Rev. Daniel C. Complo

Rev. Father Daniel C. Complo, age 96 of Monroe, MI, retired priest of the Archdiocese of Detroit, passed away peacefully in his home on Thursday, February 27, 2025.
Fr. Dan Complo was born on June 7, 1928 in Monroe, Michigan, the son of Daniel and Mary Sauro Complo. He was baptized at St. Michael Church, Monroe, where he received his first Holy Communion and Confirmation. He was enrolled at St. Michael's School from grades one to eight and Monroe High School for two years. He entered Sacred Heart Seminary in Detroit in 1944 where he received his Bachelor's Degree and Philosophical training for the Priesthood. In 1950 he entered St. John's Provincial Seminary in Plymouth, MI for Theology.
Fr. Dan was ordained to the priesthood by Edward Cardinal Mooney on June 5, 1954 at Blessed Sacrament Cathedral in Detroit. The following day, he celebrated his First Solemn Mass at St. Michael's assisted by Monsignor Stanley Fedewa, Archpriest; Fr. Cornelius McGraw C.P., Deacon; and Fr. Francis Wojcik, Sub-Deacon. Fr. Francis J.B. Flynn preached the sermon.
After his ordination to the priesthood, Fr. Dan's first assignment was to St. Catherine Church, Detroit,1954-59. He then served as Associate Pastor to St. Elizabeth Church, 1959-63, Blessed Sacrament Cathedral, 1963-67, and St. Matthew Church in Detroit, 1967-70. In 1970 he was appointed Pastor for one year at St. Martin's Detroit and then to Our Lady Queen of Peace, Harper Woods, MI where he was Pastor for almost twenty-eight years. Fr. Complo was the First Vicar of the Detroit-Grosse Pointe Vicariate and Priest Chairman of the 1978 Archdiocesan Development Fund.
In 1998, Father Complo was granted Senior Priest Status by the Archdiocese. He returned to Monroe where he became a familiar figure helping the local parishes with confessions, weekday and Sunday liturgies.
Fr. Dan wanted to be a priest since the first grade. He felt that there was no better ministry than that of a parish priest. No greater name than the name, FATHER,. He was a devoted and dedicated Pastor who faithfully served and cared for his people, young and old. He will be remembered by many for his, gentle spirit, kind leadership and devotion to the people of God.
He was also a gifted musician. Many were entertained by his playing the accordion, piano, clarinet, and saxophone. Through the years he enjoyed getting together with his musical relatives and friends. His rectory was always filled with music. Father was a member of the Michigan Accordion Society.
Family and friends may visit from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Mar. 5th at St. Michael Catholic Church where a Vigil Service and Rosary will be recited at 5:30 p.m. Fr. Dan will continue to lie in state at the church starting at 10 a.m. Thursday. Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Thursday by Archbishop of Detroit, Allen Vigneron followed by burial at St. Joseph Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Fr. Dan are suggested to the IHM Retirement Fund or St. Michael Catholic Church.
Fr. Dan will be greatly missed for his compassionate care, love of Mary, Mother of God, and as a beloved brother.
Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the family by visiting the obituary page at www.bacarellafuneralhome.com.