Daniel Stewart Brightman (Danny) died of cancer on November 1, 2021. He was 39 years old.
Danny was a human encyclopedia, his brain a ceaseless sponge that retained as much information as possible from whatever source he could find. This came in handy for him when engaging in arguments, one of his favorite pastimes. He was an avid reader. One of his favorite parts of Christmas was looking forward to the World Almanac his grandparents left for him in his stocking every year. He had a particular affinity for world geography, including details about global economies, politics, and natural wonders and terrains. One of his favorite works of fiction was A Confederacy of Dunces.
A long-time lover of baseball, Danny turned his attention and fandom to the San Francisco Giants after their persistent postseason appearances and World Series championships throughout the early 2010’s. This past summer Danny finally had a chance to see the Giants
play, a series sweep of the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. “Baseball is purity; it mocks life most accurately as every pitch makes it a completely different game; some changes more dramatic than others, nonetheless, all plans must be altered if you plan to compete.”
- Danny Brightman
Charming, witty, and stubborn as all get-out, Danny will be remembered as someone who lived life on his own terms. He challenged systems and processes and philosophized about better ways for communities to thrive. He loved food, especially spicy food. He loved music
and was a devoted Widespread Panic fan, a gift he shared with many others. Danny was a steward of nature and loved to be outside. He walked everywhere. Danny was often referred to as a leprechaun by his friends, and his father won’t ever forget the good luck
Danny brought during his best ever round of golf at Waveland in the 80s, walking the course on a hot summer day with his 2.5 year leprechaun in tow.
Danny will be lovingly remembered by his parents Marte Martinez Brightman and John & Julia Brightman; younger siblings Chelsea (Brightman) and Ryan Legner, Meg Bartholomew, Mary Brightman and Owen Brightman; maternal grandmother, several aunts, uncles, and cousins; one niece, two nephews; and the countless friends he made along the way.
In Danny’s memory, the family encourages donations to plant memorial trees through the Arbor Day Foundation at https://shop.arborday.org/trees-in-memory
A celebration of Danny’s life took place over the summer when Danny could be a part of it. Danny’s friends and family showed up in droves and it was a lovely day. Family and friends are invited to gather again in Danny’s honor on Saturday November 13, from 4-7p in the back room at the Station on Ingersoll.