Daniel E. Obiala, 75, passed away Sept. 13, 2020, after a months-long battle with pneumonia.
Dan was born in 1945 in Chicago and grew up in the Beverly neighborhood. Dan attended St. Cajetan, Brother Rice and St. Procopius College and served in the Illinois National Guard. Like his father and brothers, Dan was a lifelong restaurateur. Early in his career, he owned and operated Danny’s Dog Patch in the Hillside Mall. Later, Dan and his brothers brought the first Popeye’s Chicken franchises to the Chicago market, with Dan focusing his daily efforts at the 26th and California location.
Dan married the love of his life, Debbie, née Schmidt, on Sept. 16, 1967, and the two settled their family in Hinsdale in 1973. Debbie and Dan’s 53-year marriage was one of love and faith, happiness and pride. Dan and Debbie most recently resided in the Chanticleer community and previously wintered in Pompano Beach, Fla.
Dan diligently served in leadership roles in Chanticleer’s homeowners’ association, earning the affectionate moniker, the Prez.
Dan was the best kind of man, a man of integrity, grace and faith. Dan befriended all whom he met with his genuine, earnest and affable personality. He was a helper and a fixer — quietly observing others’ hardships and dilemmas — while quietly executing a thoughtful, altruistic gesture or solution.
Dan lived life through simple pleasures: reading, spending time outdoors and attending his grandchildren’s sporting events and performances. Legend tells that Dan once attended Bears, Blackhawks and Bulls games all on the same day. Dan possessed a deep and abiding faith in God, which he passed on to his family.
The family wishes to extend their sincere gratitude to the many healthcare professionals who endeavored to heal and comfort Dan. Special and eternal thanks to Ron Obena, a neighbor of Dan and Debbie, who volunteered countless hours to helping the family in a host of ways during the past several months.
Dan is survived by his wife of 53 years, Debbie; his children, Dan (Lynne) Obiala, Mike (Kerry) Obiala and Amy (Dave) Brown; his six grandchildren, Emma, Sophie, Jack, Catcher, Peter and Matthew; his brothers, Phil (Pat) Obiala and Ed (Joanie) Obiala; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Edmund and Carroll Obiala; and his sister, Kathleen (Tom) Potpora.
Due to current regulations on gathering, a private family funeral Mass will be said at St. Isaac Jogues Church in Hinsdale. Interment is private.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, P.O. Box 37920, Boone, IA 50037 or online at http://www.jdrf.org/donate.
Please support the Obiala Family by signing the online guestbook and sharing a memory at https://www.sullivanfuneralhomehinsdale.com.
Sullivan Funeral Home in Hinsdale handled the arrangements.
