Rev. James Joslyn, a retired U.S. Navy chaplain, fondly remembered Rev. Daniel A. Smilanic as a caring priest who was always willing to help others. According to Joslyn, "Fr. Smilanic and I have been friends since our college seminary days. He was on the archdiocesan marriage tribunal for many years and he went out of his way to work with people applying for annulments, recognizing how vulnerable they were during the process."

Rev. John Dearhammer, who had been friends with Smilanic for 30 years, described him as a very intelligent and dedicated priest. Dearhammer recalled, "Dan was a very intelligent man, very pastoral, friendly and reached out to people. He was a very dedicated priest."

Most Rev. Jeffrey Grob, auxiliary bishop of Chicago and former colleague, praised Smilanic for his deep respect for canon law and his advocacy for the rights of individuals. Bishop Grob stated, "He had a deep respect for canon law especially when it came to the rights of individuals. He was very respected throughout the United States."

Rev. Daniel A. Smilanic, who served as a judicial vicar and vicar for Canonical Services, passed away at the age of 76 on Feb. 20, 2024. He was ordained to the priesthood on May 9, 1973, by Cardinal John Cody and had an extensive academic background in theology and canon law. Smilanic served in various capacities within the Archdiocese of Chicago, including as a judge in the Metropolitan Tribunal and as the president of the Canon Law Society of America.

The funeral Mass for Rev. Smilanic is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, Feb. 28, at St. Paul of the Cross Parish in Park Ridge. Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, archbishop of Chicago, will celebrate the Mass, and Rev. John Lodge, a classmate and friend, will deliver the homily. Interment will follow at Queen of Heaven Cemetery in Hillside. Rev. Daniel A. Smilanic will be remembered for his dedication to his priestly ministry and his contributions to the Church community.