Daniel John Riordan, known by many as DJ, passed away on October 26, 2024, at the age of 81. Born on September 29, 1943, in Newberry, Michigan, he was the son of Daniel Paul Riordan and Laura Riordan (Anguilm). DJ was raised alongside his siblings Pat, Bill, and Nancy and later Maricarol, Barbara, Bob, and Gary with their mother Viv. His family-owned Dan's Red Owl Grocery in Trout Lake, Michigan.

DJ starred as quarterback, field goal kicker, and forward for the Rudyard High School football and basketball teams. After high school, he attended Michigan State University, where he met his beloved wife, Sue (Johnson). After transferring to and graduating from Northern Michigan University, DJ and Sue began their teaching careers in Rudyard, Michigan. DJ taught history and obtained one of his favorite titles as Coach of the Rudyard Bulldogs basketball team. During this period, DJ and Sue welcomed their first two children, Michael and John.

After several years of teaching, DJ made a career change by driving "the big, white truck" as a dealer for Snap-On Tools in Jacksonville, Florida. During this time, DJ and Sue welcomed their third and fourth children, Daniel and Laura. DJ remained at Snap-On for 25 years, moving the family to Waukesha, Wisconsin; Davenport, Iowa; Blue Bell, Pennsylvania; and ultimately to Snap-On Tools headquarters in Kenosha, Wisconsin, working his way up to Senior Vice President of Sales.

After retiring from Snap-On Tools, DJ continued his career in sales, opening Johnny Sprockets bicycle shop in the Lakeview neighborhood of Chicago, where he and Sue eventually lived for many years. Throughout the time spent growing the Johnny Sprockets business, DJ's immediate family (and family dog, Kobi) enjoyed working side-by-side with him to learn from his expertise in "moving iron" and delivering "what the people want".

DJ cherished time with his grandchildren, Henry, Sam, Ethan, and Clark. The boys will always remember DJ growing out his "Santa beard" for Christmas in Prairie Du Sac. They enjoyed many trips tubing and fishing on Lake Wisconsin and epic games of "Capture the Flag" in Punta Gorda.

Always ready to enjoy a good time, DJ had countless friends, many of whom shared DJ's lifelong interest in sports. He was an avid Green Bay Packers fan and never missed out on completing a March Madness bracket. DJ was also a grilling enthusiast with a seemingly endless supply of burgers and brats. His never-ending drive towards growth had him mastering the sous vide cooking method in recent years.

DJ was a devoted husband, father and, friend - he made a lasting impact on the lives of those fortunate enough to know him. He will be greatly missed.

We invite you to donate to Midwest Athletes Against Childhood Cancer (MACC Fund) in his honor in place of flowers.