Daniel J. McDade

Daniel J. McDade passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family, on June 7, 2026.

Beloved husband of 48 years to Mary Jo McDade (née Mooney). Loving father of Shannon Bretz (Matthew), Danny McDade (Virginia), and Mary Kate Magagna (Barry). Devoted Pop to Rylee, Avery, Barry, and Joseph. Dear brother of Shawn McDade (Kathy) and Kevin McDade. Caring brother-in-law of Pat Griffin (Jim). He is also survived by nieces and nephews as well as the many members of the Flanagan-Hanson Clan.

Dan was born on July 30, 1955, to Daniel and Clare McDade and was known for his integrity, loyalty, and generosity. Dan put family first and was a steadfast friend to many.

He was a graduate of Archbishop Ryan High School ‘73 where he excelled on the football field, earning a scholarship to continue his gridiron career at the University of Dayton ‘77. As a Flyer, he developed into a trusted teammate and leader, while hanging with the guys at Timmy’s and in UD’s famed “Ghetto,” forming lifelong friendships.

Dan enjoyed traveling with Mary Jo, especially to Italy and Scotland. He was his children's greatest coach and supporter, showing them through his time, example, and actions how to be successful student-athletes, but more importantly, how to be good humans. Summertime was best spent in Ocean City, walking on the beach with Mary Jo, keeping his family in a steady diet of Johnson’s Popcorn, opening up Poppy’s Ice Cream Shop each night, playing boardwalk mini-golf, and taking an occasional boat adventure. As a golfer, Dan’s fondest memories were the hours spent with Mary Jo at Torresdale as well as his UD golf trips.

Dan will be fondly remembered for the time he committed to growing the game of girls’ basketball in the Northeast and beyond, whether it was traveling the US with his Philadelphia Belles, supporting Nazareth Academy Basketball, or creating RDC (Respect, Develop, Compete) Basketball camps and clinics.

Over the last two years, Dan's time at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania was made a little easier by the extraordinary kindness, professionalism, and compassion shown by his doctors, nurses, physician assistants, and hospital staff. Even while facing his own battle, Dan never failed to notice the needs of others, particularly those of children.

Mary Jo and the kids take solace in knowing Dan is now at peace, walking his beloved 4 legged son, Bailey.

Relatives and friends are invited to gather on Thursday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Burns Funeral Home, 9708 Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19114, and on Friday at St. Ephrem Church, 5400 Hulmeville Road, Bensalem, PA 19020, from 9:30 to 10:45 AM, followed by his Funeral Mass at 11:00 AM. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, contributions to Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Child Oncology in Dan's memory would be appreciated.  Address and link for donations to follow shortly.