 
WWNY
Video:
Tribute to Danny Burgess
Thanks for sending all your kind
comments about my father. He would have been very happy to see all these
tributes as am I. It's amazing how many people were touched by his
presence everyday on television.
-Michael Burgess
All through my childhood I
watched the Danny Burgess Show and loved it. I always wanted to be on it
but never got the chance. But he had that something...that spark that
couldn't be extinguished. Then in 2003 my father-in-law, James F. McNeff,
passed away. He provided Danny "B" with his weather forecasts
from the Watn. Airport that Danny would read every night on the news.
Danny was there at the funeral for Jim. We never knew how closely their
relationship was until after Jim's passing. Danny told us some great
stories about Jim that we had never heard before. He was one of a
kind...always gracious...almost shy-like...never to pass this way again.
Here's to ya Danny B...
-Jim & Patti (Strauss) McNeff
I was both surprised and
saddened to read that Danny B has passed away. I don’t go back as far as some
nor have as many memories but he was certainly one of the things I remember
fondly from my younger years growing up in the
North Country
. Rest in Peace.
-Todd Chase,
Baltimore
MD
, formerly Dexter area
I was so sorry to hear about
the passing of Danny Burgess. I met him while working at WWTI starting in
1996..... He was always so kind and wonderful to a "rookie" in the
business. Much like Alex Duffy, Danny Burgess was Watertown, NY. God
Bless Danny and his family.
-Mark Naggi
I grew up in northern New
York, watching Danny on WWNY TV. I remember his Saturday show, and his
weather forecasts. Didn't he also do a show called "North Country
Sportsman" in the early evenings?
I've been living in New Jersey for 26 years now, but those early memories have
never left me. My heart goes out to Danny's family and friends. He was a fine
man, and I always enjoyed his shows. I feel as though I've lost a little piece
of my childhood.
May God bless and keep you,
Dawn Cummings Masterson, New Jersey
My first memory of Danny B
is the Atlantic Weatherman on WCNY. Then as a Cub Scout in the late 50's
early 60's I was on Kiddies Karnival in the studios on Champion Hill a couple
of times. Later when I returned to the North Country as Air Force
recruiter in 1973, I also became president of the local MDA chapter and worked
with Danny on a few Jerry Lewis telethons. He was always fun and a little
crazy - you could tell he thoroughly enjoyed his work. He had a knack to
put everyone at ease in tense situations and was the consummate showman.
Watertown has truly lost an icon. We can all be comforted in the
knowledge that he is now having fun with our Lord in heaven!
God Bless you Danny B for all you were to all of us!
Our prayers for Danny's family and friends,
Bob & Marti Wright, Aurora, Colorado
Last summer I had a nice visit
with Danny as we both walked to our cars from a DPAO country music concert
at the Watertown arena. Here's a memory of Danny - standing in the
sunset, dapper, smiling, glad that he had a chance to say hello and
gracious as ever. One of a kind. We were blessed to have him in our community.
Thanks for the memories, Danny
-Kate D. Johnson, LaFargeville
The obit brought back many
memories-- I had the pleasure of working as an engineer at WMSA-AM/FM in 1950
and 51 while I was finishing at SLU. Tom McHugh was General Manager, the
station was owned by the Brockway Corporation and was an ABC affiliate. Mike
Tarkulich was the Chief Engineer. The announcers at that time were Jim Nash,
Glen Goff, Gene Lepage, George Strader and, of course, Danny Burgess.
Lots of drama when a major earthquake swayed the tower and the FM pylon fell to
the ground from the tower top on my watch. Lots of blue flames and exciting
arcs in the FM transmitter, white faces in the control room and studios.
Danny B. said, "Now look what you've done!"
I left WMSA in 1951 and continued my technical interests as a radar engineer in
the USAF research center at Rome, later joining GE's missile program in
Syracuse. I am retired in Port Orange, FL and don't worry about NNY snow and
ice any more.
-Neil A. Armstrong, Port Orange, Florida
Yesterday I went to the calling
hours for Dan and I was thinking as we were there...this would be the perfect
time for him to do his schtick. All of the people that he worked with
were there...all of us old guys...bald and chubby...and he always loved to work
a crowd. He would have loved it.
I worked with Dan for twenty years and never have seen him in anything but a
good mood. A little tap dance...a little panning for the camera (even
when there wasn't one around) and always that smile. I only have good
memories.
-Dennis Honeywell, Clayton, NY
I not only grew up watching
Danny, but later had a chance to work with him and actually call him a friend.
A truly great talent who made it look easy. One of my favorite
collectables is a magnetic snowflake from his old weather board that I had
signed by him. He was the best.
-Mel Busler, Watertown
Danny was not only a great
Weather man but a great person. When running into him downtown he always had
time to talk to you and somehow remembered your name. A great person was taken
away from us but his memory will last for ever.
-Connie Anderson, Watertown
Danny Burgess was without a
doubt, the most talented performer Watertown has ever known, on the radio, on
television, and on the stage. He did it all so well, while making it all look
so easy. The one thing I'll remember most about Danny was his wicked sense of
humor. The man was put on this earth to entertain. We should all feel blessed
to have been part of the audience.
I'll miss ya, Danny.
-Kris Marsala, Watertown
I was on the Danny Burgess show
11 times when I was growing up. Every time he made me sit on the bottom
in the middle. He laughed every time we turned our heads and my very long
braids always hit the kids sitting around me. During breaks he would get
me to turn my head and always was laughing. This is a great memory for
me. He was a treasure and will be missed.
-Tricia Vanosdel, Clayton
Danny, you have touched so many
of people's lives, not only here in the North Country but all over. My
father-in-law worked with you at WWNY (as a photographer), for many years and
talked highly about you in many ways. Don often liked to share his story
when the two of you went to New York City on an assignment and both came back
sick. He said jokingly, he would never take another assignment there
again. How ironic. During that era of employment, you guys just
never "missed a beat". You definitely were a legend. God
Bless.
-John C. Doe, Virginia Beach, Virginia
Danny……You sure do have a way of making
people smile! You have accomplished so much and have impacted so many lives in
such a positive way. You have
defiantly left your mark on the
North Country
and you will be forever remembered for all that you have done! Now
you are at peace and ready for your new journey begin!
You
are in my thoughts and prayers now and forever. I will miss you!
-Erin Gaffney, Adams Center
I remember when Danny B arrived
for dinner at The Ship restaurant in Alex Bay one hot Saturday night during the
summer of 1972. I was the waitress assigned to "the famous guy". When
I arrived at his table, "famous" became secondary to very, very
tipsy. The next two hours were interesting, to say the least! The next time I
ran into Danny B was thrity years later when he collected my envelope at Sunday
mass. I thought to myself.....I can't believe the tipsy guy who ordered the NY
strip was saved! CHEERS, Danny B. May God hold you in the palm of His hand.
-Katie FitzGerald
I had Terry Burgess as a teacher
in high school. I had been on Danny's show on a couple of different occasions
as a child. You could usually trust what he said about the weather. I danced
with him at the MDA telethon several years. I saw him darn near every day doing
the "mall walker thing". To think that he won't ever walk the mall
again... My condolences to the entire family. Rest in peace Mr. Burgess, you
deserve eternal peace.
-Name withheld
We lived in Sackets for over 30
years and when Danny was the weatherman I never missed a forecast ...also my
Daughter was on his show one time... Maybe they can use a good weatherman
up in heaven?
-The Sharrotts of Idaho, formerly of Sackets Harbor
Hard
to trust the weather people's predictions here in the Pacific NW, but you could
always trust Danny's ! What a character and truly an icon of NNY.
I can still hear his voice on the news. Thanks for the devoted years
Danny, and show 'em how it's done in heaven !!
-Martha Cook Howard, Portland, Oregon
Danny B WAS the weather man of NNY. He
will be sadly missed all, whether you knew him or not. At least he had
beautiful weather for his trip home.
-Tracy Mitchell, Watertown
We only had the chance to meet Danny once about
5 or 6 years ago on the square. He had a magnetism about him that drew a person
to him.
-Ray and Sally Dockstader
O Danny B
By Timothy R. LaBouf
A fond farewell to Danny B
His career spanned radio and TV
Meteorologist beyond compare
He set the standard for those on air
A care for children that was plain to see
Saturday mornings filled our hearts with glee
A cartoon, a milkshake and a smile
Danny B inspired us to go the extra mile
His voice recognizable as any could be
From our memory it never will flee
A pressure of high a pressure of low
Danny B kept us all in the know
The sun sets now without Danny B
May we all rise though to be one like he
My deepest condolences go out to all of Danny's
family and friends.
Back in the early 70's our Cub Scout Pack had the pleasure of being guests on
the Danny Burgess show. The excitement of a 12 year old child's first
appearance on TV was immeasurable. If that was not enough, of all the Cub
Scouts from our pack I was choosen by Danny to make a commercial with him for
the upcoming show. To us, he was larger than life, yet made you feel so
comfortable in his presence. 30+ years later and I can still remember the
excitement of it all. Thank you Danny for all the happiness and joy that you
have given to so many children from NNY over the years. You will be greatly
missed.
-Don Dollinger, Bellevue, Nebraska
I feel as if Watertown has just lost their own
Dan Rather or Walter Cronkite with the passing of Danny B. My fondest memory is
as a child of believing age, Mr. Burgess ended his weather forecast with a shot
of the moon and a resemblance of Santa and his sleigh heading into the north
country. Danny looked straight into the camera and told all of us north country
kids we better get to bed cause "Santa Claus is coming to town!" It
was the earliest I ever went to bed on Christmas Eve!!! But, at 41 years old,
it is as vivid in my mind now as it was then. He truly is an icon of the north
and will be missed greatly.
-Shelley Porter
We will miss seeing Danny Bee. He was so
popular to everyone. We use to have coffee at the old Whalen's on the
square every day back in the 60's. He will be sadly missed by
everyone. We use to see him at the Crystal when we came to Watertown.
He was great on the radio and the television. Our condolences are sent to
his family. He will be sadly missed.
-Bonnie & Bill Pfister, Palmetto, Florida
I am so sorry to hear of Danny's passing. He was
such a great guy, and fun to be around. I started working at WWNY at the
beginning of my career in the late 80s and the one thing I can say I learned
from Danny was not to take it all too seriously. You never knew what Danny was
going to say or come up with next, and it was always interesting and/or funny.
He loved to kid around. He is someone who will truly be missed. My condolences
to all of Danny's family.
-Jim DeLosh, Clearwater, FL
Truly the end of an era in Watertown. The
weather just doesn't seem to be able to survive without Danny. He was always a
pleasure to see and hear, and will be sadly missed by all. It showed that he
truly had a passion for what he did.
-Marc Chauvette, Las Vegas, Nevada
I remember "Danny-B" from the '50s
when I was a kid watching the Kiddies Karnival on the black and white TV in
Ogdensburg. I'm 54 and living in Florida now, but I sure remember Danny
B. They don't make 'em like that anymore!
Chris Anderson, Bonita Springs, Florida
Danny was a warm, funny and loving guy! I
not only had the pleasure of working with him at WWNY, I also was involved with
him in Watertown Little Theater productions. I have seen many good actors
in this area, none with his ability and sense of timing. He commanded the
stage. On the personal side, he was a friend who always brought a smile
to my face whenever I ran into him. I will miss him! The community
has lost one of its best. God Rest the Soul of "Danny
Bee" ! He'll never be forgotten.
-Cindy Habeeb Bufalini, Watertown
I made my first appearance on the Danny B. show
back in 1958 at the old WWNY studios in Champion (which is now the site of
their transmitter) and it was back in the "good old days" of black
and white TV. It was the thrill of a lifetime to meet him "in
person" as he was such a big star to me. Many, many years later I
had the good fortune to work with him for a number of years at WWNY TV7 and he
never failed to amaze me with his on air talent and ability to relate to
viewers young and old. He truly was a North Country icon loved by all
throughout the signal area of the station. His wit, both on and off air,
coupled with his genuine love for the theatre, allowed him an interaction
with his audience seen and unseen. One of the greatest "actors"
I've ever met and I've met many in my career. I'll miss seeing him on the
streets and catching up about "old times" at Channel 7. Peace
be with you, Danny and Oh yeah - Break a leg, kid!
-Nic Darling, Watertown
I had the great pleasure of working with Danny
for several years at WWNY. He was the most naturally talented TV personality I
have ever met. Being fortunate enough to share some on-air time with Danny was
one of the best educations this rookie ever had. Off air, he had a wickedly
funny sense of humor that still makes me laugh when I think of it today.
My condolences to his family.
-Emily Puccia Wormuth, Jamesville, NY
I remember when I was in 2nd grade, I had to go
to the hospital....I was there over Christmas and Danny B. stopped by the
children's ward. He brought gifts for all the children there....I got a wind-up
Moby Dick Whale that I thought was really cool....
Many years later, I bagged his groceries at Loblaw's on State St......He was
always very friendly to everyone. Thanks, Danny Bee!
-Thomas Collins, Malone, NY
It was the summer of 1984 and my very own
Brownie Troop #81 was on The Danny Burgess Show! It was every kid’s secret
desire to be on that show and take a seat in that brightly colored booth that
so many others had been so lucky to do before.
Being a host who liked to engage his guests, Danny asked our group if
anyone knew who the presidential candidates were in this election year; quite a
risk with nine-year olds filled with excitement at the prospect of being on
television. I confidently raised my hand, without hesitation and boldly stated
that “Fritz” Mondale and Ronald Regan were running for president!
I was overcome with terror that I had said something disrespectful as I
quickly recalled that the gentleman’s proper name was Walter Mondale.
Mr. Burgess laughed and winked at me and everything was ok for a moment
under those blinding studio lights.
-Shelby L. Wearne, Boston, MA
Having grown up in the Watertown area in
Brownville during the 50's and 60's memories of my youth include Danny Burgess.
At a time when we didn't have 400 cable or satellite channels, Danny came into
our home day in and day out. Many of us, as I did made a television appearance
on Danny's show as Cub Scouts or Brownies. During the turmoil of the sixties
many of us found comfort that the world was still good by seeing Danny every
night there on television followed by Walter Cronkite.
He was a kind and gentle man and will surely be missed by his family and the
entire North Country Community. All our lives have been richer in having had
Danny B be part of it.
-Michael Perry, Dekalb Junction, NY
I have been reading with awe the wonderful
messages about Mr. Burgess. While I never met him, I want to send my
condolences to his family. Mr. Burgess must have been a good and caring
man because he fathered another good and caring man his son, Michael.
-Helen Quirini, Schenectady, NY
I have known Mr. Burgess since I was five. My
Grandfather worked with Mr. Burgess so I was very lucky to see him weekly on
and off the show. He was a wonderful person and a good friend to our family. He
will be deeply missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
-Michelle Hodge, Brownville, NY
He lived in our studio apartment on Clay St. for
years. He walked to and from work everyday.
All the kids in the neighborhood used to greet him. He was always happy
to see us. We were recently reunited. I was able to give back to
him as his Nurse. He remembered me.
Memories - Danny will be missed, but so at peace now.
Susan (Streiff) Schofield, Watertown
Many years, many memories - both on stage
& off. Danny Burgess will always hold a special place in my heart.
-Edith (Edie) Evans Seveny, Delray Beach, Florida and Ottawa, ON
We will all miss him a great deal. I remember
watching his weather for years just hoping school would be closed for the day.
Also the Saturday morning shows with all the Brownies and Cub Scouts on it.
Danny you will sadly be missed.
-Dory, Watertown
I remember back in the late '60,s my wife and
kids and I were walking behind the old Woodruff when Danny came along and we
exchanged greetings. One of my boys said, "Gee, dad, do you really know
Danny Birdsnest?" Dan and I shared many a laugh over that.
Another time a few years ago Danny saw me performing with a bluegrass band at
one of the New Years eve First Night celebrations. Every time I saw him after
that, whether on Public Square or the middle of the mall he would go into his
classic stance of a man playing a guitar.
These are just two of many fond memories of him. Rest in peace, Danny.
-Don More, Dexter, NY
When thinking of Danny, all I can say is what a
life. A true friend and a consummate performer. It was a true pleasure to have
known and had the opportunity to work with Danny in theater presentations. Your
gift for people is that of knowing you and having the chance to be called your
friend.
-Roger K. Duvall, Ogdensburg, NY
I was saddened by the news of Danny's death. Growing up
in Black River in the 50's, I enjoyed watching his children's show. The news of
his passing makes all of us baby boomers, who have such vivid and happy
memories of him, feel a little bit older. A Watertown legend is gone and an era
has officially ended.
Bob Chisholm, Dallas, Texas
Dan was a true Northern New York icon. From
radio to television he made us all proud to be a northern new yorker. Danny
Burgess will be missed by one and all. Heaven indeed is brighter tonight
because a special angel has arrived.
-Gary Belch from the original WOTT days
I had the pleasure and the honor of working with
Danny on a number of productions for Little Theater of Watertown. The most
memorable - Mass Appeal in 1984. Never a dull moment. He will be
missed.
-Phyllis (Bombard) Taylor, Melbourne, Florida
I think most people of my generation will agree
with this statement. When you think about WWNY TV the first name that
pops in your mind is Danny Burgess. I can remember one instance when
I interned at channel 7 back in the late 80's Danny jokingly slept
on his desk counter pretending to take a nap. He asked me to wake him up
when the weather satellite feed came on. When I told Danny the satellite
feed was on he popped up real fast and began to joke around. Danny
Burgess made the weather report fun to watch. There will never be another
Danny B. As far as I'm concerned he was the best there ever was and will
be.
-Dan Decker, Alabama
Danny lived a full and happy life and he touched
so many people along the way...always with a smile and a funny, little story.
Although he is gone now, rich, warm memories of all that he meant to us
will one day be a source of comfort. Until then, my deepest sympathy to his
family, and may it help to know that many are thinking of you and remembering
him with fondness.
God speed, Danny Bee.
-Sherry Wearne, Watertown
A Northern NY icon has been lost. The
years of service he dedicated to Northern NY should never be forgotten.
Our thoughts and prayers are extended to the friends and family of Danny
B.
-Mike Austin, Lake Norman, North Carolina
In preparation for his nightly weather segment,
Danny Burgess would call the FAA's Flight Service Station at the Watertown
Airport for the round up of weather and temperatures around the state. He
was always professional, cheerful, and personal. He was one of the good
guys. My sympathy to all his family in their loss.
-Kevin Larkin, Seneca, South Carolina
Bad news travels quickly but in this case it
created a chuckle. I remember growing up and learning to trust his
weather reports. He was a humorous and community-oriented person.
Remember the laughs……………..I am.
-Ron Clarke, San Antonio, Texas (formerly of Chaumont)
It is a great loss for the
Northern New York
people. Those of us who got to watch him and go to the studio on Saturday
mornings have missed something special. May God bless him and his family.
-Janet Purcell-Weter
, Tampa, Florida
There are no words to describe the loss of my 'ol
buddy Danny Burgess. He was always very supportive of my creative
endeavors beginning in my early rock band days, to my eventual acting career.
He always stayed on top of the action, & I'm sure he will never stop...!!
I'm gonna miss you Danny....
-George Coutoupis, Van Nuys, California
Having been born and raised in Watertown, losing
Danny Burgess is like losing a family member. What fond memories of his
show and weather reports. Heartfelt sympathy and prayers to his family.
-Sharon Norfolk Mullis, Woodstock,
Georgia
I
am saddened to read of the death of Dan Burgess.
Everyone who grew up in Northern New York in the '50s, '60s and '70s remembers
"Danny B's" show on Channel 7 Saturday mornings. Dan Burgess was a
lot more than a weatherman or a kid's entertainer. When the Bruscelosis scare
was turning consumers away from North Country dairy products, Dan Burgess
boldly poured and drank a glass of milk during his weather segment to show his
support for struggling farmers. And, who will ever forget Dan's reaction to the
streaker in the studio.
Danny was a great supporter of mine when I was a young musician. He always went
out of his way to greet me by name with a warm smile after a show or a concert.
He was one of the North Country's most outgoing - and kindest - characters. He
will be missed.
Rest in peace, Dan.
-Douglas C. Shambo II, St. Paul, Minnesota
I
last spoke with Danny over Labor Day last summer. We had a nice chat about the
old days of Watertown radio and the people who where in it. It was nice to
catch up. He was a warm guy with a great sense of humor, and I for one will
surely miss him. R.I.P. Danny...
-Steve Behm, Burbank, California
|
