DANIEL SMULLYAN

An amazing man who was a true beacon from our college years. His voice still resonates in my soul

We keep the memory, of Daniel sharing his presence and his music, safely stored. Randy and Steve / Doc

I met Dan at the University of Pittsburgh in 1965. He was a true cosmic soul and wonderful singer-songwriter whose political and apolitical music was unique and mesmerizing. We were roommates at school and in the summer in NYC and I considered him one of my closest friends and fellow travellers. I just saw this Obituary and am truly saddened by his departure from this wicked world that his presence only made brighter.

I just found a photo of Dan and me playing guitars on what looks like Mamaroneck Ave. I don't recall the occasion, though it certainly was during our Mamaroneck High days. It made me wonder what had become of Dan, who I lost tough with many years ago. Doing a Google search, I found the obit that was in the NY Times. It greatly saddens me when I think back to the time we hung out, playing guitars and singing folk songs. I was so impressed with Dan's songwriting, and a bit envious. I thought...

I was thinking about Danny tonight. I hadn't seen him for about ten years but he is the kind of person you never forget.
We both worked on the lower east side and would have a weekly lunch. I always looked forward to this lunch somehow it helped us make more sense of the world and it helped ground me and I really needed it. We played in a band together. Two boys and two girls. It was my favorite band. There was a quality about it that all members so wanted the other members to succeed....

It's taken me this long to write about my dearest friend here because I can't accept that he's gone. I'm as stunned today as I was on the day I heard the news. I hear myself murmuring subterranean words, like a morse code thumping along in my blood. My heart transmits the messages to my brain: He is always in my heart and soul and always will be. That's the message.

He loved everyday people and the innocence of animalsparticularly dogs. He burned with a fierce hatred for human...

We will be one of the keepers of the memories of how generous Dan was with his gifts. One of the images held close is Dan with guitar in hand surrounded by appreciated guests at our holiday event. And his joy when sharing.
We can only hope that the happy memories of the years you spent as a family will be a comfort to you during this time.
Char, our thoughts are with you and your family. xo! Randy and Doc

My brother, who was Danny's age, and I were friends of Danny's when we were young in Harbor Heights. He stayed in touch and has often told me about Dan's marvelous talents and warm humanity. I remember his warm friendship, Debbie's warm smile,and his wonderful and welcoming parents. I was deeply saddened when I learned of his death. My deepest condolences to his family and friends. I will remember him with fondness.

Dan's Opening Lines:

i was in the war against japan...

must have bored the moment of birth

march of the brain dead, like toast we pop up out of bed

we used to love to make her honey of an engine moan

mirror, have you ever seen a mug like this?

if you're looking to do things right, i'm the man for the job

bakers drop confections, puppets tangle string

color socks that i wore on monday kind of soup that i ate for lunch

the night is...