Daniel John Smith

1941 - 2021

Daniel John Smith

Dan was many things: he was the epitome of kindness, compassion and forgiveness; a priest, smart humble historian/philosopher, father and grandfather – the center of his life was his faith and family. He cherished his family, and they loved him dearly. Dan died peacefully at St. Patrick hospital, with his family surrounding him. The cause was complications from diabetes.

Dan was born on January 30, 1941 to Eugene and Fran (Harmia) in Anaconda Montana. His father died when Dan was very young. He grew up in a small house by the tracks (Goosetown) with his mother, two older sisters and four maternal aunts. He graduated from Anaconda Central High School in 1959 winning the Elks National Scholarship. While in high school, he played the piano in honky-tonks in the Flint Creek Valley, especially fond of his Porter's Corner gig. He attended Carroll College in Helena for two years subsequently receiving his bachelor's and master's degrees in philosophy at the Catholic University of America in Washington D.C. His studies took him to the North American College in Rome where he earned his bachelor's and licentiate degrees at the Gregorian University. In 1967 he was ordained a Catholic Priest. His years in Rome and daily Italian allowed him to speak to Jan in her family's native tongue.

Dan returned to Montana and Carroll College as a professor of humanities and philosophy from 1968 to 1970. He was a priest at the Resurrection Parish in Bozeman and Christ the King in Missoula.

In the early 70s, Dan wrote a poignant chronicle of his journey in the church, The Seasons of Decision. This memoir is a melancholy portrait of a young man finding his way in a choppy sea of devotion and the influences of social/political upheaval of the 1960s. He resigned from the ministry in 1975 and was formally laicized, meaning he was acknowledged by the Catholic church as officially released from his priestly duties, returning to the Church as a layman in good standing.

Dan continued his journey, next as the Coordinator of the Rehabilitation Institute of Orange County in California. In 1976 Dan married Janet Puccinelli Wollersheim, a clinical psychologist. Dan and Jan grew up together in Anaconda, working in the same grocery store, he was in charge of fruits and vegetables and she was a cashier. Germinating in Anaconda and their grocery store work, flowering later in Missoula and academic life, they were forever soulmates.

Happily married and living in Missoula, Dan earned his doctorate (University of Montana) in history writing a scholarly and esoteric comparison of politics and culture over 1000 years. Dan became the Assistant to then President Bucklew. In 1987 he left the University and became Director of Education and Director of Occupational Health at St. Patrick Hospital. In 1995, he returned to the University of Montana as Director of Educational Outreach and Continuing Education. After completing that assignment, Dan retired. Dan was called back for a short time as Director of the Mike and Maureen Mansfield Center, which he had helped establish.

In retirement, Dan put his energy and heart into several organizations; including being president of the Rotary Club, Montana Ambassadors member, Governors' Council on Montana's Future, Board member of the Missoula Economic Development Corporation and President of Hospice of Missoula.

Dan was a much beloved man, known for his kindness, patience and understanding. He was loved deeply by his two step-children from his wife's former marriage, Danette and Tod Wollersheim. His wife, Jan, considered him to be "one of a kind", never criticizing, deeply forgiving, extremely compassionate and an inspiration to all who knew him. He loved playing the piano, which he did beautifully, honoring many song requests by family and friends.

He leaves behind his much-loved wife Jan, his two children Danette (Eric Norris) and Tod (Lorraine Page), whom he considered his own, his two beloved grandsons Danny and Aden, Jan's sister Joanne Puccinelli (Terry Boston) whom he considered part of his extended Missoula family, many other nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

His passing has left a deep hole in the hearts of his loved ones. At the same time, his life inspired all who knew him to love deeply, forgive readily, be kind always, and to believe in our Maker and in life everlasting. Dan was a friend to many and would have wanted the time to say farewell, but Dan was called quickly.

He was preceded in death by his parents Fran and Eugene Smith, sisters Pat and Joan and Jan's parents Inez and Nello Puccinelli.

Funeral services will be in the spring (his favorite season) at Christ the King parish in Missoula, where Jan and Dan considered their spiritual home. Should you wish to honor Dan's life with a remembrance, please donate to the charity of your choice.