Danny Graham (September 24, 1949 - April 03, 2023)

In loving memory of
Danny Graham
  • September 24, 1949
  • -
  • April 03, 2023

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Obituary

Following a fearless battle with cancer, it is with great sadness, the family of Danny Graham announce his passing on April 3, 2023.  He passed peacefully in his sleep during the night.  He will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Margie; daughter, Lisa (Bradley) Spencer; four grandchildren, Macie (Tommy) DeClue, Morgan Spencer, Noah Spencer, and and Claire Spencer; brother Larry (Dorothy) Graham; sister Rebecca Townsend; Sister-In-Law Martha (Rayford) Raby; as well as many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

He was predeceased by his loving daughter, Laura Graham; sister, Rose Graham; and his parents, Warren and Hazel Graham of Wood River, IL

Danny was born September 24, 1949 in Wood River, IL and graduated from Wood River High School in 1967.  Afterward he proudly served in the USMC as a Marine in the Vietnam War.  He also worked many years and retired from The Alton Box Board.  He became a father and loved spending time with his daughters, doing things like taking them for ice cream in his antique cars.  He later became a grandfather and was thereafter known as PawPaw to his four grandchildren, as well as their friends.  He stepped into the role of PawPaw with great pride and always made sure to tell each grandchild “they were his favorite” which is an ongoing debate.  He met and married the love of his life, the former Margie Phelps.  They were inseparable after their marriage in 1996 and eventually moved to Sarasota, FL.  Danny often said he was “living the dream” after becoming a Floridian.  He loved riding his bicycle and promised he would be upgrading soon to a Harley in Heaven. He was always happy to lend a helping hand to anyone needing it and had the ability to make a friend everywhere he went.  He loved sharing stories and making people laugh.  He will be sadly missed on Earth and well accepted in heaven.

A Celebration of Life, open to all friends and family, will be held Wednesday, April 12, 200 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., at Baldwin Brothers located at 4609 Bee Ridge Rd., Sarasota, FL

Burial with full military honors with be Thursday, April 13 at 10:30 a.m. at the Sarasota National Cemetery at 9810 SR-72, Sarasota, FL and is open to all.

Memorial Donations may be made in Danny’s name to Hospice House in Sarasota, FL


Tribute Wall

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  1. Lisa Delaney says:
    12 Apr 2023
    Danny will be sorely missed earthside! He was such a fun uncle and always made me laugh with all of his stories. There is one story that we always joke about where he is talking to his mom
    about a Dr and she keeps thinking he is saying someone is adopted! That one is my favorite! Danny never knew a stranger and lit up the room when he walked in. Heaven just got more fun for everyone! I know he is sitting by Grandma. He always took such good care of her and of everyone in the family! There wasn’t a thing he wouldn’t do to help others. We will miss you Danny, you were taken way too soon!

  2. barbara fagerskog says:
    10 Apr 2023
    OH, DANNY BOY, we shall surely miss you. I have tears in my eyes as I honor you. You most definitely were
    the bright star in our neighborhood. You were happy all the time and that happiness proved to be contagious to all of us.
    around the pool many a Sunday. And how lucky the angels will be when you arrive. There will be no pain, no hurt as
    you enter the kingdom of heaven! Semper FI, Marine! RIP

  3. Ron O'Shea says:
    10 Apr 2023
    Danny was one of our best customers h here at Voltaire Cycles in Osprey and we will miss him terribly and his Cheetah EBike that was his trademark transportation! He always lit up our shop when he was here whether we were working on his beloved EBike or he just loved to stop by and say hello.

  4. Jen and Mike Puleo says:
    10 Apr 2023
    We are so sorry for your loss and thinking of you during this difficult time. We are so glad we had the opportunity to meet him last summer. ❤️ - Puleo family

  5. Kay Long Masiero says:
    09 Apr 2023
    Danny never met a stranger, and he’d carry on a conversation with anyone. He absolutely adored my cousin Margie, and took such good care of her! He left us way too soon. We’ll really miss him!

  6. Kathy and Ray Allen lit a candle:
    08 Apr 2023
    Lit since April 8, 2023 at 4:46:41 PM

  7. John and Melody Jakubiak says:
    08 Apr 2023
    Our hearts go out to Margie and his family. Danny was a joy to know and certainly a wonderful neighbor. He will be missed in Willowbend, but a great addition to heaven. He would always stop to chat with our knitting group when we gathered at Kahwa as he was getting his morning coffee. RIP.

  8. Dianne & Doug Dalin says:
    08 Apr 2023
    Our hearts go out to you, Margie and Lisa and family at this difficult time .It is not easy to let go of a true friend like Danny It is true friends that don’t die, but they live in our hearts forever rest in peace my dear friend we will miss you, but you will never be forgotten.

  9. Yao and David says:
    07 Apr 2023
    Danny's spirit will live on in memories of all people who knew him.

  10. Yao and David says:
    07 Apr 2023
    Danny is a guy who's spirit will live on in memories of all people who knew him. A great guy and a good friend.

  11. Yao and David lit a candle:
    07 Apr 2023
    Lit since April 7, 2023 at 4:46:02 PM

  12. barbara fagerskog says:
    07 Apr 2023
    Danny was ever engaging at the pool, on his bike or casually riding the neighborhood in his beautiful convertible. He was the quintessential
    gentleman. He made Willowbend friendly and welcoming! Danny, You will not be forgotten. Now that you are Home, there is no sadness, no pain, no sorrow. God is taking care of you now...you are in the shelter of his arms; the angels are singing welcoming you.
    RIP, my friend.

  13. Mel and Jose lit a candle:
    07 Apr 2023
    Lit since April 7, 2023 at 4:59:22 AM

  14. Ruth Schaeffer lit a candle:
    07 Apr 2023
    Lit since April 7, 2023 at 4:28:14 AM

  15. Peter buros lit a candle:
    07 Apr 2023
    Lit since April 7, 2023 at 4:05:47 AM

  16. Dave & Paula Neil lit a candle:
    07 Apr 2023
    Lit since April 7, 2023 at 4:39:24 AM

  17. Jacque and Dutch Leonard lit a candle:
    06 Apr 2023
    Lit since April 6, 2023 at 4:25:10 PM

  18. Jacque and Dutch Leonard says:
    06 Apr 2023
    Danny was a delight to know.We spent many hours discussing his time in the Marines and his love for Margie and family. I am so grateful I was able to thank him for his service. You could always count on Danny zipping by on his bike and stopping to see how your day was going. Danny was blessed to have lived a full and loving life. Heaven just received a special angel. Thanks for the hot dog party on your lanai Danny..somehow future hot dogs sadly won't taste quite the same! Prayers for Margie and family. Rest assure Danny is home.

  19. Larry & Donna Callahan says:
    06 Apr 2023
    Margie. We are so sorry for your loss. We were so fortunate to meet you and Danny at Casa Mar. Our prayers are with you. God will comfort you in your loss. We will miss Danny. In Christian Love. Larry&Donna

  20. John & Roseann lit a candle:
    06 Apr 2023
    Lit since April 6, 2023 at 4:30:54 PM

  21. Phyllis Bangert says:
    06 Apr 2023
    Our heart goes out to Margie and her family. We have never met anyone quite like Danny he was so entertaining and made you laugh with joy. Danny with a guy who loves his life, his family and his friends. His spirit will live on in memories of all people who knew him.

  22. Scott Myers says:
    06 Apr 2023
    My heart truly goes out to Margie and Lisa and Danny’s other family members for their loss. I really never met anyone quite like him. He was possibly the most gregarious and entertaining guy that I’ve ever known and often made me laugh until my side hurt. A special friend and I miss him already. The world was a better place with Danny Graham in it….

  23. Carol and Mario says:
    06 Apr 2023
    So very sorry to hear of Danny’s passing. He was a kind soul, always upbeat and friendly. He helped us a great deal, with advice on our renovations, when we moved to Stoneybrook. Living two doors away, we looked forward to running into you daily. We missed you when you moved. Margie, we wish you peace and love as you grieve your great loss. God bless you. Carol and Mario

  24. Linda Garmon says:
    06 Apr 2023
    Dear Margie and Family,
    Danny was a wonderful guy who loved life, his family and friends. His spirit will live on in all the memories made with him. I enjoyed visiting with Margie and Danny on my annual Casa Mar vacation. Great stories and lots of laughs from Danny! Prayers, peace, love and comfort to all.
    Linda Garmon

  25. Kay says:
    06 Apr 2023
    So loved and came to miss early moaning walks with my Sheltie and seeing "Danny Boy" sitting in his garage deck chair great good morning greeting. Very missed.

  26. Mike Vlaming says:
    06 Apr 2023
    I will miss you, brother, but I am thankful that your suffering is over.
    Margie and the rest of your family should know how proud you are of them and how often and lovingly you spoke of them.
    I love you man…. Mike V.

  27. V77x says:
    06 Apr 2023
    Dear Maggie. Dan was always the kindness and happiest person I met in Willowbend. I will always remember the conversations pool side or wherever he was spreading his jovial self. My deepest thoughts and prayers to you and yor family. I'm sure Dan is riding his Harley in Heaven. Bob & Gail.

  28. Todd Bartoszkiewicz says:
    06 Apr 2023
    So sorry for your loss. We loved Danny and he will be so missed. Our condolences to you and your family

  29. LeeAnn Flatt lit a candle:
    06 Apr 2023
    Lit since April 6, 2023 at 4:07:33 PM

  30. Wilma Bartlett says:
    06 Apr 2023
    Ms.Marchee so sorry to hear of you and the families loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I can see him on that Harley waiting for you to come take a ride with him. You two complimented each other well. Love and miss our talks we all shared at work.

  31. Germaine and Denis says:
    06 Apr 2023
    Lisa, so sorry for your lost. we know that you will cherish all the great memories that you have lived with your dad and that they will be forever in your heart. Condolences to all of your family X0X

  32. Debbie Tinney says:
    06 Apr 2023
    Danny was the first neighbor I met in 2019 when we moved in to our home. He came strolling down the street to see what was going on. I soon found out that he did that often and with the entire neighborhood. Danny was inclusive and enjoyed meeting everyone. His exuberance was infectious. Danny and I loved having a project around the house, we would discuss ongoing projects, and share information on various contractors, and Joe and I made a habit of borrowing his ladders. I miss him. I am sorry he has left us but I am glad he has peace.

  33. Betty Brown says:
    06 Apr 2023
    Thoughts & prayers to all the family .

  34. Barbara Buhs says:
    06 Apr 2023
    Many happy memories from the family of one of the “extras” who call you PawPaw. We have been blessed by your generous and encouraging spirit! Your influence on Nate’s formative years will go on and on … with much laughter!

  35. Janet Mooney says:
    06 Apr 2023
    Margie and Family, I am so so sorry for your loss, Danny was a funny guy who seemed to love life.. so glad he was living his dream,, Sending hugs and prayers. I know he will be missed and remembered by many,

  36. Jackie Bond posted an image:
    06 Apr 2023
    The man with his bike and new lights  Hope you get a Harley in Heaven ️
    The man with his bike and new lights Hope you get a Harley in Heaven ️

  37. Kelly posted an image:
    06 Apr 2023
    Life is short! Surround yourself with caring, loving people who light up the room, make you laugh, take your functional training classes to stay strong, who always live their best life. To the best neighbor I will miss you sitting in the driveway in the morning drinking coffee and telling me how it’s going to be the best day PEACE ALWAYS
    Life is short! Surround yourself with caring, loving people who light up the room, make you laugh, take your functional training classes to stay strong, who always live their best life. To the best neighbor I will miss you sitting in the driveway in the morning drinking coffee and telling me how it’s going to be the best day PEACE ALWAYS

  38. Bob Webb says:
    06 Apr 2023
    RIP Danny. The world lost a true Patriot and I lost a good friend. Many many great times to remember. God will have his hands full with you buddy. Ride on. Until we meet again.

  39. Brett Kelley says:
    06 Apr 2023
    I enjoyed our time floating in the pool and shooting the shit.

  40. Ed & Jean Smith says:
    06 Apr 2023
    We were blessed to know Danny as a neighbor here in Willowbend Subdivision, Florida.
    We liked him from the very first. Danny was refreshingly direct, and could gab on just about any subject of interest. He loved his family and his country, and was rightfully proud of his service as a Marine, as well as his roots in and around Alton, Illinois. His smile and ”can do” attitude will be missed not only by Margie and family, but also by many friends and neighbors. Our deepest sympathy goes out to Margie and all family.
    Ed & Jean Smith

  41. Kelly posted an image:
    06 Apr 2023
    Sundays at the pool with Danny were always the highlight of the week. Danny you will be missed. Thanks for all the laughs and chats.
    Sundays at the pool with Danny were always the highlight of the week. Danny you will be missed. Thanks for all the laughs and chats.

  42. Sindy Nagel says:
    06 Apr 2023
    Margie and family,
    We are so sorry to hear of Danny’s passing. He was a wonderful, fun-loving man and we enjoyed getting to know him and Margie at Casa Mar! Our prayers for your peace and comfort during this most difficult time. Sending love from Doug & Sindy

  43. Fred Powers says:
    06 Apr 2023
    Enjoy your Harley! You will be missed by me and so many more. Thank you for being my friend and the so many things you did to make my life better! Love you man!

  44. Margie posted an image:
    05 Apr 2023
    My happy and tan husband!
    My happy and tan husband!

  45. Margie posted an image:
    05 Apr 2023
    My happy husband I love you so much!
    My happy husband I love you so much!

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