In Memoriam: Former Little Silver Resident and Restaurateur, Brian Daneman, 65

“To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven.” — Ecclesiastes 3:1

Former Little Silver resident, Brian Paul Daneman, passed away on April 20. He was 65.

Born in Brockton, MA, Brian grew up in the Lincroft section of Middletown and graduated from Middletown High School South. in addition to living in Little Silver, he also lived in Sommerville, TN.

Brian built a long and vibrant career in the restaurant industry. He began locally at the old Gertrude Browns and his corporate career with the Bennigan’s chain, Years later, Brian was one of the first employees of Planet Hollywood working side by side with the owner to create the famous themed restaurant. Brian’s signature in the restaurant world was creating and founding the iconic Motown Cafe, a reflection of his creativity, vision, and lifelong love of music.

“Brian had a big personality that drew people to him. He found joy in so much of life. His favorite days were spent cooking for the family holidays, parties, backyard barbecues, grilling at “The Man Pit,” playing cards and volleyball with the crew at Water’s Edge Beach Club. Brian loved long summer days at the beach and could often be seen helping the kids build sandcastles.

“He loved to fish anywhere from the early days on Pop Pop’s boat, the jetty in Cape May, but most of all with his friend, Mike T. Brian, he had a way of turning ordinary days into lasting memories.

“His yearly Christmas lights lit Holly Drive, and the back door was always open, welcoming everyone who came through it. Brian brought energy and humor wherever he went and welcomed debate on any subject.

“He was a lover of sports and spent many years coaching baseball and soccer along with cheering his own children from the sidelines. Brian’s greatest pride and joy were his children, Andre and Lilly … Everyone who knew Brian understood he was a devoted fan of the New England Patriots and the Boston Red Sox; he even sported a tattoo of the Red Sox logo and a more spirited logo his dislike of the Yankees.

“So many of the days that mattered most were their family trips to Woodloch Pines and Cape May. Their memories are filled with endless laughter, his unforgettable, silly dance moves, which could light up any room. Brian had a kind heart. He made people feel seen, loved, and special just by being himself, a gift that will never be forgotten …

“Dad, you will be missed more than words can ever express. We pray you are finally at peace, free from all the pain you carried. You will forever be our children’s bright star, watching over them with love.”
Loved ones of Brian Daneman in his obituary

He later earned a bachelor’s degree in English from Monmouth University and a master’s degree in Sports Management from Concordia University. Brian was also a published author of Unintended Consequences, a story of the perils of addiction and many more unpublished works.

Brian was predeceased by: his parents, David and Sally Daneman; and his sister, Linda Kolacki.

He is survived by: his beloved children, Andre Daneman and his fiancée, Grace Wills, and Liliana Zsomboran and her husband, Justin; his children’s mother, Gerri Grena-Daneman; his siblings, Micheal Daneman, Debbie Marino and her husband, Carl, Stephen Daneman and his wife, Leida, and Daniel Daneman and his partner, Fran.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, April 30, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at John E. Day Funeral Home in Red Bank. A celebration of life will follow at 2 p.m. at Grace Christian Church, 1961 Wayside Road, Tinton Falls.

Donations in Brian’s memory can be made to: Grace Christian Church 1961 Wayside Road Tinton Falls NJ 07724; or, to Adult & Teen Challenge 245 Stanton Mountain Road Lebanon, NJ 08833.

— Edited obituary prepared by family via John E. Day Funeral Home