Daniel Meyer Darragh

Daniel Meyer Darragh, a devoted man of faith and family, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, September 2, 2025. He was 78 years old.  Dan will be remembered as a faithful servant to God, a thoughtful practitioner of the law, a steadfast friend, and the beloved patriarch of a family shaped by his love and wisdom. Dan was quiet and soft spoken, but firm in his convictions. His humor was appreciated by the discerning and his joy most overt in the company of his grandchildren.

He is survived by his cherished wife of 56 years, Ruth Randall Darragh; his three daughters, Colleen Darragh, Katherine “Katie” (Doug) Larsen, and Heather (S. Clayton) Saftner; and his nine grandchildren: S. Abigail (Matthew) Mueller; Riley and Sydney Larsen, Cora, Emma, S. Luke, D. Brock, C. James, and T. Cale Saftner.  He also leaves behind his siblings, Mary Anne Darragh, Michael (Luci) Darragh, Dr. Robert (Annie) Darragh, and Denis (Susan) Darragh. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ronald A. Darragh, Jr. and Ruth M. Darragh and his brother, Ronald (Edie) Darragh. Dan will be deeply missed by his many nieces and nephews.

A graduate of South Hills Catholic High School in 1964, Dan went on to play college football at the College of William & Mary, where he graduated in 1968 and was later inducted into the school's Hall of Fame. After a brief career with the NFL's Buffalo Bills, retiring in 1970, he earned his law degree from Duquesne University in 1975. Dan practiced law for nearly 45 years, building a distinguished career focused on the Conservation and Recovery Act, the Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act (“Superfund”), and the Clean Water and Clean Air Acts.  A man of service, Dan was deeply involved with Catholic Charities of Pittsburgh where he served as Board Chair from 1999-2003. In June 2003, Dan was awarded the Pontifical Equestrian Order of St. Gregory the Great and in 2023 he received the Benemerenti Medal.

Friends will be received at the R.D. Copeland Funeral Home, Irvine Chapel, 702 Beaver Street, Sewickley on Thursday, September 4th from 4 – 6 pm and Friday, September 5th from 4 – 8 pm. A prayer service will be held at the funeral home on Saturday, September 6th at 10am followed by Mass of Christian burial at St. James Church at 10:30am. Interment will follow in the St. James Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Catholic Charities of Pittsburgh, 111 Blvd of the Allies, Pittsburgh, PA 15222.