‘Danny B’ a true renaissance man

By Jeff Oliver

MVI Sports

The best way I could describe Danny Bergstedt is that he was truly a renaissance man.

The definition of a renaissance man is a person with many talents or areas of knowledge and expertise. 

And that fit Bergstedt to perfection.

“Danny B,” as he was known to his many friends, died Thursday morning after a long battle with various ailments, including a weakened heart.

Danny B was popular because he fit in with any crowd. Whether it was with his golfing buddies on the course or at the 19th hole, sitting around a poker table, watching his beloved Monessen Greyhounds, traveling with his loving bride, Roberta, or just bouncing his grandchildren on his knee. In any situation, Danny B felt right at home.

He was a very playful person and loved talking about all the Charleroi-Monessen bets he would win against his good friend Bruno Pappasergi. And he took great glee in getting another of his dear friends, Charleroi sports legend Mouse Chacko, to wear a Monessen Greyhound shirt.

He loved the good banter of a poker game and he also enjoyed honoring traditions, as he presided over an annual Thanksgiving morning Turkey Bowl among a group of friends for over 50 years.

At the Turkey Bowl, there would be a Most Valuable Player named after the game and Danny B took great pride in collecting the MVP votes and then announcing the winner at the end. He was the Turkey Bowl commissioner.

He was so much fun to be around.

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