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   Daniel Mooney, a soccer player at North Catholic High and a 2004 graduate,
passed away over the summer of '05 after a long battle against cancer.
   We were asked by Ashley Schneider, Dan's cousin, if it would be possible
to set up a page for Dan because his family and friends would appreciate having
an outlet to express their still-strong feelings over their loss.
   Click here to read a story about Dan that appeared in the Northeast Times.
    We welcome your comments about Dan, and they'll be posted below.
   Please e-mail them to silaryt@phillynews.com.
   Also, we will gladly post pictures. Those may be sent to the same e-mail
address.
   Thank you very much.

Contributions . . .

Anyone who knew my cousin Dan, knew of his amazing sense of
humor, his incredible courage and his will to live.  Dan
never felt sorry for himself, he always had a strong faith
that God will help him through it all. Dan, you are my best
friend, we shared everything.  I love you and miss you more
everyday.  There is not a day that goes by that I don't
think about you. In the 20 years that you were here on this
earth, you became an inspiration to everyone you met. I will
never forget you cuz...I mean how could I? You impacted my
life more than you will ever know.  I love you always.
Love,
Andrea

I did not know Dan very well. I remember having a casual
conversation with him a few times, yes he was a very funny
and upbeat kid without a doubt. I had homeroom with his
older brother Justin for my four years at North, in fact i
did not even realize they were realted let alone brothers
until about the end of senior year. Justin or Gump as his
fellow classmates called him was quiet however like his
brother he did come up with quick one liners that made
everyone laugh. Like i said i had casual conversation with
Dan a few times, however just those few times,Dan had some
impact on my life. I wanted to write this because Dan is a
fellow Falcon and us Falcons we stick togther through thick
and thin, my heart truly goes out to Dan and Dan's family.
-- John Paffen North Catholic 2003

Daniel,
   We are so proud of the courage and maturity that you displayed over your six year battle with cancer.  You were so special to us and we will make sure your memory lives on forever.  Those who knew you...knew what a great person you were.  The grief we are feeling right now, the sadness, the sense of loss seems unbearable at times.  We know it will take a long long time before our hearts can begin to heal.    Everyday we think of something you did to touch our hearts or to make us smile and we will never forget your fighting spirit.  We Love You Daniel.
Love,
Uncle Dave & Aunt DeeDee

  The thing that made Dan so special was his amazing spirit. Dan was the kind of person who even on his worst day sitting in a hospital was worried about everybody else. He didn’t want people scared for him or feeling sorry for him—so he would crack one of his amazing one liners that everybody remembers. He would sit and tell jokes trying to make you feel better, not even thinking of everything he was going through. He never doubted that God was with him, and never questioned why all of this happened to him. Anybody who knew Dan was blessed to have known him. Even though Dan’s not with us physically anymore, he’s always with us—and for the short time that he was here; he made all of our lives better. I was privileged just to know Dan and especially to call him my cousin. I love you with all of my heart Dan-and I’ll always miss you cuz.
Love,
Ashley

When Dan died on July 6th the lives of alot of people were changed forever.  Daniel was so special to all who knew him and to all who came to meet him during his six year battle with cancer.  Never ever did I hear Dan complain, he was so amazing I used to think to myself, what a brave person.   All memories I have of Dan make me laugh because he always had a way of just whipping out the wise cracks and making everyone crack up, even in the most serious of times.  I miss his incredible spirit, his handsome face, and his outgoing personality.  He will live forever in all the hearts of those who loved him.  I think of him everyday and thank God he came into my life.
I Love You Dan!
Kate

Daniel was a team player we were so proud to have him as a member
Of our Championship team,in the years he was with us , he never let us
down, we truly miss his smile, his wit and his determination both as a player
and as a person, to me Daniel remains my inspiration.
As we approach each game and huddle to say our prayer, we remember Dan
by saying 1,2,3,MOONEY.
Our uniforms have his name and number on the sleeve, he will always be a
member of the North Catholic Soccer Team.
We miss you, Dan.
Coach Drumm

I had the privilege of knowing Daniel for over 6 years.  He was such an incredible kid !   His strength, courage, and determination was nothing like I had ever seen.  He had an awesome sense of humor and the most amazing spirit that drew people to him.  I'm so very grateful that I was one of the lucky people that got to know Daniel.  He will be missed dearly and remembered forever.
-- Nicole A. Bashwinger

Unfortunately, I've only known Dan for about two years. I say unfortunately because I wish I would have had a chance to know him longer. He was truly an exceptional person. He was an exemplar of courage, a basis in which everyone should model their lives around. His unwillingness to give up, and his never-say-die attitude characterize just the type of person Daniel was--a fighter. He fought for everything that he loved, including life itself. He was outspoken, never afraid to tell you the truth. He was comical, his quips's always on target. He is a role model for all, and his legend will endure.  One could only hope to touch as many lives as Daniel did; to accomplish what he did; to be the person he was. For these very reasons I admire him. He will be sadly missed, but fondly remembered.
Hojo

Thank you so much for bringing Daniel into the world, he was truly was a gift to all who knew him. How fortunate I was to know him, a kind, thoughtful, unselfish and beautiful young man. Daniel will remain with me in spirit and I will try and live my life thinking to myself what would Daniel do in this situation? How would he respond? He has changed my life for the better. My thoughts and prayers are with you all and I hope that your many happy memories of Daniel will help you through this difficult time.
-- anonymous

I always thought of Dan as the funniest guy ever.  I never met anyone and never will meet anyone who was in so much pain, but didn't even show it.  I remember trick-or-treating with him years ago and having so much fun with him and Ash.  It was so long ago but I remember it like yesterday; it is impossible to forget such a happy smile like Dan's.  I will never get over how courageous, strong, and admirable Dan was.  I will always remember you!
--Andrea C.

My name is Jim Quinn and I play for North Catholic Soccer. I meet Danny freshman year in spanish class, and had spanish with danny for half the year sophmore year. Dan was a great person and made me laugh plenty of times in class. I am flattered to play on the same team dan did North Catholic. Dan will always be remembered in the soccer program we show that he is still with us by having his picture in our locker room and his name and number on our jersey. It is sad that this happened, and Dan will always be our 12th player on the field.
-- Quinny

Daniel everyone misses you so much....Here is the poem I wrote when
Daniel passed away...
Daniel by Jeneen McHugh
As you were hurting you wouldn't cry, we could see you were suffering,
see the pain in your eyes.
We wanted to comfort you, to hold you real tight,
We feel so helpless this just is not right.
We wanted to scream, to shout, and to yell,
You said you were fine although your skin was so pale.
We knew in our hearts your time was near end,
We wished we could take you, your body to mend.
We knew that soon God would be your closest friend
Your such a great kid we want you to know,
You fought to find courage, but it was your time to go .
We held your hand and silently said goodbye,
We all new how hard you really tried.
I hope you know how much your are loved,
Now it time to go to God up above.
We no longer have you, our tears we can't hide,
All of us are here right by your side.
You knew in your heart that's how it would end.
As God has you now, he is your best friend.

In the short time I’ve known and spent with Dan he seemed like a cool and funny guy. When I found out about his illness I couldn’t believe it. How could this guy carry such a heavy weight on his shoulders without showing it when he’s out spending time with family and friends? But he never aloud it to effect him having a good time and that’s what I admired about him, his courage. I’m very glad that I was able to meet and know him even for a little while, and I only regret not being able to party him in the future. He was a good person who truly loved, and was truly loved, by his family and friends and he will be missed.
-Miguel Cruz

Daniel,
   They say over time the pain of losing you will ease.  I know it is still a short time but the pain is very much as intense as the day you left us. I think of you everyday and try to remember the good times and think of something that makes me laugh.  With you Daniel, there are many things to remember.   Thanks for leaving me all those memories to keep me going.
Love, Aunt DeeDee

I wasn't Dan's best friend, but that doesn't matter. It doesn't take much to see how amazing a person Dan was. His strength, even in his most despairing times, shows how great he really was.  Not many people can fight for seven long years, but Dan did, and he did it with a smile. Dan always had a sense of humor, what made Dan so amazing is, even though he was sick, he didn't change. He graduated high school and made us all amazed and proud once again. From Dan's memorable smile to his pure courage against all odds. Very few people will ever be tested to the point Dan was, and still come up smiling. Dan, I will never forget your amazing strength, and you will always be an example on how to live. No matter how bad it gets, I know I can do it, because you have been through the worse and came up on top in my book.

I was lucky enough to call Dan  my friend--he inspired me to work harder in everything I did, especially soccer. Dan was an inspiration to alot of people, and I was lucky to know him and have him for a close friend. You will never be forgotten Dan.
-Mocar

    Today I Touched Your Face Again
Today I touched your face again and watched you for awhile,
I talked of things deep in my heart I wish could make you smile.
I rubbed your head and told you I'm proud you are my son,
For all the little things you did in life and the way you did each one.
You show such courage daily and you teach me how to live,
To make each moment count in life and to give what I can give.
Did I tell you you're my hero when I saw you yesterday?
Or did it slip my mind again as I put you away?
I know your time on earth was short but it's how you lived each day,
you made the most of what you had and always found a way
To touch the hearts around you, to love us while you may.
I wish with all my heart right now, the face I touched today,
Wasn't made of paper or neatly placed away.
But I will put you on the shelf again for all the world to see,
I'll talk to you tomorrow just like I do each day,
And I'll tell you you're my hero as I gently walk away.
-- Poem by Patti Filion

I met Dan through his cousins Ann and Ash when i was about 15. I don't even know where to start with what this kid meant to me. Whenever you were out with him you were guaranteed a good time whether it was just sitting in at his cousins, hanging out, or down the shore after proms (haha). You could talk to Dan about anything and he'll do everything to make you feel better. He never played the victim role but just enjoyed life like we all should. I remember a couple years ago when he wasnt feeling to good and made me promise not to tell his family because he didn't want them worrying about him, that's just the kind of person he is. More recently, when I was diagnosed with diabetes this past year, dan shortly before had his leg amputated and was still battling cancer but all he could do was tell me how sorry he was for me. What he didn't know was that the second my diagnosis came out of my doctors mouth I cried and said atleast it's not cancer because all I thought is if Dan could fight cancer for all of these years diabetes ain't nothing. I guess that's why i met Dan, so I can become a stronger, more appreciative, and more caring person. I wish I could be half the person he was. Saying bye to Dan was the hardest thing I had to do, but he'll live in my heart forever.LOVE YOU MOONEY.
p.s. your the only prom date i would let get away with carrying a stash of sourpatch kids in your pocket. haha.
~Kate