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Laurie Golden
March 5, 2025
March 4, 2025
Thinking of you on your Birthday !!!
Cara
March 4, 2025
Happy heavenly birthday to Claude, or as I’ve noticed many call him, “Danny”. Danny, reading about your life, story, and service, I have been in awe in all you did and all the different disasters you responded to and helped with. You sound like such an incredible man and hero. I hope you are enjoying your special day where you are, and please know you and your great dedication are never forgotten. My condolences to your family and friends. Thank you so much for all you did, Danny.
Cheryl
September 11, 2024
Thinking of you today on 9/11.
Larry
September 7, 2024
So many years have passed since elementary school, when Danny was a friend. We lost contact over the years but I remember him as a happy, gregarious kid who always stood up for those who were bullied or teased. He had a big heart.
May his soul rest in peace.
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Laurie Golden
March 4, 2024
You are so often thought of - especially today on your birthday !!
Laurie Golden
September 12, 2023
Thoughts of you today
Joyce Scotti
September 12, 2023
Danny you are not forgotten. Your ITHS friends are with you and keeping your memory alive and with us always.
50 years since graduation. We honor and remember you.
Cheryl
September 10, 2023
Can´t believe all these years have passed. You are not forgotten.
Laurie Golden
March 4, 2023
Even though another year has gone by and another Birthday passes - you are not forgotten. You live in my heart and memories.
LAURIE GOLDEN
September 11, 2022
Thinking of you today and always !!
Laurie Golden
March 5, 2022
03/04/2022 : Sending Birthday thoughts !!!
Laurie Golden
December 31, 2021
Thinking of you today. I was just remembering this evening so many years ago when your path took that momentous turn...
David Brand
September 25, 2021
My best friend in the Ranger Battalion. Think about him all the time! Made a donation to tunnels to towers in his memory!
Cheryl
September 11, 2021
Thank you for your sacrifice and going above and beyond. While others ran out you ran in.
Laurie Golden
September 10, 2021
Never forgotten
Amy
September 10, 2021
You are always in our hearts and we miss you. Thinking of you Uncle Danny and the rest of our country on this 20th Anniversary.
Cheryl
September 8, 2021
As we get closer to the 20th Anniversary of 9/11 my heart is so heavy. Thinking of you and all those that perished that day.
Dennis Quealy
March 24, 2021
Grew up down the block from Danny. Always seemed to have a smile on his face and he certainly knew how to laugh. He came from a wonderful family. I´m sure they miss him terribly.
LAURIE GOLDEN
March 4, 2021
Another Birthday passes and you are still thought of today and often !!!
Laurie Golden
March 4, 2020
Thinking of you today on your Birthday !!!!!!
Laurie Golden
March 4, 2019
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DANNY. Think of you so very often !!!
Cheryl
September 11, 2018
Let us not forget the sacrifice you made. Thinking of you.
Cheryl
March 5, 2018
Happy Birthday! Sorry it's been so long. You're in my thoughts.
Laurie Golden
March 4, 2018
Thinking of you today on your Birthday !!!
LAURIE GOLDEN
March 6, 2017
MARCH 4,2017
THINKING OF YOU, TODAY...
HAPPY BIRTHDAY !!!
Laurie Golden
March 4, 2016
Here we are - 15 Birthdays missed !!
Happy Birthday, Dear Old Friend !!
Laurie Golden
March 4, 2015
Dear Danny
I so often think of you especially on this day, your birthday.
RIP
March 4, 2015
Happy Birthday Danny. Think about and miss you all the time. Last night told Hayden how you took me to Cirque du Soleil when they first came around. You were a great uncle to me. Love you.
Jeannie Kuhnert
September 12, 2014
Thoughts and prayers to Claude, his friends and family this time of year.
Cheryl
September 11, 2014
Thinking of you and I know you are still protecting all from above.
Laurie Golden
March 4, 2014
Thinking of you today on your Birthday !!!
March 4, 2014
Happy Birthday to you Danny. You are deeply missed and love, always in our hearts.
Cheryl
September 11, 2013
Thinking of your heroism and bravery on this anniversary of 9/11.
March 4, 2013
Happy Birthday Danny! Miss and love you.
Laurie Golden
March 4, 2013
Thinking of you and wishing you a
Happy Birthday up there.
Danny and Twin Towers in Background
February 5, 2013
Danny and his mom
February 5, 2013
Danny in Army Uniform
February 5, 2013
Tanja Janjic
February 4, 2013
I met a lot of people from all over the world while working for UN in Bosnia. Dan is one of the few that I actually remember. He was a wonderful person and I will never forget him.
Peggy Golden-Breidenbach
November 23, 2012
Dear Danny
Im sorry this took me so long but I think and pray for you often
Jeannie K.
September 11, 2012
This past Saturday, 9/8/12, the San Diego Firefighter Relief Association held its 2nd 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb. After very poignant opening ceremonies each participant in the stair climb (many of whom were SD firefighters who climbed 110 stories + in 80 pounds of gear)were each given the name/photo of a fallen hero from 9/11. As a civilian I was honored to represent Det. Richards as I climbed the 110 stories. Upon returning home I researched his name. After learning of his innate bravery, ability and desire to help others amidst the most dangerous of circumstances, I am even more honored to have represented such a man. May God bless him, his family and all who perished on the day that changed us forever. We will never forget.
Cheryl
September 11, 2012
Thinking of you...
Doug
September 6, 2012
God Speed and God bless Dan! You were a great tech and each time I go to Redstone I remember and see your name on the wall.
Michel GRACIA
June 26, 2012
Just few words from a former french collegue who served in Bosnia in 1997 with Dan RICHARDS.
I will never forget you Dan.
Laurie Golden
March 4, 2012
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Danny - Thinking of you today and always !!
Love Laurie Golden
David Johnson
September 13, 2011
I was a UN Police Officer in Croatia, Bosnia, and Kosovo. I met Dan once, and his old partner is a good friend of mine. Dan, set the standard that all humans would do well to follow. He also knew what he was running into that day. He could have stayed out and done something else but he could not. He was a leader.
Dan saw the horrors of war that were in Bosnia, and Croatia. He saw the overflowing grave yards, and the children who suffered the most. When he came back home he tried to tell about the demons of war, but only those who were there know.
I salute Detective 1st class Claude Richards and the other Police and yes the 343 that died on that day. I would like to quote the speaker at the funeral of a member of Easy Company the 506th parachute Regiment 101st Airborne Division The Sergeant was a member of the filthy 13th who we know today as the dirty dozen. He said as we mourn the deaths of these men let us than God they lived.
Dan Was a Ranger, a New York Police Officer, and a Bomb Man in New York, and Bosnia when everyone was running out of the WTC he was running in. True Grit in the real world.
I am the Father of three Firefighters part of my heart was also left in those Buildings.
moira Prendergast
September 11, 2011
Today September 11,2011, Bainbridge Island Washington at the Island Church, I sang Mozart's Requiem with the Bainbridge Chorale in commemoration of 9/11 and all those who died. We each were given a name of someone who perished on that tragic day. I wore Claude's name while singing. I didn't know who he was, but I thought about him and offered up the music to him and his family and hoped that in some way he would be present for them today. I will carry his name in remembrance. I wish you peace and love.
Laurie Golden
September 11, 2011
You are not forgotten, today and always.
Thank you !
Laurie Golden
Kim Vetter
September 9, 2011
i didnt know claude richards but i feel like i have a bond with him...i wear his memorial bracelet in his memeory and all this time i never thought to look him up.. he was a stranger to me.. Now i feel like the bond is greater knowing the kind of person he was.. he will never be forgotten and i feel it is an honor to bear his name on my memory bracelet.. May he rest in peace.. My condolences to his sisters and brothers
trisha brown
September 4, 2011
Ten years have passed and I remember coming to keep you guys company in the bomb truck by the stock exchange. Miss you Dan... you always had words of wisdom for me.
Dave Johnson
August 18, 2011
I went to work with Dan when we Started to work with the UN in 1996. in 2001 I went to Trebinja in Bosnia ,and that was where Dan had worked on a different UN mission. They all spoke well of him...RIP
Dave Johnson louisville Kentucky Police Department Retired
April 11, 2011
robert & edwina never met claude but knowing the family he comes from he did what he loved best and is truly miss by his family and friends
Laurie Golden
March 4, 2011
Happy Birthday, Danny !!!!!!
David Brand
September 11, 2010
Dan and I were best buddies for a couple of years in the 2nd Ranger Bm in Fort Lewis 1977-1979. He was a great guy and I especially remember how giving he was and on a lighter note - how stylish he always dressed! I lost contact with him over the years and only found out a year or so ago that he was in the tower on 9/11. Great guy!
Amy Rochler
September 11, 2010
Always in our Heart. Miss you.
Cheryl
September 11, 2010
As I carry you in my heart, you fly like a Angel.
Cheryl
September 11, 2010
Thinking of you always.
Laurie Golden
March 5, 2010
March 4, 2010
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Danny
Amy Rochler
September 11, 2009
Thinking of you today and missing you.
Love,
Amy
Nebojsa Sajic
March 20, 2009
May you rest in peace my friend, it was an honor working with you, and knowing you
March 20, 2009
Dan,
It was really nice knowing you and working with you.. Your friends from Sapna IPTF Station (Bosnia) will always remember you. May you rest in peace my friend.
Kay (Bosnia)
Doug Abraham
March 4, 2009
Happy Birthday!!!
Laurie Golden
March 4, 2009
Happy Birthday, Danny.
Nadine Rochler
March 4, 2009
Happy Birthday Danny! I miss you and think of you often.
Love, Nadine
Vladimir Radojevic
January 14, 2009
I loved a man
Nadine Rochler
September 11, 2008
Danny, I miss and love you and always carry my memory of you with me. Today however, and every anniversary of 9/11 you consume my thoughts.
Amy
September 11, 2008
Uncle Danny - You are always in my heart.
Cheryl
March 5, 2008
In Memory..Happy Birthday!
Doug Abraham
March 4, 2008
Happy Birthday!!!
Laurie Golden
March 4, 2008
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DANNY
Love
Laurie Golden
Mirjana Dragutinovic
November 12, 2007
Back in January of 1997, while stationed in Zvornik, BIH, as an officer of UN International Police Task Force, Dan stopped by my Mom's tailor shop to ask if she could saw on some patches onto his uniform. As she did not speak English she called me over to interpret. That's how we met. Shortly after, I began working for the UN IPTF myself and got assigned to the same police station. We stayed in touch even after he went back to NY. I still keep his e-mail address in my address book.
Dan was a man of great dignity and honor, a leader and a great listener. He came to post-war Bosnia without prejudice and was respected by all sides.
I treasure every moment we shared together. He is a true hero.
May you rest in piece, dear friend.
Michael Keefer
August 7, 2007
Rangers Lead The Way!
kristine
April 17, 2007
As I stitched your name on the memorial that I am doing for all of the victims, I prayed for you and your family. Please know that your death was not in vain. We will always remember. God Bless.
laurie
March 4, 2007
Happy Birthday - Danny
P Tabbernor
February 15, 2007
In memory....
Jeff Gilbert
January 7, 2007
I've only just learned of Danny's death. I served with him in the second ranger battalion. It was a rare occurrence that we ended up in the same squad, he being raised in Bethpage and I in Old Bethpage. I came to believe that I could trust my life to Danny. In retrospect I've come to realize that my intuition was well fouded as proven by his willingness to sacrifice for the weel-being of others.
Cheryl
September 14, 2006
Another year has gone by.. thinking about you.
Laurie Golden
March 4, 2006
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DANNY
James Mckenna
November 25, 2005
I never met Dan but knew his brother Billy and his sister Helen.Billy was a Viet Nam war hero who suffered severe wounds from friendly fire.I have no doubt Dan was every bit the hero Billy was.It is with great respect and honor I salute these American hereos.Gods speed.
Cheryl Okino
September 11, 2005
Det. Richards, Today I feel sad and happy both at the same time. I feel sad knowing this is yet another anniversary of that horrible day that took your life along with many others. I also feel the happiness of knowing you are in a much better place then the rest of us. To know that you are watching over me and others. Thank you for being my "Angel". Your in my heart!
Laurie Golden
March 4, 2005
DANNY,
HAPPY BIRTHDAY !
Laurie
Laurie Golden
March 4, 2004
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DANNY
Love Laurie
Laurie Golden
March 4, 2004
Dear Danny,
HAPPY BIRTHDAY !
Love Laurie
Laurie Golden
March 4, 2004
DEAR DANNY,
HAPPY BIRTHDAY !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
LOVE, Laurie
Miro Ishikawa
September 11, 2003
Dear Dan:
I am writing to let you know that I am thinking of you and your family today.
-Miro
Laurie Golden
March 4, 2003
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DANNY
Nadine Rochler
November 9, 2002
I wrote this not too long after 9/11/01 and after reading all of the passages, I thought I too would now share some of my thoughts and memories of a very special man, my very special Uncle Danny.
Some of you know my uncle as Claude, or Dan, but my family and I know him as Danny.
Danny made a big impact on my life. When I think of him, there is one word that always comes to mind – integrity. My uncle was a man of enormous integrity. He encompassed truth, justice and the American way.
Danny was 10 years older than me, and I always looked up to him like an older brother. When I was a kid, I would often sleep at my grandmother’s house, especially in the summer. I remember Danny as always working, and then in the evenings, he would sometimes go out, but I would wait in his room for him to come home. I clearly remember his room, his furniture, his boxing gloves, free weights, his platform shoes (which were trendy then), his bed and his small black and white TV. Before he would leave for his evening job, I would ask him if we could watch TV together when he would return home. Sometimes, we would stay up late and watch an old movie, other times, I would watch TV and fall asleep on his bed before he would return. But, I would always wake up on the spare bed in my Aunt’s room in the morning, wondering, how did I get here? Then it dawned on me - Danny must have gently picked me up and carried me to my bed, and I would take comfort knowing what a nice and gentle uncle I have. I would also make his bed and clean his room when I stayed at my grandmothers. Danny would give me $5 each day I did that – in the 70’s that was a lot of money – more than minimum wage. And if you know Danny, his room was already quite tidy, but he made it a little untidy so I could do something nice for him, and he something nice for me. He was sweet and generous in his own unassuming way.
He was certainly one of a kind. I remember one summer in the late 70’s – it might have been the 4th of July. Danny was always very fit and athletic, and on this particular day, he got it in his head to show the family how strong he was. He coaxed my grandmother to sit on his back while he did push-ups on the backyard lawn. Needless to say, we were all humoursly impressed by this exhibit of his strength. Some years later, Danny took up kickboxing and I remember going to watch him in a competition at Adventureland in Farmingdale. Danny always challenged himself. He studied Karate, joined the army, became a black beret and eventually an airborne ranger. We corresponded regularly while he was in the army – Danny would write about parachuting out of planes, and I would write about school and soccer. We were proud of one another and we shared a special bond.
On one birthday when I was turning into a young woman, Danny gave me a black cotton tube dress. He said it was in fashion and very popular with the girls in the city. I felt so special that he put time and effort in selecting it for me. I was always a tomboy and Danny made me feel like a princess.
I also want to share with you that when I was in my 20's living in NYC, Danny opened me up to the arts. He took me to see the French Canadian Circus, Cirque du Soleil in the early 90’s. I was so happy and felt so proud to tell others that my uncle was taking me to this event, and of course, we had the best seats! He even made sure that he bought a program for me to save as a keepsake. Danny also took me to other performances too, because he wanted to open me up to the arts and culture.
I also want to add that Danny was also a special uncle to my brother, sister and cousins. When we were young and growing up, he interacted, played and took an interest in all of us. He was giving of himself and his time and those are memories we will always treasure.
I watched Danny evolve on his own, he developed into a man who consistently broadened his horizon’s, while making the world a better place. He put himself through college, and educated himself both academically, socially and culturally. He was also a man with patience who was willing to teach and share his knowledge with others.
There are many memories that I have of my uncle, but there is one last one in particular that I will share with you. When I was kid, I remember sitting on the stairs inside my grandmother’s house and Danny asked me, "Nadine, what are your nationalities?" I answered and when I finished Danny said, "Nadine, first you are American. Always say you are American first." Even as a young adult, Danny was always proud to be an American.
Danny was a very special uncle to me, I looked up to him and loved and admired him. When he joined the police force, I thought the city of NY was so lucky to have him as one of their own. He will always be in my heart and I know how lucky I am to have had him in my life.
His last written words to me were “love you” and now, mine are, "I love you too." :)
Sheila Richards
November 8, 2002
I didn't know this man - just browsing on this site and discovered we shared the same last name. From reading the previous entries this man was loved and is missed by many. God Bless his family.
Valerie & Jose Perez
September 11, 2002
We knew "Dan". A great guy....
"One more year to retirement"
I remember his words so clearly...
Always friendly, always kind.
Someone who as so many other were, was off duty that day. Saw what was happening.....and raced down the west side. He never came home.
But he will live in our hearts, and his name will be told to my children, and their children.
A true hero, in all meanings of the word. Heros never die~ they live forever.
Dean Ovshak
September 11, 2002
Dear Dan,
I will never forget the time we spent together in Bosnia. I still look back at the pictures of our first day at the Sapna station. After having read what others wrote about you I see they knew the same Claude "Dan" as I knew. I kept saying I wanted to come to NYC and visit, I guess I put it off once to often... On 9/11 I was on duty and had just walked into the report room. Another officer told me that a plane hit one of the Towers. Knowing you, the first thing that went through my mind was, Claude will be right up in the front line to help others. The world was a better place with you in it! You are loved and missed by so many!!!!!
Good Bye, Deano
Janey & Tiffany Singer
September 10, 2002
I have only seen pictures of Det. Richards, my Ex-husband (Dean Ovshak)went to Bosnia with him. May God Bless you for the work you had done and still doing from above, and may God Bless your family with courage, strength and faith. Your name will be mention at the service on 09/11 at St. Joseph's Church in Stuart Fla.
Janet Worsham
September 5, 2002
We never met in person, but we spoke by phone about equipment your squad needed. I will be visiting New York on 9/11/02, I called to speak with you and was informed of your death, my shock left me speechless. I will visit your squad on 9/11/02 and I know you made sure they had the best equipment. My prayers for you and your family.
Bill Lawler
August 28, 2002
I'M a former bomb guy with ROchester PD. I met Dan and the NYPD bomb guys. They are heroic and first class bunch of guys. I ran the Chicago and NY Marathon in Dan's name. I had a NYPD Bomb Squad Shirt with "Im Memory of Det. Dan Richards, NYPD Bomb Squad, 9/11/01." I got many good wishes from fellow runners an bystanders. It was an honor to do it. I'm running the Chicago Marathon in Dan's name this year also. He was a hero that sacrificed his life for his country.
Inv. Bill Lawler RPD
billy keher
August 3, 2002
Danny, It was great knowing you in high school-we had a lot of laughs. I am really glad to hear about all the great things you did for the great city of NEW YORK. I know you are in great hands now.Thanks for everything you did. GOD BE WITH YOU! Billy Keher
Eddie Keher
July 29, 2002
Good Bye for now "Everything Man Dan". That is our personal nickname for Dan. ( He actually made up for himself.) Dan helped to make my High School years alot more bearable. We weren't the best of students, grade wise, but we were always there to socialize. Everything Man Dan was like by everyone who knew him, and LOVED by many others, my self included. I will pray for you, and I'm sure we'll see each other again in Gods Kingdom. Island Trees has lost another Great alumni. I hope you & Chuck will meet me at the gate when its my time.
See you then "Everything Man Dan"
Miro
July 12, 2002
Dan, remember you gave me 2 T-shirts of NYPD Bomb Squad long time ago? I loved those shirts and used to wear them to my acting classes all the time! (in fact I loved them so much that I literrally forced you to give me the 2nd one :-)
It was so cool that many people came up to me and said "You have a friend in bomb squad?"
But back then I guess I did not know the gravity of seriousness and the fact that you were placed in an imminent danger in your job. Because I never expected that I would be shedding tears thinking of you like this....
My precious friends have miraculously survived from 89th floor of WTC1 by running out of the building only a few minutes before it collapsed. And I would like to thank you and your collegues for.... Gosh I don't know what to say....
Hey, they made a charity poster of WTC which is made from thousands of images of victims. And you know what? Your picture was right next to Florence, another friend of mine from WTC2. I was surprised and warmly touched by this coincidence. Hope you guys can meet in the peaceful Heaven.
I wish I was nicer to you. I wish we could get to know you even more. There are so many "i wish"'s stinging my heart right now. But I would like you to know that I have always known that you were a nice man.
Good-bye Dan. And again, THANK YOU.
Miro ([email protected])
Denise Zupo
July 7, 2002
My Uncle Danny was truly a gift. I know he is up in heaven making sure everything is in perfect order for when the rest of us join him...
You are truly missed...
Emil Zupo
June 7, 2002
Danny Richards was my brother in law and I will always remember him as a very special person. I first met Danny when he was ten years old and even then he was different than the other Richards kids. He was always focused and did he have a mind of his own. He never told you what you wanted to hear, he always told it like it was. I always respected him for that, even though we didn't always agree on every thing. We spent alot of time together when he was a kid. I would take him and his brother Jimmy bowling and we liked to play baseball too. I took him for a few Airplane rides until he through up all over me. I never let him forget that. I will really miss Danny and I will really miss his brother Billy too. The Richards brothers were the best!
ernie r
May 24, 2002
How are u today is the way i greeted Dan almost everyday. i owned the neighborhood ravioli store he shopped about once a week.i knew he was special cause he told me he worked on the Bomb Squad,he was very respectful to me and he always had an ear to listen to the gossip and petty crimes that i mentioned to him when he came to shop. little did i know how great of a man he really was. he was a giant! well everytime i see his picture now i give him a big thumbs up and say thanks and remember him walking past my window on hudson street with a great smile..the best to all his family and friends and thanks Dan for looking out for the USA... Ernie
Angie Campbell
May 13, 2002
**********GOD BLESS YOU**********
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