Fr. Dan Hurley passed away on Saturday, March 13, 2010. Read more details on the Mountain's Web site.
Please leave your thoughts, prayers, condolences and reflections about Hurls here on the Mountain blog.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
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May you have eternal rest in Heaven, Father Dan Hurley. Your influence on me is ever-lasting. Thank you for your love for and dedication to the St. Bonaventure Family.
ReplyDeleteFr. Dan May you rest in peace. You were always a gentle soul, with a great smile and soft encouraging voice. You deserve to be with all the saints in heaven Lisa Haenn Curtis '82
ReplyDeleteblueberry pies in heaven tonight! thanks, God - for the gift of "hurles' in our lives.
ReplyDeleteFr. Dan- what a pleasure to have known him! The Mountain has lost a great treasure.
ReplyDeleteI don't think I ever eat ice cream without thinking of Hurles giving it up for Lent. He taught me more about God than anyone else. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and the Mountain Family.
ReplyDeleteMuch love,
Jessica Kawski (Hornbeck) SBU `00 & `01.
Br. Joe, you and the other Mt. Friars are in my prayers. Hurls gave his faithful services to the Mountain and University. Thank you Hurls for being at Bonas and God for allowing me to know such a special person. May you rest in peace, Fr. Daniel Hurley.
ReplyDeleteKarl W. '92 Class
Heh. Hurls and Jesus are sitting down over a bowl of ice cream tonight. And tomorrow night. And again on Monday.... An eternity of evening ice cream and pie.
ReplyDeleteMy love and condolences to the whole Mountain community, especially the friars who live at Mt. I. and the student and community members who are local. Dan's leaving is a loss to us all, but most especially to you. Peace, joy and comfort to you.
pax et bonum,
sue iekel-johnson, SBU '93 and FVM '93-'95
You're home now. Pax et bonum.
ReplyDelete"This world is not conclusion,
ReplyDeleteA sequel stands beyond,
Invisible as music
But positive as sound."
- Emily Dickenson
Much love, Fr. Dan.
Amy E. McShane, SBU '94
Fr. Dan was a wonderful friend to our family. Celebrating and mourning with us over the years. He will be missed.
ReplyDeleteMargaret Dunn Rollins
Deepest sympathies to the Mountain Friars. You are in our prayers and may Fr. Dan rest in peace.
ReplyDeleteColleen W. '88
I feel blessed to have been touched by Hurls faith, wisdom, insight, love and laughter. His life spoke of gentleness and trust and faith and embraced all. even when his sight was waning I swaer he could still "see" better than most of us. He was real and true and could make a mean blueberry pie.
ReplyDeleteI love you Hurls and I know that your prayers are still with all of us as ours are with you and the friars and the whole mountain family.
I can still feel you, I can still hear you and I will always be grateful our paths crossed.
PEACE!!
Patty Ann
May you rest in peace and keep smiling down on us! You have been such an inspiration and joy to have known and I feel blessed to have had known you and witness your faith. Be still and know you are missed.
ReplyDeleteRest in peace Fr. Dan Hurley. The man of great faith and love for all. You will be missed. Prayers to all the Mountain family.
ReplyDeleteFr. Dan will be greatly missed! We are so grateful for his Franciscan example of humble service and gentle humor! We are praying for all the mountain folk and all of Hurls' loved ones.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Sara and Dan Kelly
I am reminded of my wise, long deceased, Grandmother who while lamenting the loss of a loved one, would always remind me that we now have someone close to God to pray for us.If there was ever a person that I believed would be so received by our heavenly Father, it was Hurls. We miss you Hurls but we will be in contact & frequently.
ReplyDeleteMay your spirit find the peace that you so deserve.
Frank Keery
Fr. Dan's spirit will walk the mountain trails forever. He will be part of all the great conversations at the big table and the small chats in the corners. All will smile when they think for him.
ReplyDeletePersonally I will always remember him as a link to my past.
John Armstrong
We will remember always the twinkle in your eye, your inimitable sense of humor, and your ever-welcoming spirit. We will miss you, Father Dan! Our deepest sympathies to all the friars at the Mountain and Father Dan's family.
ReplyDeleteHe reflected Francis is the way he lived his life. May he continued to have a "good journey."
ReplyDeleteKevin Keenan
'82
What a great blessing to have known one as gentle and humble as Father Dan.
ReplyDeletePaul M. Kline, '76
Rest in peace Fr. Dan You will be missed. My Thoughts & Prayers to all the Mt Irenaeus & Bonas family.
ReplyDeleteI will never forget the stories Fr. Dan told, the pies he baked, the laughs we shared, and the joy he was to be with. The world will not be the same without our Hurls, but his spirit will always be with us.
ReplyDeletePeace and Love to all of the extended Mountain community,
Matthew Cressler, '06
Fr. Dan was one of a kind. Seeing him always around campus was daily part of my Bonaventure experience. He was funny. Easy-going. A bit of a pixie in truth. And a good man and a good priest.
ReplyDeleteMy time at the Mountain confirmed what I knew of him from campus. Hard to believe someone who was so Bonaventure through and through is gone.
God speed Fr. Dan.
AVE ATQUE VALE
Rest in peace, Fr. Dan. I'll always remember your smile and your gentle way. No doubt you will be celebrating with the angels this St. Patty's Day!
ReplyDeleteClass of '77
I am saddened to hear about the passing of Father Dan. I will always remember his kindness, laughter, and of course, bowls and bowls of ice cream. My Bonaventure experience was made all the more richer by knowing Father Dan. May he rest in peace. My thoughts and prayers are with the Mountain community.
ReplyDeleteCraig Kordick '91
Fr. Dan was truely part of the Bona Experience; from freshman orientaion to graduation and alumni events. You are in a better place, but will be missed.
ReplyDeleteKen Zeng '88
Fr. Dan Hurley a fine gentle soul, who quitely touched countless life`s. I remember many conversations with Fr. Dan, he never gave up on me and inspired me never to give up on myself. Because he lived he made so many so much better. He made me a better person, father, husband and friend.
ReplyDeletePeace and Hope,
Shawn D. Hogan
Class of 74
Fr. Dan brought so much peace to all who knew him that we know he will share the peace of Christ. And, even though we know Heaven is perfection ... it just got a little more perfect with his arrival.
ReplyDelete-- Gerard Monaghan '67
A wonderful legacy, a wonderful man, a new Franciscan saint in heaven ! Pax et Bonum, Father Dan. The King Family
ReplyDeleteFr. Dan - you will be missed. Thank you for blessing my life with yours. You were a beautiful person and I feel as if a part of my soul went to heaven with you on Saturday. I'm sure that Jesus is looking forward to one of your famous pies.
ReplyDeleteGod Bless you my friend.
--Marc Chapman '93
Fr. Dan, may you rest in peace. My uncle, Fr. Dermot Collins, O.F.M. enjoyed your company in the Friary and shared many memories before his untimely passing. Thank you for your life of devotion and service.
ReplyDeleteMarguerite (McDonald) Garrison '81
Rest in Peace Father Dan. It is too bad some people are not able to live forever. I know though your words of inspiration and encouragement will live in us all forever.
ReplyDeleteI'm flooded with many fond memories of Hurls and am most thankful for his helping hand in experiencing the wonders of God's creation! Hurls' faith, light, vision and Franciscan spirit lives on in each of us as we carry on his legacy!
ReplyDeletePeace and hugs to Hurls' closest brothers.....Dan, Joe and Louie!
Janine
From my days at Bonas, to very recently at Mt. Irenaeus, Fr. Dan's gentle words always had a strong message. Thank you for all of the gifts you gave to so many of us.
ReplyDeleteBarb McDermott '74
Father Dan was a true fixture on the Bonaventure campus....he will certainly be missed. My condolences to his family.
ReplyDeleteFr. Dan: I remember you today like it was when we met in '58. You are a jewel of a man. May God rest your weary head in His hands.
ReplyDeleteTom Gill '62
Father Dan was a valued Franciscan and a wonderful spiritual advisor to those of us who
ReplyDeletewere fortunate enough to serve on the National
Alumni Board for St. Bonaventure. I will miss
his great smile and sense of humor.
Matthew Cary (69)
Always smiling, always a good word for everyone. God Bless.
ReplyDeleteMarylou Bono (85)
May God Bless and care for you as You have cared for people for so many years Father Dan. You will never be forgotten and you will be in my prayers. I am glad that I was able to visit with Father Dan when I spent time at Mt. Ireneus and enjoyed his home made blueberry pie with the fresh blueberries you had piked. Thank for the memories Father Dan at bon St Bonaventure and at Mt Irenaeus.
ReplyDeleteIce cream...every time I eat ice cream I will think of you...So I raise my pint (of Ben and Jerry's) to you, dear Father Dan. You were loved by so many and will never be forgotten.
ReplyDeleteLeah Shearer ( Class of 2000 )
May the Lord bless Father Dan and all those who mourn his passing. He was one of those stable forces on campus that somehow always managed to reveal God's grace in quiet but sure ways. I will always remember those annual letters he sent inviting us to share names with him of those we would like remembered on 'All Saints Day'. Knowing that these precious names were being prayed for, gave me comfort. Rev. David Jones, 1981
ReplyDeleteRest in Peace, Father Dan. You were a great spiritual leader for everyone in the SBU, Mountain, and Olean/Allegany communities. You will never be forgotten.
ReplyDeleteSusie Vena '09
God bless you, hurls, for your franciscan example of a close walk with Him, and, for showing us that growing older is a blessing when you're growing closer to God. you were a true ambassador of Jesus Christ. i thank you for all the delicious memories, so many centered around the mt. kitchen, with the amazing ingredients of joy, laughter and blueberries! cate mckenzie
ReplyDelete"One life stamps and influences another, which in turn stamps and influences another, and on and on until the very soul of the human experience breathes on in generations we will never meet." Mary Kay Blakely
ReplyDeleteWith this I think of Fr. Dan. He was a SPECIAL human being. Thank you for stamping my soul! May you rest in peace. You will be greatly missed.
I last saw Fr. Dan at my 30th reunion five years ago. Was looking forward to seeing him again in June. But heaven wanted him now and I am so happy for him that he is finally home. Godspeed, Fr. Dan!
ReplyDeleteRose F.
God bless Father Dan. I was fortunate to have been at the mountain on his 90th birthday, to eat his great pies, to joke with him, and to pray with him.
ReplyDeleteMy sincere condolences to Dan Riley, Lou, Joe, and Bob for their loss of their special Mountain family man. I extend a hug to each of you.
You will be remembered and honored for making the Mountain Dan's stepping stone to heaven.
Bob Volpe '64
Thank you for touching my life Fr. Dan. I cherish 4 years of memories working at the Campus Ministry with you. Your smile, hugs, laughter and kindness continue to warm my heart. Your wisdom will be heard in the breeze of The Mountain. Peace to all who will miss you terribly.
ReplyDeleteMaryPat Hayden-Davis, '89
I consider myself blessed to have known Hurls and to have spent so many special days there with him in the Summer of '91. My prayers to all of the Mountain Community, especially the Friars who were so special to him. Peace, Katie Rinaldi Trosch, '92
ReplyDeleteMy deepest condolences to Father Dan Riley and to all the other special folks who make Mt. Irenaeus so extraordinary.
ReplyDeleteFather Dan Hurley was an enormously influential figure in my life; I simply cannot imagine not having had the blessings of his companionship, his counsel, his faith, his humor and his compassion.
In the five years I spent working in the SBU Alumni office he was my constant travel companion as we traveled the USA. Even now, two decades removed from that time, I recall with cheerfulness our adventures together in cars, on planes - and even in boats! In times when I was the most weary, the most stressed or the most troubled "Hurls" would utter some of his wittiest lines to make it all seem much better. His humorous observations also had the virtue of containing spiritual wisdom and insight that far outlasted the laughter - and that served for a lifetime.
He was responsible for so many wonderful outreaches through the years it would be impossible to cite even a fraction, but one of his favorite annual projects was the coordination of the alumni All Souls' Day prayer intentions. He always knew that those who have left this realm are not gone but simply back with their creator. That's why it's fitting that Fr. Dan takes his eternal reward as we prepare to celebrate his beloved Saint Patrick. Those of us who'll miss him so profoundly can only be consoled in knowing that he now rests comfortably in the arms of Our Father, to whom he can now say in person what he's said here for 68 years -"Here I am Lord."
Eternal memory! Blessed repose and eternal memory!
Harry Colin '78
He was a perfect example of humanity, a grown man with a child's enthusiasm. The glint in his eyes did not betray his smile. He was and is the spirit of Mount Irenaeus.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I did not have the pleasure of getting to know Fr. Dan personally during my time at St. Bonaventure, I do remember his presence on campus. Like Fr. Irenaeus Herscher, he had that rare ability to touch the lives of everyone – even those who had only brief contact with him. He radiated the beauty, hope and optimism of the Franciscan spirit and in that way, he added much to the Bonaventure experience for many generations of students. May he rest in peace!
ReplyDeleteMy sincere condolences to everyone on campus and at the Mountain.
Pax et bonum,
Tom Bell ‘77
We enjoyed the brief time we spent with you, Fr. Dan. We are so grateful to have known you.
ReplyDeletePeace,
Anthony Saleh ('01) and Kate Sixt ('01)
Rest in peace, Hurles - I'll never forget you. You were a second Grandfather to me, and for that, I can't thank you enough. You took me under your wing and helped me find my home-away-from-home. You will be missed.
ReplyDeletefr. dan hurley -- what a great, great man! as caring and wise as any man i've known. i'll remember him fondly forever. rest in peace, hurls.
ReplyDeletemt. irenaeus is and has been two things to me: a place, and a way of life.
while the spirit of "the mountain" permeates 'valleys,' the place, too, has enormous meaning for me. my adult spirituality was forged there. i will forever be thankful for its existence and for its maintenance for the benefit of bonas students and anyone who would come. i will remember hurls as a chief developer and overseer of everything that the place has come to be. to be sure, he has left his mark for future generations!
jim smolinski '05
I learned of Dan's death this morning while with Dismas Bonner, a Sacred Heart province friar, who recalled that Dan had been in charge of friars in formation at Bona's many years ago when Dismas was there (maybe 60 years ago). We knew him at very different stages of his -- and our -- lives, but we both remembered him with great affection and appreciation.
ReplyDeleteWhile I know that Dan shares more fully in Resurrection life, it's a great great loss to all he left behind, especially all of you living on the Mountain. I hold you in prayer -- it's how we show love for our friends.
Fr. Dan;
ReplyDeleteThank you for the Gift you made of your life to Mt Irenaeus and the whole St. Bonaventure Community. We love you and will miss you.
Pax et Bonum,
Jim O'Connell '90
Rest in peace Fr. Dan. You touched the lives of so many. I will never forget your warm and welcoming smile. Your beautiful Franciscan spirit will live forever on the Bonaventure campus and at Mt. Irenaeus. My deepest condolences to Fr. Dan Riley and Brother Joe and all who lived and worked so closely with him over the years. Nancy Margro '91
ReplyDeleteI was very saddened to learn of Fr. Dan Hurley's passing. He was the epitome of Franciscan humility, selfless service to others, and grace.
ReplyDeleteI remember Fr. Dan(after Fr. Gerald McCaffery) accompanying the men's swim team on its'away meet trips, saying Mass before our competitions.
Fr. Dan was also the resident priest in Shay Hall
and was the only person with cable tv in 1972, 1973. Fr. Dan graciously allowed us somewhat raucous Shay residents to watch Monday night football in his apartment. The trade-off was Mass at halftime. Fr. Dan WAS what we call "the Bona spirit of community."
Pray for us Fr. Dan from your place in heaven.
John Martin
Class of '73
If SBU had nominations for "The Ideal Bonaventure Man of the Century", Hurls would get my vote. A great man with a great sense of humor. At a recent Mountain Board of Trustees meeting all the friars and Board members were asked to respond to the question, "Why am I here this morning". Most people responded by saying they wanted to sustain and grow the mission and the ministry of the Mountain. When it was Fr. Dan's turn he answered, "I am here this morning because I live here" Then he started laughing and that infectious laugh of his caused everyone else to start laughing.
ReplyDeleteLike St. Francis, Hurls was simple, yet profound. He was loving and joyful and I always felt very happy after talking to him.
My condolences to Dan,Lou,Joe,Bob,Kevin and the entire Hurley family.
Mike Hahn '64
Beloved Fr. Daniel, I have no doubt you are with God, and I pray that I may see you again in Heaven someday. Rest peacefully in the arms of our Lord. Your family here will miss you dearly until we see you again.
ReplyDelete-Darren Gayne, '04
Hurls, thank you for your devoted 30 years of service as Chaplain of the National Alumni Association. You always brought warmth, a smile and sometimes great pies to our meetings. You are in our prayers and will be dearly missed. Marv Stocker '65
ReplyDeleteTo my family at the Mountain: May you rejoice in knowing that Hurls takes the Mountain's spirit to the heavens. My life is a better one because of knowing Father Dan Hurley. Peace and all good things-
ReplyDeleteChris Mominey '93
So sad to hear of Fr. Dan's passing, so grateful for his long and abundant life. I shall miss him and feel very blessed to have been able to share a little of the earthly journey with him. Love and prayers with all at the Mountain.
ReplyDeleteKathy Boone
Buffalo, NY
Joe M.
ReplyDeleteWhat an honor to have known Dan for many years. What a great sense of humor and appreciation for life. But honestly, he couldn't hang on for one more day and go on Pi Day 3-14?
I might have to have some ice cream during lent this year for him.
What a peaceful, gentle, beautiful human being! Fr. Dan is the embodiment of those Franciscan ideals that any of us who are in any way affiliated with SBU can only hope to attain. It is an honor to have known this humble servant. Tom Peterkin '78
ReplyDeleteRemembering Father Dan Hurley,
ReplyDeleteIt was only two weeks ago we saw father Dan Riley in San Diego,CA and asked him to give you our best. "Big D" (as Paul "Wink" Winkler used to call you)you are loved and will be missed. Thanks for the fond memories in Shay/Loughlin when you were the Res.Dir. and we were RA's. You embodied the "Franciscan Spirit" of a joyful life well lived in prayer & service to others - always there with a smile, a kind word of encouragement, a gleeful laugh or subtle wit.
May you rest in peace,joy & love now with the lord.
Patti & Rick
written by Vic Vena.
ReplyDeleteMid Saturday morning, my brother John and I were returning to my house from finishing some chores at the barn. John was in town lecturing this weekend at Bonas and he and I were scheduled to talk with pre-med students at “The Mountain” Saturday afternoon. As we hiked up the driveway, my wife Bonnie came out the back door. I knew from the look on her face that something serious had happened. “Vic, Kevin called. Fr. Dan Hurley is seriously ill and they are at the hospital with him- the program at The Mountain is cancelled.”
John had really looked forward to a reunion at The Mountain with Dan Hurley and Bob Struezynski, his former teachers and fellow founders of “the campus ministry.” (John was one of the students that were involved in the formation of this special part of Bona life that would eventually lead to the development of Mt. Irenaus.) Dan Hurley had been a part of our lives for as long as we could remember.
Later Saturday evening I tried to contact the Mountain and some Bona folks to see how Dan made out. Everywhere I called the line was busy or answering machines did not answer my questions. How was Dan? Did he survive?
Sunday morning I was greeted by the full fury of a virus I had felt coming on Saturday- There was no way I could drive to the Mountain to visit my brothers and console them if needed. More calls- more frustration! Maybe there would be something on the internet. But that seemed like such a cold way to hear the news that I was so afraid I would receive.
I sat at the kitchen table so disillusioned. Is this what the world has come to?
BOOM! A bird had crashed into the patio door behind me and fell paralyzed to the deck floor. A wood-pecker formally robed in its black with white stripes lay on its belly with a crooked neck, still breathing. Its eyes wide open and full of fear. It’s worse fear, a cat, rounded the corner of the house and headed toward the wounded creature. I lunged to the patio door, tearing it open- the cat walked within a foot of the bird but never even glanced at it. The bird’s eye was ripped with fear! As the cat came into the doorway, I left the doorway. Crouching down I straightened the woodpecker onto his feet but I needed a pair of gloves to pick it up (he was a woodpecker after all). I left the infirmed hoping to return before another cat did, or maybe just in time to see it fly away on its own.
continued....
continued....written by Vic Vena
ReplyDeleteReturning to the deck revealed that “woody” remained still worried-eyed, still paralyzed. “Hurls, if you are with the Lord, would you please ask him to take care of this little creature?” That is what came to my mind. I clutched the beautiful little creature that made no attempt to get away. Suddenly he began to move his wings. I took him over to some suet feeders that woodpeckers love- “He will rest here, out of harms way” I thought. As I set him down on his perch though, he flew! It was rhythmic and beautiful- and I knew- without a doubt- right there and then- that Dan was with the Lord. I had my answer. I ran to my computer and typed in the Mountain website. BOOM- cold, hard, black and white, Dan Hurley had died. I wept. My wife caught me crying. She reminded me that there was nothing to be sad about- without a doubt- that Dan was with the Lord!
Through his autobiography I learned that Dan Hurley lived by the credo “Here I am Lord- please help me to do my best.” How simple- how surrendering- how liberating- how beautiful- how powerful!
Dan taught philosophy, theology, and history. He was a master of the English language and also taught Latin and Hebrew. He did parish work and he managed several communities of friars.
Old or young, man or woman, Dan knew how to engage you when you met- with a completely happy smile, he would look you in the eye, touch your heart, and make you laugh as he chuckled. You knew instantly how very important you were to him. He would always ask about family and other things that were important to you- he would genuinely care.
Dan knew your grandparents and parents. He knew your children and he knew your grandchildren- and he cared…about each and every one of them. He deserved to be called “Father” for he was a guiding light to so many.
There is a beautiful story told about Father Dan Hurley moving to Mt. Irenaeus. Fr. Dan Riley, who was organizing that community was thrilled to have his happy, engaging, brilliant man be part of this new community.
“Wow,” Dan Riley thought- “his skills are perfect for the Mountain”- and was thrilled to have Hurls to himself on the drive to and from the campus. He could find out what great philosophies kept this man (Hurls) so happy!
So on one of the first drives into campus, Dan Riley asks Dan Hurley to reveal the truths to him. Hurls smiles, looks patiently at young Dan Riley and says, “I love God, and he loves me- that’s it!” Dan Riley was dumbstruck. In seven simple words Dan Hurley spoke volumes.
We will all have special memories of Father Dan Hurley and they will come to us at some of the darndest times. Nurture them, find joy in then, and share them with someone special.
May the Peace of our Lord and Dan Hurley be with you always,
Vic Vena
I am deeply saddened upon hearing of the passing of Fr. Dan. He was and continues to be a very meaningful part of my Bona experience. I know that he is with God and is resting in Peace.
ReplyDelete-Jessica Gowlis Sciarretto '95
Dear Brothers I share in your sorrow, although I know that yours is much greater. I wish that I could sit in Dan's berry patch, where I know his spirit will continue to dwell, and talk to him. I'll do it from a distance, in Niagara Falls My love, and prayers for you all, Barbara Pfohl, Stella Niagara
ReplyDeleteMy condolences go out to the Mountain community. We have all lost a good friend. I actually had Fr. Dan as a professor years ago - we had a chance to reminisce about it awhile ago. I will always remember the gentle man with the twinkle in his eye, a friar of such faith and humility.
ReplyDeleteFr. Dan, may you continue to make those lucscious pies for the heavenly banquets and be there to welcome us with that twinkle and smile when we reach the pearly gates.
Rita O'Brien DeRose '58
I only knew Father Dan since 2005 through my visits to the mountain during my arduous summers at the Franciscan Institute.
ReplyDeleteI am so glad that my husband got to meet him and my parents on their overnight there after my graduation in May of 2009.
Father Dan always met me with a smile. I enjoyed his wit and his friendly demeanor. His kindly attitude was a balm over the weeks of study and reading in summerschool. I remember seeing various awards which had been presented to him hung at the Mountain. I think one hangs in the chapel on campus. I can only imagine the myraid ways he inspired and influenced people over the course of his life among us.
I am cheered at the thought of him in the warm embrace of our loving God and can only imagine that he will be embraced by the many who loved him who went before him and eventually, by each of us who remain here now.
Peace,
Julie McElmurry, '09, Franciscan Studies
The decades of graduates represented in these comments says it all. Fr Dan touched so many lives for so many years. Fr Dan you were - and continue to be - an inspiration. A kind and gentle man, a joyful and vibrant spirit, young in mind and soul. My most sincere thanks for touching my life.
ReplyDeleteJill Conlon '80
Fr. Dan Hurley had the misfortune of living on 3rd Rob as our rector in the 1970's...such a gentle soul...I never saw him show anger even when the tennis balls were fired at his door (the goal, or course) in the wee hours...always a smile on his face...I enjoyed his homilies at Mass and he remembered my name at the class reunions...Rest in peace Fr. Dan...I loved knowing you...
ReplyDeleteRonald Boyd SBU'74
Fr. Dan Hurley, rest in peace, I'll always treasure sharing meals and fellowship with you on the Mountain! God Bless You! Elise DeVido, Dept. of History
ReplyDeleteWe had the privilege of meeting Father Dan (Hurls) when our Daughter Michelle (class of '98) attended St. Bonaventure and at the Mountain. He was a very special person and a great insperation to all who knew him. Our condolences to the Bonaventure family for the loss of a great man, he will be sorely missed. Sincerely and Gods blessings.
ReplyDeleteI send my love and my condolences to the Mt. Irenaeus Family.
ReplyDeleteHurles co-led the Franciscan Vocation Group in the 90s while I was a student at Bonas. He modeled for everyone a priesthood of loving service and companioning to the People of God. We all treasure everything he taught us and his wonderful little book on his vocation: "Here I Am, Lord."
He is one of the major reasons that I am in the seminary now. I hope that I will have the humility and grace to be a priest who follows in Fr. Dan's gentle, loving and holy path.
Pray for us, Hurles.
We love you and we will miss you.
I want to extend my thoughts and prayers to the Friars at Mt. Irenaeus and all the Friars of the Holy Name Province...I was blessed to meet Fr. Dan while on retreat up at the Mount and he left a beautiful impression of the Lord upon me...A Lover of the Lord and a Lover of Life! He certainly witnessed the Franciscan charism. May he be in the Loving Arms of the Lord.
ReplyDelete- Fr. Jonathan St.Andre, T.O.R.
All those whose paths crossed with Fr. Dan's path are the better for that! Peace.
ReplyDeleteNancy Casey
Fr. Dan was everyone's friend, and I know that his kind of friendship is never-ending. Hurls, please put in a good word in Heaven for us while we're missing you here on Earth.
ReplyDeletePeace,
Jennifer Lindow Eskin ('98)
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI loved Dan's quiet nature, his sense of humor, his smile, laugh, thoughtful and insprirational words...I loved Dan and will miss him now that he has journeyed to a place filled with Gods' peace and Francis' love.
ReplyDeleteJim Goebelbecker ('88)
Our condolences go out to the Mountain community. Fr. Dan was truly a blessing to all who crossed his path. We are honored to have spent one very special weekend in his presence.
ReplyDeleteAlberta & Joe
Our condolences go out to the Mountain community. Fr. Dan was truly a blessing to all who crossed his path. We are honored to have spent one very special weekend in his presence.
ReplyDeleteAlberta & Joe
We were blessed to be able to be present at the celebration of Hurl's life, at the wake service, liturgy and burial. And what a celebration it was! Although tinged with sadness, it was so clear that everyone had such positive feelings for this humble, gentle and learned friar. He certainly exemplified the life of Francis and all of us were better for having known him. The twinkle in his eye and his blueberry pies will be long remembered!
ReplyDeleteMay he rest in peace.
Mary & Jerry(62')
Rest in peace Fr. Dan. I met Fr. Dan six years ago and he has enriched my life with his love and kind words. Read my tribute to him on my website.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.myhereandhereafter.com
Jim, Orchard Park, NY
To the Mountain Community
ReplyDeleteFr Dan Hurley touched our lives in so many ways.
He was a gentle Grand Father to us with a quick smile and a gentle laugh. One memory that is dear was when we had my 93 year old mom at the mount. Seeing Fr Dan and her sitting in front of the picture window overlooking the garden. We do not know the conversation but my Mom came off the mountain with peace and joy that day, as we all have after being with him.
We will miss him and share in the sadness of his passing as well as rejoice in Fr Dan's resurection in our Lord.
Sincerly
Peter and Bonnie Ralyea
Orchard Park NY
One of my favorite memories of Fr. Dan was brought to mind as I read the comment previous to this one and it points out the gift Fr. Dan had to make everyone comfortable in his presence. The entry above talks about wonderful memories formed for a 93 year old woman. My memory is of Fr. Dan "babysitting" for my 5 year old daughter while I was at a Mountain trustees' meeting. They had a wonderful time reading stories together and preparing lunch for all of us and she will always have special memories of him.
ReplyDeleteThe last time I saw him was on New Years Day and I was struck by his perseverance and strength through his loss of sight and hearing. I remember being amazed at how he was able to follow along with his large magnifying glass during prayer and continue to say every word of the reading! I prayed that I may have his strength and drive if/when I face adversity in my life. He was a role model in so many ways for all of us. Although he often remained quiet in the Chapel, when he spoke, his words of wisdom and beauty taught me so much about God's love for all of us.
My condolences to all his brothers at the Mountain as you mourn the loss of a dear friend and gentle soul.
In peace,
Sue Plukas Besecker ('81)
Father Dan's lesson to me is to always maintain the spirit of youth. I graduated in 1974 and. I saw him many times over the years and I think we would all agree, he never seemed to age at all. If anything was bothering him, he never let on, just always seemed interested in what was going on in my life. His enthusiasm to see me, his cute little smile and the twinkle in his eye will immortalize him in my memories of Bona's. I look forward to seeing him again in Heaven. Love you, Father Dan.
ReplyDeleteJeanie Day Hutnick '74