April 30, 2016. By that night, many of us had heard of the tragic news that Dan Daly unexpectedly passed away earlier in the day. While I certainly can't speak for everyone, I wholeheartedly believe that nearly everyone reacted the same as myself: frozen in place, at a loss for words and unable to think of anything else other than the fact that a life was gone far too soon. Whether Dan was just a passing face in the hallways of Cherokee or Camden Catholic, an old childhood friend or someone who left a significant impact on your life, we can all agree that he truly exemplified kindness and genuineness, and never had a bad thing to say about anyone. Because of this, he had a lasting effect on many lives:
"Dan was always the sweetest kid I could ever think of. When history was done senior year, he would sneak over to the side of our desks and just lay on the ground and talk to us about anything. I could never imagine someone so selfless being taken away from our class so soon. I know he's watching us all from up there — watching us prosper and live our lives — just like he always did in the most positive way. I'm really going to miss random phone calls and 30-minute drives to his house. Love you forever, Dan!" - Alexis C.
"Dan was one of the people at CCHS that exemplified kindness. I can't believe that he's gone. My heart goes out to his family." - David S.
"Although I didn't know Dan as personally as many had the honor to, I'd just like to say that you didn't need to talk to him to feel the warmth and joy he brought everyone around him nor to feel this deep loss. I consider it a huge privilege to have just known him in general. He was a very funny and nice guy to be around and without him the world seems a bit less bright. My heart and deepest condolences go out to his family and friends and loved ones. Rest in peace knowing you brought happiness to so many and you lived life to the fullest in your short time here." - Billy R.
"I can say with confidence that Dan Daly was the most kind, generous and fun person that I've met in my lifetime. We became good friends during our senior year at Camden Catholic. Most of our conversations took place in German class and at our lunch table. Every once in a while, our small German class would hang out in the AV room and listen to music. Dan would always put on some jazz music that we would all jokingly make fun of him for. Now, I would give anything to be back in that room listening to his jazz one more time. He left me with many great memories, but one of my favorites was during senior trip. A few of us (including Dan) went across the street of our hotel with Mr. Bruckner to a small Hispanic burger joint. We were the only ones there, so the employees turned on some music outside and we all danced around for about an hour. We were all so happy and carefree and had a great time just being our (crazy) selves. Dan was always such a happy, caring kid. You couldn't help but smile when you were around him. He got along with everyone and never had anything bad to say. We only talked a few times after graduation and I really wish that I had hung out with him more often. You can never expect to never see a friend again. I hope he's happy and at peace wherever he may be now. I hope to see you again one day, my friend." - Alaina A.
"Dan was always one of the realest people I knew. He never cared about what people thought of him and was always true to himself. He was always in a good mood and never meant any harm to anyone. I'll never forget in middle school when we would play football at recess and he'd run backwards — I brought it up to him in high school and we laughed so hard about it and some of the other times we had at St. Joan of Arc. We were in Boy Scouts together, too, and really had some great times. I found out the bad news [over the weekend] and the weirdest part was that the night before, we were literally talking about him and how much of a funny and real kid he always was. It just doesn't even feel real." - Joey S.
"I've been really at a loss for words; I'm not too sure what to say. I don't think it's really hit me yet. Dan was a warm and adventurous soul. So goofy and silly, you couldn't help but smile around him. It felt like he wanted to make everyone his best friend. He never had a bad thing to say about anyone. His hugs were special — always extra tight. I keep thinking about the end of senior year. That was when Dan and I became close. We shared a lot of similar interests and opinions; we clicked very quickly. He was so insightful and intelligent — an amazing person with an awe-inspiring mind. Dan Daly was a great friend of mine and I will continue to cherish the place he held in my life." - Miranda S.
"Dan was one of the nicest people I've ever met. In the four years I knew him, I don't have a single bad memory of him. He left us all with such amazing memories. I'll always remember messing around and being goofy with him in Kearney's U.S. History II class with Alexis, and seeing him dance all crazy at junior prom. Seeing him walk in one day during Spirit Week wearing his kilt with pride and collapsing into laugher, walking around barefoot like the hippie he was and hanging with us at Alexis' house. When you were around Dan, there was always a smile on your face because of him. I'm positive I'll never meet another kid as free-spirited and happy as him. I think that the entirety of our class can look back and remember him fondly. Though we lost touch after graduation, his death is still hitting me hard. He was truly a wonderful friend and I'm so lucky to have met him. Wherever he is now, I know he's hanging out barefoot, listening to that jazz music he loved and having a grand old time." - Devon C
"I've known Dan since kindergarten. We went to school together until he left for public school around fourth or fifth grade. On top of that, we were Cub Scouts together. So, I was around Dan quite a bit from a young age. My fondest memory of him is a silly one, but I think it says a lot about him. Back in grade school, football was the game of choice during recess. Dan was one of the faster kids, so he often played quarterback. Whenever he would have a defenseman rushing him in the backfield, he would only run backwards, zig-zagging across the parking lot that we had as a "playground". To be honest, I think most of the time he ended up taking a huge loss on the play. But his perseverance [in something as simple as schoolyard football] showed a quality that Dan applied to everything he did: passion. No matter what he was up to, Dan wanted to do his best. And often, that meant putting in more effort than the next guy. I think his more recent work of achieving the rank of Eagle Scout shows that. Once I left scouting and Dan left our grade school, we didn't see much of each other. But when he came to Camden Catholic, I remember the first time we passed each other in the hallway. He said hello to me like we hadn't missed a beat. I think that goes to show the kind of a person he was. When I heard of the accident, I realized I probably hadn't seen Dan since graduation. What kills me the most about it is knowing I won't be able to run into him and have that same feeling again — that feeling like we hadn't missed a beat." - Joe B.
"Daniel Daly. The boy who just could not smile properly for prom pictures, yet always made me and everyone else around him smile. He completely surprised me (and probably everyone else) at prom by knowing how to properly dance with a girl when we went together that year…and knowing how to “Gangnam Style” quite well, too. We would skip first period study hall to help Mrs. Madden with blue slips, but really, we just caused trouble. He would constantly attempt to braid my hair in junior year health class and always [ended up leaving it] in knots, but he did help me save a dummy's life that year! Daniel Daly was one of my best friends throughout the duration of high school. We kept in touch sparingly after graduation, but I know I could always count on him if I needed someone. God has another angel with him – a good, genuine, far too young one. I love you, Dan. My prayers go out to him, the Daly family and everyone else that knew him – because everyone that knew him undoubtedly loved him." - Olivia C.
