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DANIEL SMULLYAN Obituary

SMULLYAN--Daniel.

Died Wednesday, October 19, 2016, at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Born July 15, 1947, in Manhattan, son of Robert S. Smullyan and Irene Lapouse Smullyan. Graduate of Mamaroneck (New York) High School, 1965. Worked in New York as a graphic designer, first at Vantage Press and later at the Columbia Spectator. Gifted and prolific singer-songwriter with a love of the blues, he performed in clubs and coffeehouses in the city over many years. Poet and artist, incredible cook, lover of nature, scholar of boxing, lifelong Yankees fan. Unflinching seeker and teller of truth and champion of the working man. Sweet, brilliant, humble, passionate, eloquent, he was a lodestar to his adoring family and friends, by whom he will be forever remembered and missed. He leaves his wife, Char, twin sons Brady (with wife Paula) and Egon (with wife Vicki and son Sloan), a sister Deborah (with husband John Sullivan), a nephew, John Sullivan, a niece, Margaret Sullivan (with husband Philip Messier), and five cousins. Also sorely missed by his beloved dog Alexander. Plans for a memorial gathering will be announced at a later date.

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Published by New York Times on Oct. 25, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for DANIEL SMULLYAN

Sponsored by anonymous.

17 Entries

Michael Bennett

May 20, 2025

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

Randy Osofsky

October 19, 2023

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

Michael Bennett

October 13, 2023

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.

Evan Roth

January 6, 2019

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 he would go on to a recording career; he was that good. We also went to hootenanies together in Greenwich Village. What a great time it was. And what a terrific guy he was.

I'm not sure if Dan's family will see this but if they do, I offer my sincerest condolences.

PS if you do read this, might you contact me at the email below?

Richard Salter

April 15, 2017

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. Danny was the front man and it was mostly his original songs that we played. I loved his songs, his spirit. He had this shy sweetness that was contagious.
I miss him and will always remember him. Rick

Marty Babits

December 5, 2016

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 stupidity, greed, self-centeredness.

I can't say that I will miss himas if it were something in the future---because I've been missing him every minute for a long time now. Wherever his spirit resides I hope to be there someday and catch up with his on-going story.

Randy & Doc

November 3, 2016

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

Robert Funicello

October 31, 2016

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 from the Rollo years

Kurt Ochshorn

October 29, 2016

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 saying something to us
i saw lightning, i felt a drop

we're playing hearts and it's 2 am
i wanna win it

go ahead you can have my heart
it's been through a lot
a little more won't break it

you don't know me
we've never been formally introduced...

Norma Greenberg

October 27, 2016

My sister Carole and I remember all the members of the Smullyan family with fondness and nostalgia. Both our families lived in Mamaroneck and Danny (he was not Dan in those days,) Debbie, Carole and I were the same age. Our parents were great friends with Robbie and Irene ; indeed many of their works of art were brokered by Rob and his portrait of a Rabbi was a treasured painting that hung in our childhood home in Mamaroneck and then in Malibu,CA where they moved in 1986. I wish I had known Dan as an adult; I know we would have been great friends. I offer my deepest condolences to his family and need to let you know that he was a very special little kid.
Norma Greenberg

Your friends and neighbors

October 27, 2016

Our deepest sympathies to Char and all of Dan's loved ones.

October 27, 2016

Joan Franklin. I remember you, Dan, with heartfelt fondness and admiration. Eternal Blessings.

October 26, 2016

Dan will be missed,may he R.I.P and may God continue to bless and comfort grieving ones.

October 26, 2016

I remember Dan as a playmate growing up in Mamaroneck with him. His sister Deb and parents Robby and Irene were an integral part of my life. It seems unfair for such a precious human being to be taken but such is life. xo

Judy Katz

October 25, 2016

I was very sad to read of Dan's passing, Char. It was so much fun working with you at PS 87! Please accept my deepest sympathies.

Lisa Martin

October 25, 2016

Thank you for your friendship, Dan. I always appreciated your wisdom, your great musical talent, and your support of Marty and me. So happy you were our "best man." We'll always miss you.

Margot Capra

October 25, 2016

I will always remember my lovely cousin and smile. Margot Smullyan Capra, Rancho Mirage, Ca.

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