[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 103 (Thursday, June 25, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E990-E991]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING DANIEL ``DANNY'' DARIO VILLANUEVA

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. XAVIER BECERRA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 25, 2015

  Mr. BECERRA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy 
of Daniel ``Danny'' Dario Villanueva, a dear friend, successful athlete 
and businessman, and champion of the little guy. Danny passed away 
unexpectedly at the age of 77. His death is a deep loss for Myrna, his 
wife, his sons Danny Jr. and Jim, and his extended family. Losing Danny 
brings equal sadness to all who believe in the American Dream and seek 
role models willing to answer that call to duty.
  In reflecting on Danny Villanueva's accomplishments, the list is 
long. The better question to ask is: what didn't Danny accomplish. From 
his humble beginnings in Tucumcari, New Mexico--the ninth of twelve 
children of migrant missionary workers--and throughout the rest of his 
life, Danny pioneered a remarkable

[[Page E991]]

path in professional sports, the broadcasting industry and the 
investment and philanthropic world.
  As a kicker for the Los Angeles Rams, Danny was one of the first 
Latino players in the National Football League. His successful and 
record-breaking career there, and later with the Dallas Cowboys, helped 
open the door to a sportscaster job with the KMEX television station in 
Los Angeles, which at the time was a fledgling Spanish-language 
broadcaster. Today, KMEX serves as the West Coast flagship for the 
Univision network.
  But Danny didn't just stand in front of the KMEX camera, he stood 
behind it as a journalist, a news director, a general manager and its 
President. He eventually became an owner of KMEX and the network which 
we know as Univision. In all those roles, he committed himself to 
serving the community of Los Angeles. Whether it was broadcasting that 
was happening in the city through a Latino lens or raising funds to 
help new immigrant families, or victims of natural disaster, Danny was 
their voice and their advocate. And, putting his money where his mouth 
is, he became one of LA's true philanthropists.
  Even after he retired from broadcasting, his passion for 
philanthropic work continued through his founding of an investment firm 
focused on helping small and family businesses and the establishment of 
a scholarship fund at his alma mater New Mexico State University. He 
and Myrna remained actively involved in many charitable causes 
throughout his life.
  Danny was a leader, an innovator, a loving husband and father and an 
incredible example to many of us of a man determined to do good as he 
did well. Without Danny, the Spanish-language news and broadcasting 
industry in the U.S. would not be what it is today. Without Danny, 
there would be no Univision, no Telemundo or many of the other 
broadcasting giants that exist today.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud to stand here today and share some of Danny 
Villanueva's successes because they are not just his, they belong to us 
all. For anyone who aspires to the American Dream, Danny's life and 
legacy show us that with hard work, compassion and a sense of humor, 
anything is possible. Danny will remain in our hearts not only as a 
friend, but as a champion to his family, his community and to all the 
little guys who believe in hard work and relentless effort.
  To Myrna, Danny Jr. and Jim, we extend our warmest affection and 
gratitude for sharing with us this champion of America. Through our 
collective success we will do justice to the memory of Daniel Dario 
Villanueva.

                          ____________________