David Clark Danley

David Clark Danley, 84 years old, of Barrington, IL passed away on Tuesday, March 18, 2025 surrounded by his daughters and his loving wife of 22 years.

Dave was born January 2nd, 1941 in Claysville, Pennsylvania as the youngest of eight siblings. He is preceded in death by his parents, William O. and Gladys (nee Sampson) Danley and his seven siblings, Gladys, William (Ed), Faye, James (Bob), Frank (Dick), Barbara, and John.

After high school, Dave enlisted in the Navy which led him to San Diego, CA where he met Dorothy Rehm. Dave and Dorothy married and moved to Streamwood, IL to raise their family. There, Dave began his career in the fire service. Dave was a dedicated and passionate public servant. First, as a firefighter at Streamwood Fire Department, where he spent 25 years and worked his way up to assistant chief. Then as Barrington’s Fire Chief from 1994 to 2002. Dave was proud to be a graduate of the Executive Fire Chief Officer Program, which acceptance requires leadership, community engagement, and the highest level of professionalism. He embodied those qualities. His commitment to fire safety extended beyond the firehouse as a fire safety consultant for the Northern Illinois Sprinkler Advisory Board and a member and spokesperson for the Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition. This work led to Dave receiving the coveted Knight of the Order of Life Safety Servants Award given to only 150 fire chiefs nationwide.

After losing Dorothy to cancer in 2001, Dave met Nancy Arnesen. They celebrated 22 beautiful years of marriage, and spent their retirement together in Fountain Hills, Arizona. Dave enjoyed golfing, keeping up with friends, and hosting family at their home. Dave was extremely stubborn when it came to things he cared about. He really cared about facilitating and preserving precious family memories, always being on time (early), and having a good meal. Above all else, he was devoted to making sure his family was taken care of. Dave and Nancy recently moved back to Barrington, IL to be close to family and spend time with their great grandchildren, who Dave adored.

Dave lives on through his family including his wife, Nancy, his children: Joanne (Mark) Earles, Sharon (Ron) Smith, and Mike Danley; his grandchildren: Makenzie, Kendall, Jacob, Zachary, and Cassidy; and his great grandchildren: Clark and Ada; and blessed with the addition of Nancy’s children: Mark (Sarah) Peterson, Karen (Casey) Corcoran, Nancy (Roy) Kummer; grandchildren: Erik, Cassie, Ryan, Brandon, Courtney, Tyler, and Aaron; and great grandchildren: Harper, Reese, Anders, and Makenzie.

Services will be held on Monday, March 24th, 2025 at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 720 Dundee Avenue, Barrington IL. Visitation at 10 am followed by funeral service at 11 am.