Born on July 14, 1957 in Imus, Cavite, Philippines, Danny was the 5th of nine children of Petronilo Delos Santos and Petronila Santarin Delos Santos. He was still in grade school when his father passed away so his older sister, Sedelfina (endearly called Ate Pining), helped him finish high school. Wanting to earn a college degree, he worked his way to college but did not get to finish it because he prioritized working to have an income to help his family.
His mother would always say that Danny’s creativity and love for the arts already showed when he was only 3 years old. His toys were just pencil and paper. His teachers in elementary and high school would commission him to do the school’s bulletin boards and other displays that require artwork. It is no surprise then that he studied Fine Arts in college.
Danny met his wife, Maria Cynthia “Cindy” Llorente, in 1977, when they were both in college. Their relationship led to a church wedding on May 3, 1979 and gave them 3 wonderful children: Catherine Diane, Camille Diane, and Dan Joseph.
Danny put up his own printing shop to support his family. When his children started schooling, it became financially challenging for him and Cindy so, in 1985, Danny decided to leave and work in Rome, Italy where 3 of his brothers and an uncle were also working. Because of their combined musical talents, Danny and his 3 brothers formed their own music band in Rome and played for the Filipino community during special events.
Danny also became an officer in the Filipino Community and that gave him the opportunity to be in a choir that sang during the canonization of San Lorenzo Ruiz. It is also in Rome that Danny experienced his life’s biggest trial but it turned out to be his biggest blessing because it gave him the opportunity to personally meet Mother Teresa who, just like San Lorenzo Ruiz, is also now a Saint.
In 1995, Danny left Rome for good to be with his wife and children in the Philippines. He continued his printing business, at first, but later, worked as a Philippine Immigration Officer, with the help of his wife’s employer, then Philippine Speaker of the House, Jose De Venecia, Jr. In December of 2009, though, Danny and Cindy had to migrate to the United States due to a 23-year-old petition of his US citizen elder sister, Pining. They had to leave behind, not only their better careers, but also their 3 children who had aged-out of the petition.
Together with his wife Cindy, Danny was an active servant of the Light of Jesus Family (LOJF), a big spiritual community in the Philippines. Their spiritual relationship with the Lord further strengthened the relationship amongst their family members. When they came to the United States, they joined the LOJF chapter in Las Vegas where Danny became a member of its Music Ministry.
In 2012, Danny started working as a Casino Porter at Mandalay Bay and continued working until he got sick and eventually passed away on May 30, 2022. He was well-liked by his superiors and co-workers due to his industry and great social skills. He made many friends at work.
Danny is survived by his wife, Cindy, their 3 children, Cathy, Camille, and DJ, and 9 grandchildren, Christen, Christopher, Clarisse, Elmo, Ava, Antonio, Dani Girl, Madi and Nicko, who endearly call him Papa2. Danny was truly proud that his grandchildren exhibited his talents in music and the arts.
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“Pa, you touched many lives with your talent in music and the arts. You will be sorely missed. May you continue singing with God’s choir in heaven and making beautiful paintings for the Lord. To God be the glory!”
I love you,
Mama
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