Daniel James Jarvis

Daniel James Jarvis, 62, of Chicago, Illinois, passed away peacefully at UIC Hospital on Friday, November 19, surrounded by his family. He was a 20-year survivor of lymphoma, and died of complications related to esophageal cancer.
Dan was a native of Westerly, Rhode Island, where he was a storied athlete (baseball catcher and homerun hitter) and practical joker (noted for playing Ace Frehly in a Kiss faux cover band). He graduated from Manhattanville College in 1981 with degrees in chemistry and math, continued his studies at the University of Rhode Island and was a self-taught computer programmer. He launched a long and successful career in data modeling, statistical analysis and coding software. He lived and worked in Spain and Puerto Rico, traveled extensively in Latin America, and became fluent in Spanish and developed interests in international politics and culture. His first marriage brought him his beloved children, Isabel and Daniel. In 2004 he married Leah Radinsky, and with her daughter Sofía Dorantes they formed a loving family of five. In 2016 Dan and Leah designed and built a home in Michigan where they enjoyed nature hikes, cooking for family and friends and listening to Dan's famous Spotify playlists.
Dan was a lifelong fan of the Red Sox and the Grateful Dead. He is known for his passionate love of sports, and music across many genres. Most of all, he is remembered for his hilarious sense of humor and his tremendous love of life. In the words of his son Danny, if Dan couldn't make you laugh, there was something wrong with you!
Dan is predeceased by his parents, Donald and Kathleen (Hickey). He is survived by his wife, constant companion and soul-mate, Leah; their beloved children and their partners, Isabel and Jon Ander, Danny and Marianna, Sofia and Duncan; his granddaughter Vera Maria; his siblings and their partners, Marie, Karin and Bob, Brian, Doug and Amy, and Liz; and his many nieces, nephews, and in-laws, who will all miss his larger-than-life personality, outrageous jokes, and ability to find joy in any situation.