Conor and partners Mick and Neilius; his nieces Laura and Holly Rose and nephews Barry, Colm, Thomas, Patrick, Jack, Ben, Nathan, Max, Sam and Ruairi, extended family and many friends in Ireland and the USA, especially Cathy and Chris Valdez and family from Spring Creek.

There will be a Rosary at 10:30 and a funeral service August 14th at 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph's Catholic Church. There will be a luncheon after the services in Mater Dei Hall. If you would like to donate flowers please send them to 1035 C Street, Elko, NV the day of the funeral. To make a donation to the family please send it to Tommey Hussey 22 Vern Drive, Spring Creek Nevada 89815.