Daniel W. Small Jr.

Daniel W. Small, Jr., 71, longtime resident of Oak Forest, recently of Mokena passed away May 12, 2022 peacefully at home. Danny was born at Little Company of Mary Hospital in Evergreen Park. He is survived by his loving family, his wife of 47 years, Mary Jo (nee Laschober) Small; children, Michael (Andrea) Small and Katherine (Christopher) Wochos; cherished grandfather of Abigail and Benjamin Small, and Emmett Wochos; dearest brother to William (Bonita) Small, Patricia Small, Joseph Small, Donna (Guy) Shipley, and Joanne (Lawrence) Rowe. Beloved brother in-law and uncle of many nieces and nephews. Danny was preceded in death by his parents Daniel Sr. and Mary (nee Booth) Small.

Danny maintained lifelong friendships with the Wagner and Honan families that he met during his time at St. Helena’s Parish in the Roseland area. With youthful shenanigans, Small Dan and his friends ran the neighborhood together creating memories that brings laughter to us all even 65 years later.

Danny had a competitive spirit and loved all sports but playing hockey was his favorite. He was a dedicated fan to the Chicago White Sox, Blackhawks, Bears, Bulls and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. If he was not able to watch the games on television, you were sure to see him with his little travel radio. Danny’s love for sports was not just at the professional level but he enjoyed coaching both his children and had an invested interest in his grandchildren’s basketball and baseball activities.

Services for Daniel will begin on Tuesday, May 17, 2022 with a visitation at Kurtz Memorial Chapel, 102 E. Francis Rd in New Lenox, from 3pm-7pm. Services will continue the following day, Wednesday, May 18, 2022, with a brief visitation from 8:30am until the time of chapel prayers at 9am. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic church in Orland Hills at 10am on Wednesday. Daniel will be laid to rest at Holy Sepulchre Catholic Cemetery in Alsip.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to American Stroke Association would be appreciated.

Memorial donations to his grandchildren’s local basketball program will be graciously accepted by the family. Checks can be written to “D92 Athletic Association” and mailed to The Small Family via the care of Kurtz Memorial Chapel 102 E. Francis Rd. P.O. Box 129 New Lenox, IL 60451.