Rev. Daniel Mirabelli C.S.V.

1931 - 2026

Rev. Daniel J. Mirabelli C.S.V., 94, of Moline, passed away Saturday, February 21, 2026, at UnityPoint Health – Trinity Rock Island.

Public visitation will be Sunday, March 1, 2026, 1:00 – 6:00 p.m. with a rosary at 12:30 p.m. Visitation will be held in the Morris Gym at Alleman High School, Rock Island. A Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, March 2, 11:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church in Moline with the Very Rev. Mark Francis C.S.V. officiating and the Most Rev. Christopher Glancy C.S.V. as homilist. Private committal services will be at Queen of Heaven Cemetery in Hillside, IL. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Alleman High School, c/o Fr. Mirabelli Scholarship Fund, 1103 40th St, Rock Island, IL 61201.

Rev. Daniel Mirabelli was born September 24, 1931, in Chicago, IL, the son of John and Lena (Micelli) Mirabelli.

He graduated from Fenwick High School and went on to earn degrees from St. Ambrose University, Viatorian Seminary, Loyola University, and DePaul University. Father received an Honorary Doctor of Humanities degree from St. Ambrose University in May 2004.

Fr. Mirabelli entered the Clerics of St. Viator (Viatorians) in January of 1951. He was ordained into the priesthood by Bishop Coussens in Joliet, IL on May 28, 1960. Throughout his vocation, he embodied the Viatorian motto of "Let the little children come to me" reflecting the Congregation's core mission of education and teaching the faith to children.

Upon ordination, he was assigned to teach at St. Benedict's in Chicago. He also taught at St. Viator High School before arriving at Alleman High School in June 1966 for a "2-year assignment" that lasted 57 years. While at Alleman, Father Mirabelli served as Business Manager, Teacher, Director of Development, Chaplain, Ticket Manager, Booster Club Moderator, and Bookstore Manager. He retired in 2023. He also assisted on the weekends at many of the parishes in the Quad Cities and presided over countless weddings, baptisms, and funerals.

Father was a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Rock Island and East Moline Rotary, and Rock Island Kiwanis.

Father's first love was teaching but when asked to take on the role of Director of Development, he felt that he could help secure the future of Alleman High School. He thrived in the role and was instrumental in creating unique fundraisers that have become Alleman traditions like the Heritage Ball and Dream Big Raffle. He even helped make his family's special Italian spaghetti sauce for a fundraiser. Father Mirabelli was successful in raising funds for construction of the Performing Arts Center and the Alleman Athletic Complex, but his primary mission was ensuring Catholic education was affordable for any student who wanted to attend Alleman. Alleman supporters just found it hard to tell Father "no" when he asked.

In 1989, Father received Teacher of the Year honors from the National Honor Society at Alleman High School. He was presented with the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice Medal from Pope John Paul II in 1993, and the Sandy Ninninger Award from Kiwanis International in 1995. He was inducted into the Alleman Athletic Hall of Fame in 1996 for his contributions and service to the Alleman athletic program. He was honored as Citizen of the Year for the City of Rock Island in 2007. He was presented with the Notre Dame Club of the Quad Cities Force for Good Award in 2025.

Father Mirabelli was considered a leader in the community as well as an educational leader, mentor, servant, friend, and spiritual advisor to many. Father loved to travel, listen to opera and classical music, and attend Alleman events where he could be found cheering from the sideline, popping popcorn in the concession stand, or reconnecting with one of his Pioneer alumni.

Survivors include his sister, Marianna Dituro, and niece, Linda Dituro, of Downers Grove, IL, his Viatorian Community, and his beloved Alleman family. He was preceded in death by his parents and an infant brother, Alfredo.

Please offer your condolences at www.deroofuneralhome.com