Daniel Robert Kalinowski

On October 26, 1994, Daniel Robert Kalinowski was born in Newark, Delaware to Catherine A. Downs and Jon D. Kalinowski.  Sadly, just days before his 28^th birthday, Daniel passed away from an accidental drug overdose in October 2022.

Daniel graduated in 2013 from James H. Groves High School and attended Delaware Technical and Community College.  He most recently worked at McGlynn’s Pub.

Daniel was blessed with good health and a natural athleticism which he inherited from his dad.  He enjoyed and excelled in many different sports such as soccer, baseball and ice hockey.  Daniel was always fearless and it showed in his style of play and in his life.  He was a terrific goalie in hockey, playing with the Snipers and as guest goalie for the Delaware Junior Blue Hens he was named MVP when they won the tournament.  Daniel always made the All-Star team during his many years playing baseball with Canal Little League.  After baseball, Daniel played lacrosse for a couple of seasons.  His passion, however, was skateboarding.  Early on, Daniel won a street competition in Wilmington and went on to earn the nickname “Shredder”.  He was always up for a game of “S.K.A.T.E.” and he and his dad (mostly his dad!) put together a makeshift skate area with a quarter pipe ramp, box and rails and would often have fun competing with each other.

Daniel also enjoyed going to the beach, where he would go surfing and boogie boarding with his dad and sister, Katie.  Oftentimes, they would make a quick trip to the C & D Canal to get some fishing in and his Grandpop, George, would join them.  Daniel, Katie and his Grandpop would often go to Lums Pond State Park for outdoor adventures.

Daniel was a smart, funny and kind individual who had a heart for those less fortunate; whether it be people or animals.  He had the ability to make friends easily and would often meet and make a new friend during family vacations. He was also a Philadelphia Flyers and Phillies fan and enjoyed going to the games.

Daniel will be missed by his family and many friends.  He is survived by his mom, Catherine “Cathy” Downs; sister, Kathryn “Katie” Kalinowski; son, Theo George Muller and paternal grandmother, Elizabeth “Betty” Kalinowski, along with a host of aunts, uncles and cousins.  Daniel was preceded in death by his father, Jon D. Kalinowski; paternal grandfather, George W. Kalinowski; uncle, William Kalinowski and maternal grandparents, Robert L. and Vivian M. Downs.

Special thanks to Pastor Morgan Ikonne who never gave up on Daniel and was always there for him and the one person in whom Daniel felt he could confide. Thank you to Dan, Tory, Shymere and Lt. Herring of the NCC Hero Help program for their efforts to aid and support overcoming addiction.  Thanks also to Dave Humes and others at Attack Addiction who have been at the forefront to bring drug addiction into conversation and to the Legislative floor.

Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation on Tuesday, November 8, 2022 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Love of Christ Church, 2157 Bear-Corbitt Road, Bear, DE  19701.  A memorial service will follow at 3 p.m.

For those wishing to attend virtually, a livestream link is available by clicking here.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Attack Addiction, P.O. Box 36, Bear, DE  19701 or email info@attackaddiction.org or Tunnel to Towers Foundation at t2t.org