Danielo (Danny) Estrada Calaunan

Danielo (“Danny”) Estrada Calaunan was born on November 28, 1952 in Calasiao, Pangasinan, Philippines. He was the sixth child of Margarita and Daniel Calaunan.

Danny grew up with 6 brothers and 2 sisters. At an early age, Danny was already passionate about sports, particularly basketball. But, Danny was not only passionate about basketball, he was good at it. In 1971, Danny graduated from Calasiao High School and he was actually recruited to play college basketball at National University. However, after a couple days of college life, Danny realized that college life was not for him.

In 1977, Danny and his brother Sam arrived in the United States joining their mother and brother Carding’s family. Soon after, Danny moved to Northern California with his brother Sam and his mom. Some of his first jobs in the United States were working for a restaurant and an airline company. That was a short lived experience. In 1978, Danny started a job at a clothing factory in San Francisco. It was there where he met the love of his life, Fideliza “Liza” Veluz. Danny and Liza fell in love and were married on October 14, 1978. On March 18, 1981, Danny and Liza were blessed with their first child, Jermaine. Danny was the happiest man in the world. On December 24, 1982, the family grew with the addition of Jensen “Jing”. Danny couldn’t be happier. In 1983, the clothing factory eventually closed and Danny got a job with Sequoia Hospital in Redwood City. He ended up working for Sequoia Hospital for 16 years. Danny was such a hard working man that he even took other side jobs to best support his family. His family was always his priority. In 1985, Danny took up the sport of tennis which he loved very much. He even won a tournament here and there throughout the 26 years he played. On February 7, 1987, Danny and Liza were blessed with their baby girl, Linette. The family was complete and Danny could not ask for anything more. He was so proud of his family and always worked hard to make sure they had everything they needed. On his days off, he even sacrificed waking up really early just to make sure breakfast was prepared for his family. On October 30, 1989, Danny was devastated by the loss of his dad.

Later, the family made the difficult decision to relocate to Las Vegas, Nevada. On January 9, 1999, the family had relocated. There Danny got a job with the Venetian | Palazzo where he was the maintenance specialist II. Throughout Danny’s years of employment, he was always often offered opportunities for advancement, but Danny always refused. For Danny, his family and his friendships were more important. On June 28, 2008, Pamela Jimenez joined the family as Jermaine’s wife. On January 31, 2011, the family experienced the loss of Danny’s mom. Blessings were not far off though, on March 4, 2011, Danny was blessed with his first grandson Jayden Eli Calaunan. Danny loved his grandson very much.

Danny was very much a family man, but he also enjoyed watching sports especially basketball, football, and tennis. He enjoyed playing tennis and going bowling with his wife Liza. He was also a cleanliness “enthusiast.” Danny also could have probably been a comedian; he was that funny. He had a great sense of humor. Danny always had a nickname for everyone like “Pogie.” Whenever you were around him, you could feel the positive energy and people were always smiling.

Danny truly appreciated the simple things in life. But what Danny will be remembered for the most is his sincere love for his family and friends. Danny was always the first one to volunteer to help anyone even at his own expense. He always saw the good in everyone. Danny was a great husband; father, brother, uncle, and friend.

On October 29, 2011, Danny passed away unexpectedly at St. Rose Dominican Hospital in Las Vegas, Nevada. He had suffered an unexpected heart attack. He is survived by his loving wife Fideliza of 32 years; his loving children Jermaine, Jensen, Linette; his grandchild Jayden; his brothers Tony, Ricardo, Samuel, George, Edson, Wilfredo; his sisters Fely and Flora, and his many nephews, nieces, and their children. He will be laid to rest at the Palm Mortuary -Eastern in Las Vegas, Nevada. He will always be loved and will be missed dearly by all.

Every man's life ends the same way. It is only the details of how he lived and how he died that distinguish one man from another.

-Ernest Hemingway

Arrangements under the direction of Palm Eastern Mortuary, Las Vegas, NV.