Daniel (Danny) Frawley 8/28/86 – 4/17/14
As a young boy, Danny Frawley loved scouts and camping. He was a loyal friend, loved to laugh and was never afraid to give his dad a hug in public. His parents taught him to never be ashamed to show you love someone. And that is what Danny is most remembered for…helping, loving and supporting others including family, friends & even strangers who became friends. Even while facing his own personal struggles and addiction, Danny was always, always helping others.
Danny is remembered for his big bear hugs, which could heal any wound, physical or emotional. He always knew what to say to make one’s heart whole, and he brought humor to even the darkest moments. Danny had a special gift for reading people. He could see and feel things that others would overlook. One felt comfortable confiding in him because he was such a caring and charismatic guy! To all who knew and loved him, and who were blessed by his caring soul, Danny was someone who left an everlasting loving mark on the soul.
Danny was the apple of his younger sister, Cassie’s eye, and protector of her heart; having guided her through life’s experiences. Her big brother was her confidant and her friend. Cassie shares this: “Growing up, my brother Dan was my best friend. We had a nine-year age difference, so he played a strong caregiver role for me. I admired him for many things, but mostly for his courage to wander and his soul-searching mentality. His addiction didn’t matter to me; he was my favorite human. It’s taken me a long time to fully comprehend the trauma he must have endured in his short life. I am approaching my 27th birthday in October, and it’s haunting because I will soon be the same age he was at the time of his passing. I was only 18 when he passed, and I was only just beginning to discover who I was. Losing Danny has shaped me in so many ways; life just isn’t the same without him. There’s an emptiness at family gatherings, an awkward silence where his laugh used to be. A cold breeze replaces his warm embrace. On February 1st of this year, we welcomed our son whom we named his middle name “Daniel.” He has brightened our lives in so many ways, but the feelings of grief linger knowing Danny will never hold him, teach him guitar or play ball (like Danny liked to do). It breaks my heart that Danny can’t experience this amazing joy from our baby boy.
I can hear his cackle in the back of my mind when I see his smile in photographs, and it warms my soul. He lives on in all the lives he shaped; igniting change and spreading compassion.”
Since 2015, Danny’s loving legacy has been carried forward through an annual WNY-area campaign organized by his Aunt Melissa (Danny’s “Aunt Sissy”). The campaigned, titled “Stuff the Sneakers,” collects and distributes community donations of footwear and personal care items to local organizations that service adults, youth and children facing homelessness, addiction and or less fortunate circumstances. In 2021, the campaign welcomed Kids Escaping Drugs as an additional community partner to benefit from campaign donations.
From Danny’s Aunt Sissy: “I chose to establish a campaign to honor Danny and our shared passion for helping others. Just several months prior to his passing, Danny and I were each collecting donations for those facing homelessness in the communities where we lived…me in Buffalo and Danny in Kansas. I remember Danny calling me and telling me about his collection, and how he was personally handing out donations to individuals who were homeless and living under bridges. Danny had experienced a short period of homelessness himself, and wanted to help those facing the same struggle. During one of our last conversations, Danny shared with me that I had inspired him through my community service efforts. I believe we inspired one another. He was my “little buddy” and I miss him terribly. It brings comfort knowing that his loving spirit has helped hundreds of people over the past 8 years. I am so proud of him for never giving up during his lifetime and struggles, and for living on through this spirit of giving in our community.”
Danny’s hopes and dreams included recovery from addiction, getting married, securing employment and reconnecting with his family. Some of his hopes and dreams were fulfilled, while others were on their way to being fulfilled, prior to his untimely passing in 2014.
Daniel (Danny) Frawley, beloved son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, husband, stepfather, friend, supporter, NA sponsor and employee – is sorely missed and will never be forgotten by all who adored him and whose lives he lovingly impacted.
Happy 38th Birthday to Danny in Heaven today, August 28th.
Stuff the Sneakers Features
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