Daniel Paul Santovin
August 26, 1971 – September 12, 2026
Daniel Santovin, age 55, (known to his friends as Big Dan, Tracker Dan, Buffalo Bear, and Bear Paw River) passed away peacefully at home on September 12, 2026. At the end of a hard-fought battle with cancer Dan left this life in the same way he lived each day, surrounded by family and friends.
Born and raised in Garfield Heights, Ohio to Robert and Cathryn Santovin (nee Ziska), Dan was best known for his outgoing personality, sense of adventure, and determination to carve out his own path in life.
While in Ohio, Dan integrated himself into the Cleveland music and skateboarding scenes, notably contributing to the growth and artistic direction of the independent music venue Speak in Tongues and pioneering Cleveland skate culture.
Over the years, Dan went on to work for multiple skateboard companies, managing teams and doing brand promotion, which eventually led to him putting down roots in southern California. He later moved to Arizona where, driven by his passion for the outdoors and working with youth, he invested many years of involvement with the Anasazi Foundation and YMCA Skate Camps. Motivated by this work, Dan earned a B.S. in Marriage & Family Studies from BYU-Idaho in hopes of pursuing therapy work.
Dan is survived by his mother (Cathryn), his siblings (Patricia, David, Leah, Mathew, and Paul), and his nephews and niece (David, Matthew, Steven, Courtney, and Kaydin).
However, it should be noted that Dan’s family extends far beyond the bonds of blood. Because more than anything, Dan loved people. He made friends everywhere he went, building an expansive community and leaving a positive impact on countless individuals. Those who remember him most often describe him as a man larger than life, who was authentic, kind, humble, and generous, with a smile that lit up his whole face. To many he was family, friend, and mentor, and he will be remembered for his ability to love unconditionally and the joy he brought to our lives.
Dan’s final act of generosity was to donate his body to Research for Life to advance cancer research. Celebration of life events will be held in Dan’s honor in Arizona and Ohio. And a memorial headstone will be installed in Crown Hill Cemetery in Cleveland, alongside his father in the family site.
