DANIEL S. BATTAGLINE – Also known as magician star “SYLVESTER THE JESTER,” 64, of Pasadena, CA passed away April 17, 2026 at Jasmin Terrace Nursing Home after a harrowing battle with Alzheimers.

Danny was born on October 10, 1961 in Youngstown, Ohio, the first son of Pat and Merrie Lou Battagline. He leaves his twins, Dino and Desiree 11, who he cherished. He also leaves his sister, Detta Perrone, her husband Dom, and his two nephews Nicholas and Dominic, all of Niles, Ohio. His parents, step- mother Joan, and a younger brother are deceased. He also leaves his step-sisters Mary Kay Willaims, Leslie Williams, and Laura (Sam) Dye, and their sons, nephews, Cody, Connor, and Trey.

Danny was a world- famous magician who made his start in magic at Western Reserve High School in Berlin Center, Ohio where he won a talent show at age 15. He graduated in 1980. He went on to Youngstown State University where he majored in Fine and Theater Arts. Around campus, Danny was known then as “Dan the Derby Man.” Before long, Dan moved to LA and joined the Magic Castle community where he performed for the next 7 years.

Around that time, he introduced, performed, and taught fellow magicians his own sleight-of-hand move called the “Sylvester Pitch” which he is known for to this day. He also created the ten-foot-pole effect which he also produced and sold to other magicians. Dan was often referred to as a “genius” by many in his field for his creativity, generosity, and his imagination.

During his career, Sylvester toured internationally to over 30 countries, and appeared in Las Vegas, Korea, Monaco, Columbia, Spain, and New Zealand, just to name a few. The awards he received over the years were “Baguette d’Or” - presented to him by Princess Stephanie of Monaco 1998, “Kid’s Choice” - Junior Jury’s Grand Prix, Monte Carlo Magic Stars 1998, “Festival Favorite”- 1998, “International Del Humor” - Bogota, Columbia 1998, “Gold Medal Champion” - Pacific Coast Association of Magicians , Santa Clara, CA, “Appreciation Award” - (50 th Anniversary Special) 1996 – International Brotherhood of Magicians and “Creative Fellow” – The Academy of Magical Arts. -2023

Danny was also a fine artist. He was commissioned in high school to paint a mural of the stages of American History on the history room wall at age 17. He was also a kind-hearted person and would give anyone anything he had, especially his time, the one thing that mattered most.

Please join us to spend some of your time celebrating his life on October 11 th at Ciminero’s Banquet Center 123 N. Main St., Niles, OH from 3-5 PM. RSVP to Detta @ 330.550.1417.

Local arrangements handled by The Joseph Rossi and Sons Funeral Home in Niles.

To share a memory, send a condolence, or view sympathy flowers and gifts, please visit Daniel’s tribute page at www.josephrossifuneralhome.com.