Daniel Reilly Moynihan

Daniel Reilly Moynihan of Jamaica Plain tragically and unexpectedly passed away due to a medical emergency on December 21, 2025. The loss has devastated his family and friends. He was 52 years young and lived by his motto, "You're not too old".

Born on October 17, 1973, Dan was extremely intelligent, kind, and gentle, a reflection of his parents. He developed his love of art from a young age and spent most of his free time painting in watercolors, writing stories, and drawing comics. His creativity has brought joy and inspiration to many through his countless publications and projects.

Dan graduated from North Andover High School in 1992 and pursued his love of art and media at Brown University, graduating in 1997 with a BA in Art Semiotics. Dan also pursued his love of teaching through the Teacher Preparation Program at Massachusetts College of Art. It was there that he met and fell in love with his wife Cathy (Saliba) Moynihan. Dan found great satisfaction in teaching adults, especially watercolor and ink classes at the Arlington, Cambridge, and Brookline Adult Education programs. He was esteemed by his students and many returned time and time again to take his classes. Dan worked as a graphic designer at Candlewick Press in Somerville beginning in 2008. During that time, he earned his MFA through the Hartford School of Art at University of Hartford and published his beloved children's book Hiding Dinosaurs. Dan also created the comic book series Mark & Zark about a shy boy who becomes friends with a fun-loving Martian.

Dan was an enthusiastic and devoted father who loved spending time with his young son, Benjamin. Whether he was taking Ben to the playground, zoo, or just reading to him, Dan was never so happy as when he was with Ben this past year.

Dan's family has greatly appreciated the outpouring of support from relatives and friends. He was the loving husband and best friend of Cathy (Saliba) Moynihan, cherished father to Benjamin, devoted son of Richard and Margaret (Reilly) Moynihan of Woburn, dear brother of Julie (Moynihan) Hughes and her husband Jason and friend and uncle of their son Reilly of Burlington. Dan is also survived by his mother-in-law Diana Saliba, his sister-in-law Christine Thibodeau and her husband Michael of Scituate, and their sons Joshua Thibodeau of Rockland and Justin Thibodeau and his wife Emily and their child Nellie of Florence. He was predeceased by his father-in-law Edward Saliba.

A Celebration of Life will be held on January 10th from 2:30 to 6:30 pm at the Reservoir Church, 170 Rindge Avenue, Cambridge MA. A service will begin the celebration, followed by refreshments and sharing stories. The parking lot of the church is accessible via Middlesex Street. Guests may also park in any legally marked "Cambridge Resident Only" spots on the side streets of the church, as the city is granting a parking easement. The church is also a 10 minute walk from the Davis Square T Station.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Gofundme to support Ben and Cathy during this difficult time: https://gofund.me/73a80a760 or to contribute to Ben's 529 Plan for his future education; go to https://www.ugift529.com/, enter the Ugift code M38-F94 and follow the instructions.