INDIANAPOLIS – Daniel F. O'Riley, 79, of Indianapolis passed away Wednesday, May 2, 2012.

He was born in Hoopeston on July 28, 1932, to Dennis K. and Irma E. Roark O'Riley. Dan attended St. Patrick Grade School in Danville, and was a 1950 graduate of Schlarman High School in Danville.

He became a funeral director after graduating from the Indiana College of Mortuary Science in 1953. Before beginning his career, Dan served in the U.S. Army from 1954 to 1956. As a young funeral director, Dan worked at funeral homes in South Bend, Ind., where he met his future wife, Mary Denise Egry. They were married on Dec. 27, 1954, in Holy Cross Church in South Bend.

Dan co-owned a funeral home, Abdon and O'Riley, in Fountain Square before opening his own funeral home on the south side of Indianapolis in 1971. Dan was active in local Democratic Party politics and served as Administrative Assistant ("Car 3") to Sheriff James L. Wells, 1978-86.

He served on the board of directors of many organizations, including Gibault Home, St. Elizabeth Home, Southside Exchange Club, National Exchange Club and the Indianapolis Oldtimer's Club. He served as the first president of the St. Patrick Division of the Ancient Order of Hibernians and as Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus Council 3660. He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 86, Bishop Chatard Assembly 4th Degree Knights of Columbus, and the American Legion.

Dan was very active in scouting and he was honored with the Exploring Award in 1963. He was a founder and served as adviser for Military Explorer Post 522, providing a positive role model and introducing many young men to military service.

Dan was preceded in death by his wife, Denise; brother, the Rev. James K. O'Riley; sister, Colleen M. Beever; and grandson, Jason O'Riley.

He is survived by his sons, Dennis K. and James R. O'Riley; daughter, Diane Gudat (Shawn); grandchildren, Caitlin D. Haywood (Philip), Siobhan Gudat, Kathleen O'Riley and Erin O'Riley; great-grandson, Eero St. Thomas Haywood; and brother, the Rev. Dennis H. O'Riley; and sister, Mary Ann Lassuy.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Monday, May 7, at Good Shepherd Catholic Church. Visitation will be from 2 p.m. until 8 p.m. Sunday at Daniel F. O'Riley Funeral Home, where morning prayers will be said at 10:30 a.m. Monday prior to Mass. Burial will be in Holy Cross Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Miracle Place or Good Shepherd Church. Online condolences may be shared with the family at orileyfuneralhome.com.