Daniel Joseph Basurto

Daniel was raised in Houston, Texas, where he excelled at sports and cultivated a fearless, adventurous spirit growing up. He attended Lamar High School and later attended Houston Community College, where he founded a chess club that brought together thinkers and competitors alike, eventually transferring to the University of Houston (U of H).

Unapologetically himself, Daniel was never afraid to pursue the things that intrigued him. Whether mastering chess, embracing new technologies, debating different perspectives, or simply trying something new, he lived life with boldness and intention. Daniel was perpetually entrepreneurial, always coming up with creative ideas and finding ways to turn them into money-making opportunities, i.e., Digi Deli. Daniel lived life the way he wanted—fully, authentically, and with a bang.

Known for his humor, Daniel had the rare ability to connect with anyone he met. He was a conversationalist, a thinker, and a man who saw possibilities everywhere. Those who knew him will forever cherish the laughter, fearlessness, and love he shared so freely. Daniel loved deeply and cared profoundly for his family and friends, cherishing those connections above all else.

Daniel is survived by his mother, Michaeline Yanascavage-Gonzalez and husband Pedro Gonzalez, father Daniel Basurto, sisters, Christina Yanascavage, Michaeline Licata and husband Ben Licata, Laura Kasper and husband Craig Kasper, Elise Cherry and husband Jason Cherry, step-siblings Marcos Cantu and partner Joel Bickley and Tina Cantu, and nieces and nephews including Alayna Basurto-Sanchez, Cataleya Cherry, Athena Cherry, Everly Cherry, Isabel Licata, Noah Kasper, Campbell Licata, and Beatrice Kasper. Daniel is also survived by many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, and extended family members who cared deeply for him and will miss him greatly. Daniel is preceded in death by Grandfather Joseph Paul Yanascavage, Grandmother Socorro Yanascavage-Jeffcoat and Step-Grandfather Wallace Jeffcoat, and Great-Grandmother Rosie Leal.

A celebration of Daniel’s life will be held on Monday, January 6, 2025. Visitation will begin at 11:00 AM, followed by a service at 12:00 PM at Heights Funeral Home, located at 1317 Heights Blvd., Houston, TX 77008. The committal service will take place immediately afterward at 1:30 PM at Hollywood Cemetery, 3506 N. Main St., Houston, TX 77009.

Friends and family are invited to come together, share memories, and honor someone who made a lasting impression on everyone he knew.