It is with heavy hearts that we mourn Daniel Joseph Howard, age 42, of Farmington Hills, who passed away Tuesday, July 11, 2023. Daniel was born September 12, 1980, the son of Michael J. Howard and Margaret P. Howard, who offered him unwavering support throughout his life.

Daniel is survived by his children, Kaden and Lindy; mother, Margaret Howard; father, Michael J. Howard; sister, Jen (Tom) Kennedy; nephews and niece, Thomas, Kerrigan, Brennan, Callan and Rylan; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

Daniel's family will receive guests on Sunday, July 16th, from 2-8pm, with a time of sharing at 7pm.

A funeral mass will be celebrated on Monday, July 17th, 11am (in state 10:30am) at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, 133 Orchard Drive, Northville.

Interment will immediately follow at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Southfield.

In Daniel's memory, we encourage contributions to Capuchin Soup Kitchen, an organization dedicated to helping feed those in need.

As a youth, Daniel was full of promise and potential, exuding a zest for life. He possessed an energetic personality and had the unique ability to bring laughter to any room he entered. Daniel loved to swim and play all day in the family swimming pool with neighborhood friends. He enjoyed fishing and spent a lot of time boating with family. Daniel always had fun spending time with his cousins. He played soccer and lacrosse to harness his boundless energy.

Daniel had an adventurous spirit.  As a thrill seeker, Daniel excitedly anticipated the debut of the newest roller coasters at Cedar Point.  Rollercoasters, with their thrilling highs and stomach-turning lows, mirror the unpredictable nature of life. Daniel also held a deep appreciation for suspenseful movies.  His Halloween costumes often reflected a recent horror film he had seen at the movie theatre. Embracing the ride, whether that be through the thrill of a new coaster, the suspense of a movie or through life's challenges, highlight Daniel's fearless determination and approach to life. It is that fearless determination that reminds us that the journey itself is as significant as the destination.  Daniel truly embraced the ride, and his fearless spirit was a catalyst for exciting experiences and memorable adventures amongst friends and family.

Daniel was extremely proud of his culinary skills and talents and the dishes he created. He was eager to share recipes and advice as he experimented with flavors, textures, techniques and new cuisines. The joy he found in the kitchen became an expression of his love and creativity. Daniel enjoyed introducing these flavors to Lisa and their children when they were young in the hopes of inspiring a varied palate.

Beyond his talents in the culinary arts, Daniel had a gift for writing poetry that read like sound lyrics. His poetry captured the depths of human emotion, weaving intricate tapestries of beauty, pain, and introspection. Through his verses, he invited us to see the world through his eyes, to ponder life's mysteries, and to find solace in the power of language.

With its poetic undertones, music held high significance throughout Daniel's life. Music accompanied Daniel through both joyful and challenging times, offering comfort, inspiration, and connection. He loved going to hear local bands and attending music festivals, being at the center of it all.  Daniel was energized by and found insight listening to many genres of music. Daniel's curated soundtrack functioned as his outlet for emotional expression and social connections creating lasting and meaningful experiences. Cherish the verses that resonate deep within our souls.

Daniel's journey was not without its battles. He wrestled with addiction that cast a shadow over his life, often clouding his abilities. Despite his struggles, he maintained a determined spirit, using his creativity as both an escape and a means of self-expression in the face of adversity. Daniel's spirit instills in us the courage to face whatever lies ahead.  Never quit quitting.

Despite the challenges he faced, Daniel remained dedicated in his love to his family and his friends. He was affectionately called 'Uncle Danny' by his four nephews and niece: attended hockey games and violin recitals when he could, laughed and played video games and talked about tattoos and music and food when visiting for celebrations. 'Uncle Danny' gave fierce hugs along with saying "I love you very much." Daniel's parents offered him unwavering support throughout his life. Daniel held a deep affinity for his cats (often named after musicians), delighting in their antics and cherishing their companionship.  He spent countless hours messaging and building meaningful relationships with his friends and family who miss him dearly.

In celebrating Daniel's life, let us remember the recipes he shared, the poems he penned, the music he loved and the fearless person he is beyond the struggles he faced. Daniel found a sense of fulfillment and purpose in these pursuits, giving us a glimpse into the person he carried within. Daniel's legacy lives on in the moments of laughter in shared conversations and the myriad of experiences that defined our relationships with him.  May we find comfort in knowing that he fought bravely, seeking recovery and the solace that eluded him. While he was unable to overcome his battle with addiction, he was a fierce and persistent fighter who lived every day of his life as fully as he could.  Never quit quitting.

May he rest in eternal serenity, free from the struggles that once held him captive. Rest peacefully now, Daniel.