Daniel Henry Mackinson, 37, passed away early Sunday, February 15, 2026 in Charlotte, North Carolina. 

Born on October 7, 1988 in Princeton, New Jersey, Danny attended the Lewis and Cambridge Schools. While there, he volunteered at Hopewell Veterinary Group, quickly becoming known as the consummate animal whisperer. He went on to board at Eagle Hill School in Hardwick, Massachusetts, where he explored his love of the weather (coining “poof-y clouds”) and followed in his father’s footsteps on the basketball team. Danny also spent many weekends visiting his older brother, James, at the College of Holy Cross where he quickly made many lifelong friends of his own. He spent his summers in Downeast Maine with James, their sister Margaret, and many cousins — where he enjoyed kayaking, tending fires, and was an early pioneer of the cold plunge. After moving to Charlotte in 2010 with his mother (Leslie) and father (Jim), Danny began working at The Original Pancake House, where he was a beloved fixture for over ten years. 

Danny looked for every opportunity to help those around him and showed his love in uniquely thoughtful ways. He served as his neighborhood’s unofficial IT expert, a reliable source of advance storm warnings in your area (he always had tabs on The Weather Channel’s Jim Cantore), and the one person guaranteed to remind you about Daylight Saving Time. 

Despite facing many challenges throughout his life, Danny maintained a quiet stoicism, an earnest smile, and an unconquerable positivity. These qualities, along with his selfless love for his family and friends, made him a warm light in the lives of those who were lucky enough to know him.

A wake will be held on Saturday, February 28, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Hankins & Whittington, 1111 East Boulevard, Charlotte, North Carolina 28203. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 28, at 11:00 a.m. at Nassau Presbyterian Church, 61 Nassau Street, Princeton, New Jersey 08542.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Daniel’s name to Achilles International (https://give.achillesinternational.org/).* 

*Checks may be made payable to:

Achilles International, 57 W 57th Street, Suite 1702, NY, NY 10019