Daniel Carl Billiel

Daniel Carl Billiel (“Big Dan,” “Danny”), 56, of Marlborough, Connecticut, passed away on Friday, March 27th at 6:05 a.m. due to complications of end-stage liver disease and septic shock.

Daniel was born in Manchester, Connecticut, to Diane Hazel (Thoms) Billiel and David James Billiel. He was raised in Hebron, where he attended Gilead Hill, Hebron Elementary, and RHAM Middle and High School. During his early years, he formed many lasting friendships and shared countless memorable moments.

Daniel was married to Deanna Rhea Konrad (1992–2017) in Vernon, Connecticut, and later to Sherry Lynn Lemery in Salem, Connecticut in August of 2023.

A hardworking and skilled man, Daniel earned his CDL in 1991 and built a life defined by determination and versatility. He was known as a true handyman—able to build nearly anything, repair vehicles, and take on just about any challenge that came his way. He worked in a variety of roles throughout his life, including driving for Goodyear, machining at GE and Spartan Aerospace, as well as construction, landscaping, and snow removal.

Daniel spent much of his life in Connecticut, living in Hebron, Columbia, Colchester, Coventry, and Marlborough. He had a deep appreciation for the outdoors and enjoyed hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, ice fishing, working on RC cars, cooking, and auto repair. He also gave back to his community by volunteering with Cougars Football.

He will be remembered as hardworking, dependable, and full of humor. Daniel had a way of making people laugh and was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. Above all, he was devoted to his family and friends, always putting those he loved first.

Daniel is survived by his wife, Sherry Lynn Lemery; his children, Rachel Dee Smith and her husband Jordan Smith, Megan Paige Billiel, and Zachary Daniel Billiel; and his granddaughter, Autumn Rose Peters. He is also survived by his siblings and extended family, including April Billiel, Tyler Daniel Pater, Abbey Lynn Pater, Joe Billiel, Laurie Billiel, Lucille Anderson, and many cousins and extended family members.

He leaves behind many close friends who were like family, including Linda and Tom Craney and their children Carl, Christopher, and Cody; Rob, Roger, and Jimmy Speno and his children Shawn and Amanda; Rodrick Konrad Jr., Stephen Heckathorn, Ray Dziadyk, Vladimir Almeida, Eric Ossolinski, and many more.

He was predeceased by his uncle, Paul Billiel, as well as other beloved friends and relatives, and his cherished dogs, Zues and Onix.

Daniel’s wish was to be cremated and have his ashes spread in Alaska, a wish his children are working to fulfill.

A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, April 12th at Indian Field Campground in Salem, Connecticut. Arrangements are being handled by Abbey Cremation Service. For further information, please contact Rachel or Megan at 860-710-8870 or rachelbilliel14184@gmail.com.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to all friends and loved ones for their support during this difficult time, and to the staff at Hartford Hospital, Bliss ICU (7th floor), for their care and compassion in Daniel’s final days.

He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved him.