Obituary of Darrell David Danner

Obituary of Mr Darrell David Danner (DDD) 1945 - 2021
Written by daughter Dawn Danetta Danner (Ddd)

Darrell David Danner age 76 of Pittsburgh Pennsylvania left this earth on his last great adventure October 25 2021 while visiting Kingsport Tennessee with his daughter following a very short period of declining health.  Darrell was so very grateful to have had his daughter by his side to share his final days together with her hand in hand. Normally Darrell would be found spending his days in the Burgh while Dawn resided in Portland Oregon.  One thing was for sure, Darrell was content and so very satisfied with his life!  He lived everyday to its fullest and had everything he needed and more! He was a kind hearted man, who enjoyed the simple pleasures of helping others around him.  He shared so much with so many who just needed a little helping hand.  From driving friends to their Doctor appointments and shopping errands to mowing acres of grass and being “Mr fix it” man, Darrell was there when you needed him most!  Everyone knew that if you needed something fast, Darrell would probably have a spare in his basement that was ready to GO……all you needed to do was ask!

Darrell was born in Pittsburgh PA to Clarence Ulysses Danner and Mabel Heim Danner on August 25, 1945.  He was the youngest of 3 children all initialed DDD including Daniel Duane Danner and Donna Darlene Warner (Danner).  Darrell is proceeded in death by his sister Donna in early 2021. Today his oldest brother Danny is 84 yrs old.

Darrell attended Shaler Area High School in Glenshaw PA. He joined the United States Navy serving 4 years as a mechanic on the USS Vulcan near Puerto Rico in the Virgin Islands during the Vietnam War.  After a honorable discharge,  Darrell returned home,in 1967, inheriting the Danner House on the corner of Lincoln/Butler Street in Millvale PA.  Darrell was the 3rd generation Danner to live his entire life at 125 Butler!  The house was built by his grandfather John W Danner in 1880, who passed it down to his son Clarence, followed by his grandson Darrell and now today to great granddaughter Dawn.  Clarence himself built 2 additional garages onto the property with Darrell building the apartment over those  garages in 1976.  Darrell did spent his entire life taking care of the Danner house and those projects just NEVER ended!  The latest included  new windows and vinyl flooring on the 2nd floor.   For a senior guy, he completed these large projects on his own with ease.  Today those items still sit in the house awaiting DDD’s return.

Darrell met Debbie J Kuntz working at Zayre’s on McKnight Road in Pittsburgh and six months later they were married on August 16th 1968.  Their daughter Dawn Danetta Danner was born April of 1969 and their son Darrell David Danner Jr was born April 1972.  Both children were named keeping the DDD tradition alive and well!  Darrell worked for  P&LE Railroad over 23 years as a diesel mechanic retiring when the company downsized in 1990. Twenty years later,  Darrell and Debbie parted ways in 88 with Debbie and the kids moving to Portland Oregon in the summer of 1990. Today, both Dawn and Darrell Jr call Portland Oregon home in the great NorthWest

As many of his friends know, Darrell loved to go out to eat and that’s how he met waitress Victoria Marie Hollihan. They hit it off and Vicki became  Darrell’s partner in crime enjoying life at the Danner house from 1991 to 2010 when Vicki became gravely ill. Darrell is proceeded in death by Vicki who passed in October 2011.  A special thank-you to the entire Hollihan family for always considering Darrell a big part of your clan.  He so enjoyed the holiday “feedings” with your herd and loved all the grandkids calling him “Pap Pap”.

Being a Salty Dog, Darrell loved to travel by Cruise ship and logged over 20 grand voyages in his lifetime.  From Alaska to the Caribbean, Panama Canal  and Mexico, he hit just about every cruise ship destination with family and friends over the years.  When not cruising by ship, he also loved to cruise around by classic car!  DDD’s 48 Plymouth was a crowd favorite collecting numerous trophies and awards by attending  Millvale Days, local parades, car cruises and various events around the Pittsburgh metro area.  Darrell kept active in the local car clubs and loved his regular met ups with the guys and his Plymouth during the summer months and bowling with the same group during the winter.

Each and every year, Darrell looked forward to attending all breed dog shows, DPCA (Doberman Pinscher Club of America) National Conventions and shows where his daughter Dawn would officiate as an AKC Judge.  These father/daughter doggy adventures took him around the country and even internationally as far north as Canada and south as Brazil.  Everyone knew that Darrell was most certainly one of the proudest and most supportive Dads a daughter could ask for!   He loved his little girl beyond what words could express and talked about their trips to all who would listen.  Darrell was always delighted to sit ringside and watch his little girl Judge dogs amongst her piers.   This proud Dad embraced every part of his daughter’s passions including her being a Doberman Breeder/Owner/Handler of AKC Champions, a recognized AKC judge, an experienced Veterinary technician and Veterinary Practice manager, a club President, and the National sales manager for Alba Medical.  Darrell’s handyman skills were extremely instrumental in supporting Dawn with starting, running and promoting Alba Medical’s vendor Booth for Holter monitor sales to the Doberman fancy during each annual National convention.  One thing is for sure, the Doberman community will always remember Dawn’s Dad and his contributions to our sport!  We will all carry on in your honor Dad!!

A limb has fallen from the family tree.
I keep hearing a voice that says,
“Grieve not for me.
Remember the best times,
the laughter, the song.
The good life I lived
while I was strong.
Continue my heritage,
I’m counting on you.
Keep smiling and surely
the sun will shine through.
My mind is at ease,
my soul is at rest.
Remembering all,
how I truly was blessed.
Continue traditions,
no matter how small.
Go on with your life,
don’t worry about falls.
I miss you all dearly,
so keep up your chin.
Until the day comes
we’re together again.”

A special thank-you to the following friends of the family who truly went above and beyond to assist Dawn during her Dad’s sudden tragic out of state passing.  All of you show how small town proud Millvale can really shine thru!  
         THANK-YOU :
             Dr Bob Carrell
             Tom Walsh
             Marc Beck
             Dee Scholl
             Jane Sahli
             Nancy Dinkfelt
             Mike Speranzo
             Liz Berlin
             Stefanie Vonusselman
             Donna Hosek
             The Eidenmiller family
             Jim Georgalas
             Vello and Nina Koiv