Eric Jason Daniel

Rev. Dr. Eric Jason Daniel

June 8, 1973 – February 16, 2026

Eric Jason Daniel, 52, of Napa, California, passed away on February 16, 2026, surrounded by family and close friends after a year long battle with sinus cancer.

Born in San Pedro, California, on June 8, 1973, and raised in Coursegold, CA, Eric graduated from Yosemite High School in 1991. He earned his degree in Church Leadership from Bethany Bible College in 1995, completed his Master's degree in 2001, and in December 2025, received his Doctorate of Ministry from Fuller Theological Seminary, finishing well in both life and calling.

Eric married Angela (Harper) in 1994. Their partnership in marriage and ministry spanned nearly 32 years. He was a devoted husband, a steady father to Nathan (Brittany), Andrew, Seth, and Ashlyn, and a proud grandfather to Philip.

Eric began pastoral ministry at Abundant Life Church in Cupertino, serving as Associate Pastor from 1995 to 2002. In 2002, at just 29 years old, he became Senior Pastor of Hillside Church in Napa, California, a role he faithfully carried for 23 years.

During his leadership, Hillside grew in both depth and reach. The church payed off all property debt and gave more than $4 million to missions and ministries locally and around the world. Hillside helped plant and revitalize multiple churches across the region, and launched and supported missionaries. Under his leadership, Hillside was marked by generosity, unity, and lasting community impact.

Beyond the local church, Eric served the Assemblies of God as both a Presbyter for 10 years and Executive Presbyter for five. He was a past president of the Napa Pastors' Association, served on ministry boards, taught as an adjunct professor at SUM Bible College, and in 2023 founded Global Ministry Advance in order to mentor and coach pastors and strengthen churches.

Eric believed in leaving things better than he found them. That conviction shaped his leadership, his home, and his relationships.

He loved being outdoors, whether that meant working in the yard, hiking, boating, or driving his convertible with the top down. He valued time with family and lived with intention.

Eric is survived by his wife, Angela; his children, Nathan (Brittany), Andrew, Seth, and Ashlyn; his grandson, Philip; his mother, Annette Daniel; his siblings, Robert (Nikki), Michele (David), Tiffany, and Tamie; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Robert Daniel.

In keeping with Eric's passion for helping ministries go further, faster, and strengthening the global Church, in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to support the ongoing ministry work in Grenoble, France, a mission deeply meaningful to Eric and Angela. To donate, visit hccnapa.com (give>select fund "In Lieu of Flowers: Mission France") and proceed with donation process.

Memorial service:

March 7th

1:30 pm

Hillside Christian Church

100 Anderson Rd. Napa, CA