Daniel Joseph DelSanto, age 64, Branson, Missouri
Daniel Joseph DelSanto was born September 28, 1959 in Chicago, Illinois to Cornelius and Ruby (Smith) DelSanto. As a young boy, he moved with his family to Branson. Along with going to school, Danny worked at Shepherd of the Hills portraying different characters in the outdoor theater including Young Matt and the Baldknobbers. He graduated from Branson High School, a 12-year senior. Three weeks after graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army. He completed boot camp at Fort McClellan in Alabama, then served with the Military Police at Fort Meade, Maryland. His service took him to Fort Riley, Kansas where he was a Game Warden and Danny later served two tours of duty during Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom.
After serving 28 years in the United States Army, Danny returned to Branson. He was an avid outdoorsman, an interest that began as a young man. He enjoyed hunting, especially deer hunting, fishing in Taneycomo and Table Rock as well as trapping, including beavers and anything else that might be in Roark Creek. In his retirement, he returned to work at the Shepherd of the Hills. Danny’s service to community was also evident in his volunteering with the Boy Scouts of America, where he counseled on obtaining merit badges. He was also a devoted member of Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church.
Danny unexpectedly passed away at his home in Branson on November 30, 2023 at the age of 64.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Cornelius and Ruby.
Danny leaves behind his children, daughter Kayla (DelSanto) Westwood & husband Kyle of New Port Richey, FL and son Andy DelSanto of Harrison, AR; grandson, Banks Westwood; his sister, Mary Jo Kissinger & husband Dick of Texas and brother, David DelSanto & wife Dai of Mississippi. His memory will also be forever cherished by the many friends and extended family who had the privilege of knowing and loving Danny.
To celebrate Danny and the impact he had on each of our lives, a time of visitation will be held Wednesday evening, December 6, 2023 from 5:00 – 7:00 PM at Snapp-Bearden Funeral Home & Crematory in Branson. Funeral Mass will be Thursday, December 7, 2023 at 9:00 AM at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Ozarks Memorial Park Cemetery, Branson with full military honors.
In Danny’s memory, donations are requested to the Missouri Department of Conservation, P. O. Box 180, Jefferson City, MO 65102 or at mdc.mo.gov.
Snapp-Bearden Funeral Home and Crematory
1638 East State Highway 76
Branson, Missouri 65616
Telephone – 417-334-3670
Fax – 417-336-3670