Leal

Daniel Anthony Leal, formerly of Butler, passed away peacefully at his home on Jan. 29, 2022, surrounded by family and friends.

Dan was the husband of Dolores “Sissy” Natili, his beloved wife of 60 years, and the only child of Emilio and Catherine (Berdine) Leal. He was born in Pittsburgh on Nov. 22, 1938, graduated ROTC from Gannon University in 1960 and served for two years in the U.S. Army as a first lieutenant.

He married Sissy in 1961, and a year later they returned to Western Pennsylvania, where he began a career in sales.

In 1973, Dan found his career passion when he joined the staff of his lifelong best friend, Fran Curci, to become the head of recruiting for the University of Kentucky football team, a position he held until 1981. While at the university, Dan also pursued another lifelong passion, his love of golf, ultimately becoming the head golf coach. Dan’s passion for golf began as a boy, when he caddied at the world-famous Oakmont Country Club.

Dan and Sissy were longtime members of Christ the King Cathedral, where Dan was active in many ministries, including Eucharistic adoration minister, St. Vincent de Paul, and Cursillo ministry.

Dan is survived by Sissy; his daughters, Connie Ballenger (Mike) of Columbus, Ohio, and Andrea Haddock (Tim) of St. Petersburg, Fla.; his four beloved grandsons, Andrew and Michael Ballenger, and John Daniel and Sam Haddock; and the Natili sisters he gained by marriage, their spouses, and his nieces, nephews and their children, each of whom he loved dearly.

LEAL — Burial of Daniel Anthony Leal, who died Saturday, Jan. 29, 2022, will be held in Butler.

Memorial contributions may be sent to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.