Mr. Daniel J. Yager, 55, of Utica, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, February 15, 2016 at Rome Hospital. Daniel was born in Utica on December 30, 1960 the son of Robert and Doris (Scheideman) Yager. He was a graduate of St. Joseph & St. Patrick grammar school and Whitesboro High School. Daniel was employed by New York Telephone where he was a fiber optic and cable splicer and a cable maintenance technician. He was often assigned some of the tougher tasks and was respected for his excellent troubleshooting skills and solid work ethic. He retired from the telecom industry in 2013. In his retirement, Dan could be found working at the Golf Club of Newport in the summer or hanging out at his brothers collision shop, "Country Auto" in the winter. His interest in classic cars led him to begin restoration on his vintage corvette this year. In his younger years, Dan was a member of the Rhythm Lites, a group of young entertainers where he performed acts and skits with the group at such places as Hampton Beach, NH and the White House Bicentennial Program as well as several local events. Dan was an avid golfer and helped organize an annual tournament in his father, Roberts name with the proceeds going to the Mother Marianne West Side Soup Kitchen. To Dan, a sunny day on the Golf course with friends and loved ones was a treasure. Dan was a kind soul and soft heart. His sincerity, honesty and soft low tone of his voice will be missed by all who knew him. Daniel is survived by two sisters, Diane Yager and Brian Doyle of Clinton and Judi and Steve Lux of Marcy; four brothers, Michael Yager and Lori Gatley Yager of Westernville, David and Marci Yager of Deerfield, Steven and Tammi Yager of FL and Brian and Stacey Yager of Deerfield as well as several Aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. Mr. Yager's funeral will be held on Saturday, February 20, 2016 at 10:15 a.m. at the Heintz Funeral Home, 408 Herkimer Rd., N. Utica and 11:00 at St. Joseph and St. Patrick Church in Utica where his Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated. His Rite of Committal and burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery in Yorkville. Calling hours for family and friends are Friday from 4:00-7:00 p.m. Those wishing to make a donation in Dan's memory, please consider Mother Marianne's West Side Soup Kitchen, 702 Columbia St., Utica, NY 13502.