Daniel Estrada

Daniel Estrada 

December 18, 1951 - July 20, 2025 

“Music is a world within itself with a language we all understand” - Stevie Wonder 

Daniel “Danny” Estrada, 74, peacefully passed away surrounded by loved ones at Mountain View Hospital in Las Vegas, Nevada on July 20th, 2025. Born in Brooklyn, NY on December 18th 1951, he lived his life in various cities across the country. In 1971, Daniel found his calling by joining the United States Army. Serving in the Army became a prominent badge that he carried proudly for the rest of his life. In 1974, after serving with the U.S Army for three years, he transferred to the Army reserves. While in the Reserves, in August of 1974, he met the love of his life Ines Estrada in the city of Pomona while visiting family. His love for her was so strong, he married her in the same year on October 2nd, 1974. Within the following year, his first daughter Diana was born on May 27th, 1975. After three years in the Reserves, Daniel was honorably discharged on July 18th, 1977. He received a National Defense Service medal as well as a sharpshooter ribbon. Following his honorable discharge he settled in Long Beach, California with his new wife and daughter. A city that would shape most of his life and would be considered his true hometown. Daniel would start working that same year at National Gypsum as a forklift operator for many years to come. As he was creating his life in Long Beach with his wife and newborn daughter, he continued to grow, care, and expand his family by taking in many family members from his wife’s side over the years. He would be known as a father figure to her many brothers and sisters. As well as their husbands, wives, and future children. On January 26th 1984, his other love, his second daughter Maria was born. During this time, he cherished his two daughters, his wife, and having his brother in law Emilio and his wife Norma shaping his life with him in the apartment building on Loma Ave. In the years that came, his daughters including his sister in law Norma would soon bring three small bundles of joy into his world, these three would become his future granddaughters that would warm his heart for the rest of his life. On October 14th 1995, Norma’s daughter Betty was born, and Daniel would have his first glimpse on being a grandfather. Not long after on February 4th 1998, he welcomed with loving arms his second granddaughter Lourdes, from his daughter Diana. And many years later, on March 16th 2007, his daughter Maria brought into his world his cherished granddaughter Melody. And lastly on October 19th, 2009, his first beloved grandson Bryan was born. He truly cherished his grandchildren and the memories they would create and recollect over the years. As years passed, he would take care of many children outside of the family who would look to him as a grandpa figure. In 2018, he would retire from his many years at National Gypsum and move to Las Vegas, Nevada, with his family, where he would spend the rest of his life. Throughout his life he brought his love for funk and soul to the lives of many whether through his van stereo or his many vinyls. From The Sugarhill Gang to Steve Wonder, he was known for his great taste in music. He also had a talent of making others laugh through his impersonations. Daniel’s Donald Duck impression would bring a smile to anyone he met. Daniel would also be known for being a fan of Star Trek and watching numerous episodes in one sitting. He was a man of culture who enjoyed entertainment whether in the form of film or music. Movies and music were the channels to his soul. Daniel was known to always watch television, but this would never cease his social engagement with those who cared to join him. He was known by many names “Toto”, “Grampys”, or as the beloved “Tow Mater” due to his resemblance to the beloved Cars character from the Pixar film. He will be remembered for providing love and care to anyone who he brought under his wing. Daniel’s gentleness and unconditional love was unmatched and will continue to influence those he has left behind. Daniel was a gentle giant and a kid at heart who would do anything for those he loved. He is survived by his wife Ines Estrada, his daughters Diana and Maria. As well as his grandchildren, Lourdes, Melody, Betty and Bryan.