Danilo Nuezca Paeste

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Danilo “Danny” Paeste, who left us peacefully on August 3, 2025, at home. Danny was born on November 6, 1961, in Laoac, Pangasinan, Philippines, he lived a joyful, adventurous life full of laughter. He was 63 at the time of his passing. A beloved father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend, he was preceded in death by his wife, Natividad Paeste; father, Pedro Paeste Sr.; mother, Antonia Paeste; and brother, Jimmy Paeste. He is survived by his loving partner of 11 years, Renee Garcia; stepson, Eric Sablan; son, Dee Jae Paeste; daughter, Amorrina Paeste; grandchildren, Luna and Augustino Garcia; sisters, Lily Manliclic and Leonie Vargas; brother, Pedro Paeste Jr.; and many nieces and nephews.

His life journey took him from the Philippines to Guam, then Hawaii, and finally, in November 1977, to San Jose, California, where he built a life filled with love and lasting friendships that spanned decades. After retiring in 2011 from a rewarding 27-year career with the United States Postal Service, he moved back to the Philippines, where he enjoyed his retirement to the fullest. In 2020 he moved back to San Jose, where he faced a courageous five-year battle with multiple myeloma, meeting each challenge with humor, grace, and determination

Known for his larger-than-life personality, his charisma could be felt in any room he entered. He had a great sense of humor, always telling jokes and laughing with family and friends. A force on the microphone when it came to karaoke, his go-to songs ranged from Bon Jovi to Richard Marx, with The Bee Gees being his favorite. His warm, welcoming spirit made people feel instantly at ease.

He was proud of his daughter, Amorrina, for being a devoted and loving mother, and often expressed how grateful he was to her for giving him his two beautiful grandchildren. He loved spending time with them, often saying they were his pride and joy. His face would light up whenever he spoke about them, and their bond was something he treasured deeply.

He was equally proud of his son, Dee Jae, and the incredible art he created. A gifted artist himself, he passed his creative spirit and talent on to his son, cherishing Dee Jae’s unique vision—especially the stunning murals he painted at the Paeste Family Compound in the Philippines. Those vibrant works were a source of joy and pride, and he would show them off to visitors with a huge smile.

A man of many passions, he had a special love for playing and watching roulette, especially at Thunder Valley Casino. His favorite numbers — 0, 00, 1, 2, 6, 14, and 25 — brought him endless excitement. He also enjoyed a weekly routine of playing the lottery and mastered card games like Tongits and Pusoy Dos. His skills at carnival games were so impressive that he was sometimes told he could no longer play because he had won too many prizes.

His love for sports cars began with his first — a sleek black 1979 Chevy Monza Spyder with a license plate reading “DANS MONZ.” Over the years, his passion never faded, with the Lamborghini Countach remaining his dream car. His enthusiasm for cars reflected his adventurous spirit and attention to detail, and he often discussed engines, style, and speed with friends and family.

He was also a real-life hero — on July 20, 2011, while on his postal delivery route, he saved two children and their nanny from a house fire. For his bravery, he was honored with the opportunity to throw out the first pitch at an Oakland A’s game. A man of action and heart, his talents even extended to wielding nunchucks, which he would demonstrate with a smile and a bounce of his hair.

He loved the Philippines and took great pride in the Paeste Family Compound, especially hosting reunions there. These gatherings, filled with food, laughter, karaoke, and stories, brought him immense joy.

He was also an avid fisherman. Sea Cliff Beach was his favorite spot, where he spent many good times with friends and family fishing and barbecuing. He had a deep passion for both eating and cooking, especially his famous beef jerky, fried chicken, fina'denne, chicken kelaguen, and cheesecake bars — all favorites among family and friends.

He loved movies, particularly comedies, and could often be found watching and chatting through them with a huge smile. Stand-up comedy was another favorite, with Eddie Murphy’s iconic Raw topping the list. His laughter was contagious, and his joy for life impossible to ignore.

His joy, humor, and easygoing nature made him beloved by all who knew him. He lived life to the fullest and will be remembered not only for his good looks and signature Bee Gees-style hair but also for the joy he brought to those around him.

The legacy he leaves is one of love, laughter, and deep connection. He taught others to find humor even in the hardest times, to cherish family, and to live boldly without apology. His artistic spirit lives on in his children and grandchildren, his stories in the memories of friends and family, and his warmth in the hearts of all who knew him.

His presence was a gift, and though he is no longer physically with us, his spirit will live on — in every karaoke night, every shared laugh, every spin of the roulette wheel, every fish caught, and every family gathering that carries his name and energy forward