David Coronado

David Coronado (“Gunny”), at the age of 71, passed away peacefully with his loving family at his side on February 5, 2025, following a courageous short battle with lymphoma. Gunny was born on March 11, 1953 in Ann Arbor, Michigan to Cecilio Coronado and Mary Coronado (née Rodriguez), who preceded him in death. His siblings Cecil Coronado Jr. (Spouse: Rosita Coronado), Lois Meyer (Spouse: Mark Meyer), Mary Ann Johnson (Spouse: Glen Johnson), Elizabeth Bird (Spouse: Robert Bird), and Sarah Herod (Spouse: Mark Herod) dearly miss him and will forever honor the man who had left this earth too soon.

Gunny’s service to his country was an honor he held close to his heart. He was enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps from January 1971 (Platoon 3009) to January 1991, honorably discharged after serving 20 years and retiring as a Gunnery Sergeant (E-7). During his time in the Marine Corps, Gunny made invaluable friendships, seeing and experiencing the world while serving his country. Gunny always spoke highly of his time deployed to the Philippines, Thailand, Japan, and South Korea, among numerous bases throughout the United States. These cherished memories of seeing the world were always discussed at length with family and friends.

Gunny earned numerous awards and honors during his time, but will always be known for his excellent marksmanship skills as a Rile Expert and Pistol Sharpshooter. He had joked that he could shoot the ass off a rat at 500 feet. The discipline and patriotism he learned in the Marine Corps never left him, as friends and family will attest.

After his service with the Marine Corps, Gunny, in pursuit of devoting his life to his country, pursued a career in law enforcement when he began the Riverside Sheriff’s Academy in 1991. Gunny served as a paid reservist with Newport Beach Police Department and San Bernardino Police Department prior to joining Riverside Sheriff’s Office (“RSO”) as a deputy sheriff. During his time with RSO, Gunny worked beats across the county, including Eastvale, Jurupa Valley, Mira Loma, Riverside, Rubidoux, and Norco where he mentored and trained newly minted deputies. Those who worked with him and trained by him all thought highly of Gunny as a man who would have your back. He had been honored for his heroic work, serving the citizens of Riverside County during their darkest times. Gunny, fearless and ready to serve, always put the needs of others before himself. A trait that continued beyond his employment and into retirement. Gunny retired from RSO in December 2016, though he did not stop serving his community.

Gunny served with the California State Military Reserve and thereafter, volunteered with the San Bernardino’s Sheriff’s Office Citizen on Patrol, Beaumont Police Department Community Patrol, and with the VFW Post 233.

Gunny was known for his love of service to his country but also for his love of the outdoors and the beauty of the world. His favorite place was to camp in the desert, whether that be Joshua Tree or Death Valley, with a beer in his hand enjoying a steak. His interests knew no bounds. He enjoyed traveling with his wife and spending time visiting his children and grandchildren. Gunny was always big on family. He was a history buff and an appreciator of astronomy, playfully known as a “Trekkie”. His best bud was his beloved dog, Steve. The two were inseparable until the end.

Gunny is survived and missed by his loving wife, Katherine Lynn Coronado (née Farwick), of 34 plus years, and his children David Michael Coronado (Spouse: Kaitlyn Coronado), Darcy Michelle Yeatman (Spouse: Jeffrey Yeatman), Danielle Sue Lee Dominguez (Spouse: Charlie Dominguez), Kimberly Ann Arroyo (Spouse: Luis Arroyo), and Kara Lynn Coronado (Fiancé: Kyle Lorenz). He is forever cherished and remembered by his grandchildren Kylee Jo Coronado, Emma Louis Coronado, Eric David Terrill, Erin Hailee Rivera (née Yeatman), Shailynn Europe Yeatman, Karley Lilliann Yeatman, Hayden Madison Yeatman, Zion Joaquin Dominguez, Yeshua Ausencio Dominguez, Ilana Noelle Dominguez, and Nyriah Adelia Dominguez as well as his great-grandchildren Jacob Adam Rivera, Jr., Jeffrey Lewis Allen Rivera, and Eleïana Amor Rivera. His memory will be forever remembered by his family and friends.

Although Gunny’s physical presence may no longer grace our lives, his spirit will continue to inspire and uplift us. May his memory be a blessing, and may we carry forth his legacy of love and compassion in all we do. Dear Gunny, your light will forever shine brightly in our hearts. We deeply miss you. But we forever honor the man who raised us with love and kindness, who taught us to be courageous and to live life to the fullest.

Gunny’s life will be celebrated on Wednesday, February 19, 2025 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Weaver Mortuary & Crematory, 1177 Beaumont Avenue, Beaumont, CA 92223. A graveside service will occur Wednesday, February 19, 2025 at 2:15 PM at Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Boulevard, Riverside, CA 92518.