Daniel B. McGillicuddy

Retired Chief Master Sergeant Daniel B. McGillicuddy 69, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on July 16th, 2021. Daniel was a decorated veteran who served in the Vietnam War and Gulf War, spending over 25 years in the United States Air Force.

Daniel was born on October 9th, 1951 in Tiernaboul, Ireland to his parents Daniel and Catherine McGillicuddy. When he was seventeen Daniel joined the Air Force and served in what he called the greatest military the world has ever known.

After serving in Vietnam, Daniel returned home and married the love of his life Bridget Burns in Lexington Massachusetts in 1975. Daniel and Bridget traveled the world, finally retiring in Grand Forks, North Dakota where he took on a second career as a United States Postal Worker.

Daniel will always be remembered for his humor and his love of conversation. He was a man of integrity and wisdom. He loved to watch football, catch a fish, and play cribbage. Daniel left a lasting impression on everyone he met, whether they walked away with a life lesson or a great joke.

Daniel was a brave and honorable American soldier, a loving husband and the proudest father and grandfather. He is survived by his wife Bridget, his four children Patrick McGillicuddy, Brenda (Dave) Zens, Laura (Steve) Spotz and Kevin (Kayla) McGillicuddy, his seven grandchildren, Lyric, Bricker, Elliot, Devin, Colin, Brinley and Emmeline, his brother John McGillicuddy, his sisters Mary Bailey and Noreen Kierce and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Daniel and Catherine McGillicuddy, sisters Peggy Flynn and Tina Maunsell and brother Timothy McGillicuddy.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations be made in Daniel’s honor to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation.

A funeral service will be held Monday, July 26th at 1pm at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Grand Forks, North Dakota.

A Celebration of Life will follow at the Canad Inn in Grand Forks from 5-8pm. Please join us to celebrate Dan McGillicuddy!