Daniel Clay Obituary

Dan, you've been gone awhile but you are always remembered. We were thick as thieves in our Tommy More days. You were a loyal friend and confidant. See you when I see you Rico. Maybe we can open up that italian bar/restaurant like we talked about...but it will have to be on the other side.

Uncle Danny,

We all miss you. I was young when you left us, but I will always cherish the memories you have given me and the stories that get shared about you. I loved being able to ride on your shoulders at the pumpkin patch and our adventures to the park in Addison. I will forever wish we could still be with you and share our life experiences with you as well. You were an awesome uncle!

Love you!

Hey Uncle Danny,

Turned 25 recently. That makes it about 21 years since you have been around, which is wild to think about. I was pretty young when you left us but your memory continues to lives on. I am sure you hate all the videos my mom has on VHS (still trying to get her to convert them to CDs), but I love watching them. You were truly one of a kind person that I am happy to have had during that time of my life. I think about you often, more when it thunderstorms (my mom always told me you were bowling with your grandma) and find comfort knowing you're looking down on us. I hope we make you proud.

Love you.

Going through a rough patch back in high school, I had the opportunity to spend a couple of weeks with Danny, Marilyn and Steve at their home on Mozart. Up until that time I had only casually known Danny through family gatherings here and there. Because of the age gap we had never really hung out. Be that as it may, Danny didn't hesitate to take me under his wing. We talked and got to know each other, hung out everyday and he even took the little scrawny kid that I was to the health club and taught me how to workout. What he didn't fill me in on was that if you over do it, you'll be hurting. I couldn't bend my elbows for two days and he thought that was hilarious. I still think he left me in the dark on purpose. At the end of those two weeks I had a new friend. Danny was a great guy. He didn't have to spend any time with me but he chose to, and he chose to because he was selfless.

Marilyn,

I loved the parties at your house in Addison. One particular one I was sitting at the bar with Danny. I have to admit that it was the first real conversation I had with him besides the "Hi, how are you". I never thought he was mean but he was very burly. That day changed my opinion from burly motorcycle man to most kindest gentleman. He spoke of Maria and Alex and his plans to take them places when they were older. He laughed and said he can picture what strangers would think as he took the kids places. At that moment I thought he´s a wonderful gentle giant. What a senseless tragedy but I´m thinking he´s in heaven helping all the old people and playing with the children. He´s looking out for your mom and Aunt Annie who were the sweetest. God needed him even though it´s hard for us here. Take comfort that you will hug Danny again.

Love you,

I remember the day Danny was born. I was so excited! I loved my Auntie Marilyn, Uncle Jerry and cousins Laura and Cathy. I always looked forward to spending time with them. I remember us having so much fun and now there was a new baby boy Clay - Danny. Imagine my surprise when I was asked to be Danny´s godmother. I was in the 6th grade, so honored and proud to be connected to him in such a special way.

Life proceeds, moves happen, second marriages performed and the years past quickly. Whenever I hear the name Dan, I think of him. The Clay family has experienced a lot of loss. I cherish the memories of us being together as family. I regret not staying in touch and knowing Danny as he grew into a man. He will never be forgotten by me.

I cannot say enough about what a great person Danny was. Since we were kids he was fun to be around. He was always gracious about letting me hang around him during family parties as a kid, and when we hung out together as adults we had a blast. Always with a smile and a joke, he had the most infectious laugh. I will always remember his great laugh. You couldn´t help but be in a good mood when you were with Danny.

Hey Uncle Danny,
I never got a chance to meet you but have heard some amazing things about you. I was named after you and hope I was able make your name proud in all of my interactions of life. I hope to continue to give the name, hope and joy and live everyday to the fullest for what you have done.

Live you
Michael

In loving memory of Danny, a cherished brother-in-law and dedicated motorcycle enthusiast. His passion for biking and adventurous spirit touched countless lives. Though he left us in 2003, his memory lives on in our hearts. As a Catholic family, we find solace in the belief that Danny now rests in heaven, where we trust we'll reunite someday. His absence is deeply felt, but his joyful spirit remains a guiding light for us all. Forever missed, forever loved.

Neil M. Salem

Danny,

Though you may be out of sight, you are never out of mind. You are forever in my heart. I still miss your laughter and shenanigans at family gatherings and your broad shoulders and deaf ear - (because I know you turned that hearing aid off lol). Over the years I have realized that, while you are gone, you are always with me in spirit. You always have a seat next to me at the table in the car or on the couch!

I hope you are proud of your nieces and nephews! They have become amazing adults! We have shared numerous laughs and stories about you with them over the years. Your humor, spirit and kindness definitely lives through them! That gives me great comfort.

Nothing but love Brother!

Danny
I think about you often and wonder how I made it through 20 years of family gatherings without you to keep me sane; it hasn´t been easy! LOL But seriously, you would be very proud of your nieces and nephews and what respectable, kind-hearted people they grew up to become. I know I am. They are a reflection of the way you lived your life and the lasting impression you made on them. Miss you to bits, I´ll see you on the other side.

Nothing but love brother!

You had a awesome laugh and could always bring cheer to the room.
You were the best big brother letting me tag along. Our adventures were fun. A few of my favorite childhood memories were when we dragged our sleds over the tracks to the best golf course sledding hill, played running bases, swam at aqua, and rode bikes. You were a great uncle. I will treasure all my memories with you always.

Danny always had a smile on his face and kept us laughing with his free spirit. I am sure he is smiling down on us now!

To my wonderful Uncle Danny
I miss you alot and I treasure the memories I have of you and I together. I am sure, when we meet again, you will greet me with your infectious smile and your warm hug. I am so glad I get to call you my Uncle and how you impacted my life alot. I feel honored to have had and have you in my life. Forever and always

Love you Uncle Danny
Your niece Becky

Danny,
You were always such an easy going, happy kid! You went along with all of our crazy "after dinner shows" - keeping all of the adults entertained. And like my brothers-you were no where to be found when it came time to dry the dishes!! Love and miss you lots!
Michele

Dear Danny,
If it were up to Gram Fratto, the world would be filled with Dannys -it was always her favorite name! Hence, your mom named you Danny and our Mark´s middle name is Daniel. We know you are up in heaven making Gram laugh. We miss that laugh!
Love Aunt Rosemary and Uncle Bruce

Danny was my closest cousin in age. I had so many fun times with him growing up when we would Visit grandma Fratto, My aunt Marilyn, and cousins. Danny always had a smile on his face and a joke to tell. He was so great to be around as he would always cheer you up. I loved hanging out with Danny and miss him dearly. He was more like a best friend than a cousin! Love you always Danny!

I grew up w Danny because his sisters and I are best friends forever. We played games , watched endless shows of the Electric Company , and Sesame Street and on occasion , during baseball season, the Chicago Cubs. I ran into Danny once as an adult in Mokena / Joliet. He was buff, bearded and the total biker guy you would hope to never get into an argument. To know Danny, well, he was the proverbial gentle giant, with a beard!! Always sweet, always w a huge hug and big smile . I pray for him and I know my dad is hanging w him in heaven talking about motorcycles. Danny deserves the kingdom of heaven. Love, Liz Scott

Dan,

You are really missed. I still remember spending your favorite holiday together-Thanksgiving. I always got a chuckle of the reason why you liked Thanksgiving, good food and you don't have to buy gifts. You always made those holidays fun and were a blessing to our family.

Uncle Danny,

While I didn´t get the chance to meet you, I feel like I have known you my whole life - from all the memories and stories the family has shared about you. I will always treasure our annual ballon releases on your birthday where we write notes to you on the ballons and watch them float to heaven. As a child whenever I would get a ballon I would release it to you on the end of the driveway. I carry you with me always as my middle name is Daniel.

Love,

Michael

Danny,

I will always remember your infectious laugh and the family BBQs, Christmas Eve Celebrations and other times we shared. My only regret is the time I missed with you when I moved to California. You have amazing nieces and nephews. You would be very proud of all of them. This year I was able to participate in the family ballon release in your honor.

Love,

Uncle Paul

Danny,

I still think about you and pray for you.

Love,
Barbara

Hi Uncle Danny,

I love and miss you very much! Been thinking about you a lot lately, I hope you're having the time of your life riding the roadways in heaven, always wonder what it's like up there. I hope it's beautiful and never-ending sunshine. I'll be visiting you Saturday and will bring you some beautiful flowers and clean up your gravestone! Thank you for that visit, its forever in my heart that we had the best conversation. I look at the picture of you and I on my fridge at home every day and smile knowing that you are watching over not just me but the family. Can't wait to give you the biggest hug when we meet again!

Love,

Maria

To my rolling stone guy, my guy who had that leather jacket who always had it painted black, I really am missing you. I could use your guidance right about now. Hope your enjoying the summer sun up in heaven on your Harley. I could use your hugs about now. One day in time light, don't forget to pick me up with that Harley of yours on heavens road. I'll be waiting for you. I miss you. Hope God is taking care of you up there. He gained one of the best angels.
All my love Uncle Danny
Becky

There are times I look at a motorcycle pass, and think I hope your doing okay, and how I wish you were here. I'm jealous that God gets to see that angelic face of yours, that long ponytail, that smile, and can't forgot that goatee of yours. My heart aches with sadness to known we are apart, but one things for sure, you will never be forgotten. You are bound in my soul forever until time ends. There are no words to describe how much I miss you. Hope the sunshine is shinning down on you just like it is down here with that Harley of yours. All my love to you Uncle Danny. Forever in my prayers.

Your niece who loves you
Becky

Thinking a lot of you today and how I wish I could go back in time to spend more time with you. And tell you how much you mean to me. You will forever be the uncle that will have a very, very special place in my heart and soul. Hope you feel the wind in your hair and the warmth of the sun while you take a ride on heavens road. One day we will be together again and we will go for a ride and I will see that angelic face of yours with that goatee that I used to like to touch when I was little. How I miss you more than you will ever know. Looking forward to hearing your voice and seeing you smile when we meet under that heavenly rainbow while you pick me up with your motorcycle. Sending all my love to you uncle Danny.
Miss you forever
Love your niece- Becky

I miss you uncle Danny. Not a day goes by where I don't see a motorcycle and think of you. You are in my heart forever. Miss the days where I was young and I would sit on your lap and look at your tattoos. How I wish you were still here. You are always in my memory. Until we meet again up in the clouds, you can take me on a motorcycle ride, just the 2 of us, and we can talk about the times we spent together and the times we have missed together. I will keep you close in my heart until we meet again. Happy trails Uncle Danny.

Love your niece
Becky

I miss you every day <3

Danielle and I went to the cemetery this weekend to see you. We left you some flowers even though I know you were never the flower type, at least not on the receiving end. We met up with Homer, Tony, and Troy. It was nice being with the guys again and telling stories of all the good times we had together. I could have spent hours there……all the memories of you still live on in my head and in my heart and make me smile and sometimes cry.
All of my love,
I miss you,
Cathie

PS I am getting my butt kicked in football this year and it is all your fault!

Dan, me and the boys got together last Saturday. Coz, Venckus, Billy and Mark. Just like old times. Your name came up like it always does. Nothing but smiles when we remember you. You are someone who will never be forgotten.

Danny,
As another year rolls by, just to let you know you are not forgotten.
Miss that wide smile on your face, but the Lord sees it everyday.
You are so missed and loved by all.

I woke up today and did not go out and sit at that intersection. I made it through the day with mostly happy thoughts of you. (but still so many unanswered questions.)
I was thinking... I will be visting the cemetary this week... and then I started thinking of being out there with your family,the kids running around with smiles on thier precious little faces. So excited to be there to send Uncle Danny his balloons. So full of life and so much love and pride in thier hearts for you.
So I am going to take a very valuable lesson from those wonderful little people. I am going to go to the cemetary and send you up my love, with pride in my heart and celebrate life!
I miss you so much.
All of my Love
With all of my Heart
For all of my Life
Deb

Well bro football season is upon us once again and I don't have my right hand man to share in the excitment of my calls. 4 years...it doesn't get easier with time. I miss you more than I did yesterday, and less then I will tomorrow. Always and forever your sis.

To the family of Danny ~

It is so hard to believe that an entire year has already gone by. Danny I will never foreget you, you were a great uncle to your nieces and nephews. When your niece Holly has here birthday a special prayer is said for you. Last year her birthday was a very sad day for all.

I know you are with God and watching over your family, in the Lords way. You are truly missed by all, but all we need to do is say a prayer and you are here with us.

It's hard to believe a year has passed. I think of Danny often and hope that some sort of peace has touched his family and friends.

My Best Biker Friend Danny,



This summer is so hard to get by without u here' theres not one day when I hear Harley's goin down the street and think of u, I miss the good times when we used to go down south and have a few beers and end up riding all day. I had so much fun with u' I'll never find a friend like u ever again. U'll always remain someone special to me, God Bless your soul to show everyone that your here in some way or the other. I miss u~

Danny, I was thinking about you just the other day, everytime I see a Harley going down the street. Amazing but in each driver I see your face. I know you are still with us and always in our hearts.

You are so missed and still in our hearts and lives. This happens when so one was truly loved. I know everyone misses your bigger than life smile. Pray for us who are here!

I miss you more today than I did yesterday and less than I will tomorrow.

Dan,



I am forever changed by that one tragic day. The life we shared and the memories of you forever changed me and will remain in my heart and soul for a lifetime. You made me a better person and I was blessed to have you as a brother.



I hold your love, bear hugs, laughter, and the sounds of your steed of steel rolling up my drive close in my heart. They give me the strength and courage to continue life's climb. I allow the tears to come and I look for the joy amidst the pain. When the ache in my heart becomes unbearable, I wrap myself in one of your sweatshirts, it lifts my spirits and I feel the love and the hugs. Through the pain, I have learned to celebrate your life - and I recall all of the wonderful moments we shared with my children. Happy Birthday - nothing but love brother!



Laura

Danny,

I only met you a few times but what a sweetheart you were! I leave you with this quote, I'm sure others will agree!

" If I ever got to sit across the porch from God, I would thank him for lending me you!"

It was nice to meet you!

To my best biker friend Danny,



May your heart n soul rest up above, and may the shining sun light rays remind us all that your here with us. U passed right before my Birthday it was Halloween'We had some great times on my Bday.

Remebering the song "painted Black" by Rolling Stones,Calling each other to make sure we both got home safe,warm hello and goodbye hugs,playing cards with the guys,teaching me to play pool better,being a true friend!My sympathy goes out to the family of Danny He's always talked a lot about all u and shared many funny stories!

I'll Miss U very much..

To my Best Biker Friend Danny,



I have a very good memory to share with everyone,I met Danny at Changes bar'He's helped me through good and bad times.I was drugged on purpose by someone and I only had 15 minutes to live, I came out of the hospital with a post tramatic stress disorder.As For Danny he helped me see the world again,and took me for rides on his motorcycle to relieve some of the stress that i was facing after my accident.After a years time I've have been doing great'I don't think I could of done it without him! He was a Guardian Angel to me and someday when we all pass to the other side of the gate I hope that he's waiting for us with his smile,laugh,his harley gear,and gettin ready to take someone for a ride on his bike! U will always remain as my best biker friend, I have alot of good memories about U! May u rest in piece and U will never be for gotton..

Danny, you are so missed here. The holidays were not the same, the birthdays of your niece Holly and nephew Neil have just passed and somehow that ray of light from your robust laugh and smile were not physically present with us, but your presence was surely felt. You are so loved and deeply missed, and forever etched in our hearts.

3 months has passed ~ It seems like only yesterday, but feels like forever. How do you find the way to carry on when your heart has been taken from you and you were not even ready. Aside from coming here everyday, everyday life lets me know that Dan is not withmeanymore And I realize that this is all very real. I know all that I can do to save myself is to remember. To remember all of my time with Dan is to live. Every breath that I take anymore seems to be only achieved with a memory of him. Weather it be a sound, a smell, a song on the radio, a face in the crowd, or a road traveled, Dan is with me, in my heart and soul and everything I know, all I can do is carry his love with me to get me through the rest of my days here until I can see his smiling face once more.

My deepest sympathy for Dans family ,

and close friends . Im glad to have known him , He visited Az , a few years back and we ate at a resturant that im currently working at and I think of him everytime I walk past that booth...we had so much fun Debbie and Dan were glowing ,laughing ,and Danny came back from the restroom with quite a storie A man shared a war wound and storie with Dan which im pretty sure he wasnt the same.

I just wanted to share with everyone . What A great Man .



Love Tina

My heart goes out to Danny's family. I still have the fondest memories of living next door to the Clay family on Mozart St. It was like an extended family and Danny was like my little brother during those fun years.

Everyday I have been signing on the Internet and reading the wonderful stories and sentiments people have been writing about Danny. I can’t tell you how comforting it is to see a new letter added to the book each day. I have known Danny since he was a baby. As we grew through adolescence and into adulthood we maintain a wonder friendship.



Danny was my motorcycle riding partner, my football pool advisor, my dog watcher, and my babysitter. He was my map quest when I needed directions, he was my “date” to parties and family functions, he was my late night phone call to let someone know I made it home ok. He was my taxi to the hospital when I was in labor. He was my financial advisor, my scary movie watching partner, my hair growing competitor, my joke playing partner, and my moving van. He was my “I forgot a gift so put my name on the card and I’ll pay you half” partner, and the “what time are you showing up to the party because I don’t want to show up before you do” partner. He was my protector, my confidant, my best friend. He was the God Father of my daughter; he was my brother. You can’t choose your family, you are just stuck with what God gives you. Danny was best brother God could have ever given me. Memories of him will remain in my head and my heart for a lifetime.

I send you my sincerest condolences. My prayers are with you all. I went to grammer school with Dan. We never kept in touch after that but I do remember him. He was sweet and at that age it's difficult to find a boy who is sweet. May he rest in peace.

Dan,

I will always remember the warm summer days playing baseball with you and all our friends in our youth. I will always have great memories of my friend "Rico".

Dan and I were best friends from Fifth grade at Tommy More until High School. Unfortunately, we had grown apart and lost contact after that. I have many fond memories of Dan. I remember the 79 black Camaro he used to drive me around in, hoping to impress the girls, his "Italian" jacket, his nickname of Rico, and working with him at Bargain World. My fondest memories are of his loyalty as a friend, his good heart, and his ability to live life on his own terms. He treated his close friends like family and he would do anything in his power to help you if you needed it. Dan was a proud man. Although Dan is no longer with us, his legacy will remain in our hearts for eternity. My thoughts and prayers go out to Marilyn, Steve, Laura, Cathy and Stephanie.

To all of those who knew and loved Dan, Family, Friends, Those who only knew him for a moment and Those who will never have the opportunity to have this exceptional man touch thier lives,

Dan asked me once why I loved him so much, and without heisitation I grabbed a pen and wrote,

Your love, Your touch, Your hands, Your smile, Your laugh, Your kiss,



The comfort of your voice, Your Dreams, The way you stand, talk, walk



The comfort of your arms, Your eyes, The way your nose twitches when I tickle your mustach when you sleep



Your ability to remove utensils and condiments from anywhere and share them with me



An afternoon out with Furby, Your spit in my hand



The confidence you give me in myself, the way you look at things, Life through your eyes



Your honesty, genorosity and thoughtfullness

Your charm, wit, and sense of humor



The best friend I could ever have,



Harley Davidson's,Slug Bugs, Rollercoasters and U Haul



Arizona, Wisconson, Galena, From here to everywhere



Megatouch, Pinball, Videogames, Pool and Backgammon (all your rules of course)



Baseball, Hockey games and Wrestling



The sun, The moon, The stars



Sky circle People



Sunday mornings and Scarey movies



Dumb and Dumber snowball fights



Angels and spearing (ouch)



Rain puddles, About an hour, and I Love you Honey



Broken arrow and Blue Suede Shoes



Icetea and Cigarettes, Strawberry's and Whipped Cream



K-Mart and Grandpa, Mountain Climbing, The Beach under the stars



For the one True Love Of A Lifetime



You brought true happiness and surprise to my life



For all these reasons and so many more You complete Me.



I am so very fortunate to have had Dan in my life as we all are, ours was a great story and I will not let this be the last chapter. Those of us who knew Dan have so many dear memories,The stories we will tell for years and years, To never forget and always be there for his Sister's, Mother, Father, his Niece's and Nephew's, for Eachother, To lend a hand, a kind word or deed to someone who needs you. If we do these things then Dan will live forever.

"A brief candle both ends burning an endless mile a buswheel turning, a friend to share the lonesome times, a handshake and a sip of wine, so say it loud and let it ring, that we're all a part of everything, the present, future, and the past Fly On Proud Bird You are Free at Last.... (Charlie Daniels)



Nothing But Love Brother.(2x's to my heart)

All of my love

With all of my heart

For all of my life

Deb

To the Clay family,



I want to wish you my deepest condolences, thoughts & prayers on the loss of Dan. My favorite memory of Dan from grammar school at St. Thomas Moore was when Dan came over to my house one day in the fourth grade with his sister's jewelry offering me any piece I liked! He was such a sweetheart and I will remember him fondly.



Warm regards,

Amy Zaug

I'm very sorry about Dan. My prayers are with you all.

Diane Wheatley (Jerri's Cousin)

My deepest sympathy to the Clay family. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

My deepest sympathy goes out to you for the loss of Danny. He touched my heart along with my family's. We all thought he was a sweet person and will keep a special place in are hearts for him. I know the pain of his loss will take time but I hope it becomes easier for you to remeber the happy times you had with him. You will be in my thoughts and prayers and May God be with you always.

My deepest sympathy.

My deepest sympathy goes out to Dan's family and friends on the loss of such a wonderful person. I went to grammar school with Dan and have not seen him since. But, I've always remembered him as very warm, friendly person. And yes, he did have a nice smile and a loud laugh!

My sincerest feelings go out to you. I knew Dan since first grade at St Thomas More. We have had good times growing up as kids . I remember playing air hockey in the basement, his fishtanks and all those pipes.I remeber playing pickup baseball at Hayes with our friends. Most of all I remember his coolness and his loud laugh. I am sorry that Danny and I lost contact after grade school but I did think of him from time to time as my life went on. I will think of him even more now. I wish he could have come to the Tommy More reunion last month.I feel sad but I know he is ok.I will pray for you , Dan and your family. See you .

Your childhood friend,

Vince

Sincere condolences to the Clay Family on the loss of Danny. We did not know him but came to know his family in the hospital ICU waiting room. We could tell he must have been a great guy by the amount of people who called and came to visit.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Alice and Harlan Ray

DAN,

I MET YOU FOR THE FIRST AND LAST TIME ON 10-19-03. I HAVE HEARD NOTHING BUT WONDERFUL THINGS ABOUT YOU. YOU HAVE OBVIOUSLY TOUCHED MANY HEARTS. I HOPE THAT YOU ARE IN A BETTER PLACE NOW AND WILL BE WATCHING OVER THE REST OF US. GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.



SUE

I will always remember the smile in Danny's voice when he would answer his phone. . the hugs he would greet me with . . and how much fun it was to be with him. Danny loved his family, it was obvious in the way he always spoke about them. I will miss him, always.

My sincere condolences, Marilyn, on the loss of your son.Your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.

Dear Marilyn, Steve, Laura, Cathy and Stephanie ~

As a mother I feel your deepest pain. Danny was a super young man and devoted to his family, nephews and nieces. He will be truly missed.

He is now riding high at the Lord's side, smiling and looking down on you. In our hearts he WILL never be forgotten.

He is not lost just gone before to a place he is making for all of us; and we shall see him once again. God bless and be with the Clay/Lambros family

To the family of Danny Clay. Danny was sure a very nice and sweet person to me and I will always cherish the moments with him and especially his family.



Our sincere condolences to Danny's entire family. We will keep you all in our prayers. God Bless you.



Irma Garcia and Family

Dan,



You were a terrific uncle and brother-in-law. May the sun shine on your face and and the wind to your back on your final ride.



John