Daniel J. McGaffick

Daniel (Dan) was born in July of 1978 to Keith and Marian Shakley McGaffick of Industry, where he was raised with an older sister and younger brother, enjoying neighborhood and church friends and family. He graduated from Western Beaver High School, where he was active in sports and music, and continued his education at Houghton College, earning a degree in Outdoor Recreation and Camp Administration. Dan then settled in Western New York.

Dan was encouraging and caring – he enjoyed people and always shared a positive outlook. His Christian faith set the tone for the way he lived his life. He consistently joined Sunday services on-line at both his church in NY, where his son also helps lead worship, and at his hometown church in Ohioville, PA. Dan also drew inspiration from the worship services of former youth group friends and college classmates who are now pastors and worship leaders.

Since youth, Dan loved the outdoors and enjoyed hiking, biking, rock climbing, camping, rafting, and skiing among other things. He ran the Pittsburgh Marathon; hiked parts of the Appalachian Trail; rappelled from the cliffs at Annapolis Rocks; skied New York’s best powder; and climbed up Colorado’s Buffalo Mountain at sunrise, just to be greeted by a grizzly old mountain goat at the top. A favorite childhood memory was an epic snowball fight on Andrew’s Glacier in the Rocky Mountains in the middle of July. Dan was affectionately known by his nickname Spidez, based on his penchant for scaling difficult climbing routes. He enjoyed exploring the nearby Allegheny National Forest trails and often was accompanied by his son Reese, with whom he shared many treasured times. Daniel also cherished outdoor adventures with his brother Steve and conversations with his sister Carrie and other family members over holidays and special events.

Dan and Reese also shared a love of movies, art, and cars, and Dan was creatively talented with drawing and sketching. (When Reese was still young, Dan taught him how to recognize and draw the front end (emblems) of cars, fostering a gift that grew into innovative and complex designs as Reese grew older). Dan enjoyed watching Reese’s sports competitions, academic endeavors, and musical talents and could not have been more proud a father.

Dan had a bent toward the theatrical, as well, and when in college, had fun with his friends putting together elaborate skits for talent show nights that became well-known across campus. He enjoyed his college friendships immensely and was blessed by their close connections over the years.

Dan’s early work experience included church youth pastoring, selling cars, serving as activities director at a nursing home, and working as camp staff. For the last 20 years, he worked at Chautauqua Machine Specialties as a machinist and quality manager. There, he was trained in the trade by owners Denny and Cindy, who took Dan under their wing and treated him as a son. We as a family are so grateful for the love and support the Furlows have shown Daniel over the years.

Dan was preceded in death by his mother, Marian Shakely McGaffick of Industry, PA, in 2019; maternal grandparents, Bruce and Martha Shakely of Brighton Township, PA; and paternal grandparents, Willard and Nita Jane McGaffick of Industry, PA. Dan is survived by his son, Reese, and Reese’s mother, Casey McGaffick of Ashville, NY, as well as father, Keith McGaffick of Industry, PA; sister, Carrie McGaffick of Ashburn, VA; brother, Stephen McGaffick, of Edwards, CO; and many cherished aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

One could not be more blessed than we were to have Daniel as a son, father, and brother. He was deeply beloved. In Dan’s memory, we encourage friends to visit a National, State, or local park or plan a great outdoor adventure.

The funeral will be held at 6 pm Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2025, in Panama Methodist Church, where friends will be received from 3-6 pm Tuesday. The funeral will be livestreamed at panamamethodist.org.

A second funeral service will be held at 2 pm Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025, in Four Mile Church, Beaver, PA where friends will be received from noon to 2 pm Saturday. This service will be livestreamed at Fourmile.org.

Burial will be in Oak Grove Cemetery, Industry, PA.

In recognition of Dan’s love for Christian youth ministry, memorial contributions can be made in Dan’s memory to: Bemus Point Global Methodist Church (youth group); Panama Global Methodist Church; Four Mile Church; or The Center (Midland, PA).

You may leave words of condolence at lindfuneralhome.com.