RICHARD (DICK) CHARLES DANYSH
December 21, 1948 - August 17, 2025
Richard (Dick) Charles Danysh, passed away on August 17, 2025. He was a proud native son of San Antonio for 76 years. He was born on December 21, 1948, to his loving parents, Jack and Clara Danysh. Dick fought a difficult battle with cancer for three and a half years in the most gracious and positive way imaginable. His deep faith and marvelous sense of humor is what supported him and the family through this very difficult time. Dick always spoke of his gratitude for the beautiful life he was given. As a very caring husband, father and grandfather he was an inspiration.
In 1967 Dick graduated from Central Catholic High School. He attended Tulane University and graduated in1971. He received his law degree from St Mary's University School of Law in 1974. Dick began his practice with Legal Aid and eventually went to work with James N Martin (Martin & Drought), followed by Matthews & Nowlin which became Matthews & Branscomb and eventually joined Bracewell LLP. Dick practiced law for 52 years. He tried 40 civil trials to verdict. Dick was honored for his skills by his election into the American College of Trial Lawyers. His area of practice was commercial and personal injury litigation. He served a wide variety of clients. Dick gave selflessly to pro bono work throughout his career for those in need of legal support. In recent years, Dick spent time with RAICES Texas to help advocate for under served immigrant children, families and refugees.
In the spring of 1975 Dick met Kathleen Drought at a Fiesta party and together they danced the night away. In January of 1977 they were married and shared 48 years of true happiness. Their two sons, Travis and Peter, were the ultimate gifts from their union. As a father, Dick was firm but fair. He truly treasured teaching and sharing all he could to guide his sons along the way. Dick encouraged outdoor activities with tennis, golfing, swimming, fishing, kayaking and sailing. He also loved coaching baseball. Among the most meaningful things he taught the boys was the importance of being disciplined. It is something both sons took to heart and has served them well over the years. From the day Kathleen and Dick were married, Dick religiously kept a daily journal. A fond memory are the phone calls or texts sent by him reminding everyone what they were doing 5 or 10 years ago. It was fun to receive and remember how time flies by.
The happiest times in Dick's life were spent in the hill country, on a golf course, fishing, sailing, entertaining and traveling with friends and family. He also had a real passion for swimming. As a member of the San Antonio Country Club, he could be found swimming laps regularly no matter how bad or good the weather was. Dick received great pleasure on the club golf course as well. He was also an enthusiastic reader of many genres and was a deep thinker. He loved to engage in discussions with friends on a wide variety of subjects. Speaking of friendship, he truly loved being a part of a group of friends that called themselves the "Marathon Mountain Men". They go to Big Bend once a year to howl at the moon, enjoy being surrounded by beauty and special friendships. Dick was a member of The Argyle, German Club and Order of the Alamo. He was also a parishioner of St. Anthony de Padua Catholic Church for many years. Dick also found the greatest joy in his relationships with his two beautiful daughters in law, Katie and Milly, and his three adorable grandchildren.
Dick was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Clara Danysh; his mother and father-in-law, Tom and Jane Drought; and his brother-in-law, Tommy Drought. He is survived by his wife, Kathleen Drought Danysh; his sons, Travis Danysh (Milly Wang-Danysh), Peter Danysh (Katie Skarke Danysh); as well as three grandchildren Miles, Finn and Thea Danysh. He is also survived by his sister, Donna Carrabba; and his brother, Don Danysh (Linda); sisters and brothers in law, Janie and Philip Bell, Virginia and Chuck King; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Dick will be remembered as a true gentleman who was kind, generous, gracious with a quick and witty sense of humor and a humble spirit. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him dearly.
Memorial Mass
Thursday,
August 28, 2025
11 a.m.
St. Anthony de Padua
102 Lorenz Rd.
San Antonio,
Texas 78209
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the San Antonio Food Bank, 5200 Historic, Old Hwy 90W, San Antonio, Texas 78227; St Anthony de Padua, 102 Lorenz Rd., San Antonio, Texas 78209; The Holdsworth Center, 4907 Ranch Rd. 2222, Austin, Texas 78731; or a
charity of your choice.
For those unable to attend the service, a livestream link can be found on his obituary page at
www.porterloring.comPublished by San Antonio Express-News on Aug. 24, 2025.