KHTS Radio Santa Clarita Radio – Santa Clarita News
Family and friends of Santa Clarita’s own Danny Sullivan took the time to talk to KHTS about the “inspirational young man” after the 29-year-old passed away last week following more than a five-and-a-half-year battle with a terminal brain tumor, which progressed to glioblastoma in early 2020.
After a second brain surgery and additional attempts at life-sustaining treatments so courageously endured, Danny passed away at the age of 29 on February 8.
His friends and family remember him as a man of many talents, including basketball, bowling, and horseback riding. They also remember Danny for his optimism, his appreciation of life and his outgoing nature.
“He had such a pure loving and tender heart,” said Terasa Papa, Danny’s mom. “He was beautifully honest and had a magical way about him that left such an impact on countless people.”
Family and friends described him as extremely fun, outgoing and caring.
“When I attended his bowling events or basketball games, he could work the room,” said Maryjean Bresnan, Danny’s great aunt. “He knew everybody, the kids, the adults; he had a presence.”
Danny built many strong relationships through his time at People’s Care, an adult day care center in Valencia, and Carousel Ranch, an equestrian therapy center for special needs kids in Santa Clarita. Denise Redmond, Executive Director at Carousel Ranch, had known Danny since he was 8 years old.
“Danny was so unique, so different, he really wasn’t like anyone else I had ever met,” Redmond recalled. “He loved his life, even all the way through the end. This valley lost an amazing person, and none of us will ever forget him.”
Danny’s former caregiver Tim Anderson, who was described as a “big brother” figure to Danny, said that he “made life fun.”
“He cared so much about me and my life, and I was very adamant about having him in my wedding,” Anderson said. “He really became my brother.”
Danny had a fascination and an appreciation for fire trucks and eventually wanted to purchase his own one day. This would lead to a lasting friendship between him and KHTS Owner Carl Goldman, after the pair met during a remote KHTS broadcast where Goldman had brought the KHTS antique fire truck.
Photo Courtesy of Terasa Papa
“Danny was a jewel,” Goldman remembered. “Over the years he came to many fire truck remotes. We took many fire truck rides together.”
On one special occasion, Danny rode the KHTS antique fire truck with Goldman during the annual Santa Clarita 4th of July parade in downtown Newhall.
“Danny was so much fun, especially seeing and hearing about the world through his eyes,” Goldman said. “I will truly miss him. Santa Clarita has lost an inspirational young man.”
One of his mother’s favorite memories with her son was when he rode in the Heart of the West horseback riding demonstration at Carousel Ranch in August of 2014, describing Danny as “truly a shining star” and that he “loved every moment of that night,” all the while she was “bursting with pride and joy.”
“Every moment and all experiences with my Danny are memorable. He was charming, especially with the ladies, and funny. He was a treasure beyond words,” Danny’s mother said. “I am incredibly lucky and grateful to be his momma, as he so sweetly loved to call me. Danny’s dad, Mike Sullivan, and I were blessed to be his parents.”
Danny is survived by his mother, Terasa Papa, his father, Mike Sullivan, and his many family members and friends. He will truly be missed.
“He loved deeply, feared nothing, judged no one, and always spoke the truth,” Papa said. This is the essence of my Danny.”
Sponsored Articles
KHTS FM 98.1 and AM 1220 is Santa Clarita’s only local radio station. KHTS mixes in a combination of news, traffic, sports, and features along with your favorite adult contemporary hits. Santa Clarita news and features are delivered throughout the day over our airwaves, on our website and through a variety of social media platforms. Our KHTS national award-winning daily news briefs are now read daily by 34,000+ residents. A vibrant member of the Santa Clarita community, the KHTS broadcast signal reaches all of the Santa Clarita Valley and parts of the high desert communities located in the Antelope Valley. The station streams its talk shows over the web, reaching a potentially worldwide audience. Follow @KHTSRadio on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Mr. Goldman is right Danny was so much fun! I was an instructional aide at his high school and he and I would pretend to be two of the Three Stooges. Even after he graduated and we would run into each other around town, we’d do the same shtick. So sorry to hear he is gone.
Danny was an amazing young man.I will never forget the jingle of all the car keys he carried..and always begging to start my car! He was a good friend to Courtney and many! You are missed Danny! Love to Terasa!
Beautiful life that ended too soon. Condolences to all who knew and loved him.
I met Danny at a cancer support group through Circle of Hope. I had just found out about my (terminal) cancer and was still quite in shock. Danny made a lasting impression that I have carried to this day. He was so vibrant and full of life all the while making jokes about his cancer. It wasn’t in a bad way at all…he put me at ease and I thoroughly enjoyed his sharing. He brought laughter. He brought laughter and it was needed.
I think of him often–especially on my ‘bad’ days. I don’t remember his jokes per se, but it was his ease in talking about his cancer and even joking about it. It’s something I try to emulate even on my bad days.
Thank You Danny. I will always remember you because you were the first person that was able to put me at ease after my diagnosis.
Danny was a beautiful spirit. His smile literally lit up the room. When he would enter, everyone would stop to come and say “hi” to Danny, and just soak in his incredible light. He touched everyone so immensely.
Our hearts, prayers, and thoughts are with his family and friends
With all our love,
The staff at Helpful Hands Respite Services
I knew Danny at Golden Valley High, Special Olympics, Carousel Ranch and around town.
Danny would not only march to the beat of a different drummer, he would talk the drummer into loaning him his/her drums and sticks so he could play it himself…and then he would ask him/her what kind of car they were driving and whether he could start it up:)
For some reason Danny loved me giving him a positive review by saying, “Niiiice!”
Well Danny, I know you can hear me if I say it loud enough, NIIIICE!
God Speed My Friend,
Mr. C
I have many happy memories of Danny, who went to school and Special Olympics with my son. I remember many years ago we had a holiday party and arranged for the fire department to come as a surprise. Danny overheard me telling someone and after that he stayed by the door until the fire department came; he didn’t want to miss them. It was great to see him at all the SO and Fun Life events. I know he went through so much and was so very brave. God bless you Danny, we will miss you! Love to Terasa and family.