Daniel Scott Pakosta

Age 50, died suddenly in his home in Tucson, Arizona on December 2, 2021. He is survived by his sister, Elizabeth, older brother, Jeff, his wife, Tracey, and his younger brother, David. His physical humor lives on in his niece, Anna Rusiecki, and nephews, Daniel Rusiecki, and Josh and Charlie Pakosta.

Daniel “Danny” was born June 30, 1971 in Naperville , Illinois, to Louis and Joy Pakosta, a cement finisher and a soon-to-be-waitress. The youngest of three siblings, Danny and his family moved to Tucson, Arizona in 1974. He would spend the rest of his life in the desert.

During his younger years, Danny had magic feet. He played soccer and rode BMX bikes with his friends and older brother and the outdoors was a big part of his growth. When his baby brother, David, was born, Danny was instantly proud to be an older brother. Their relationship would blossom. In adulthood, they would be best friends and purchase a home together. They were a brotherly "Odd Couple,” and the two enjoyed a lifelong bond.

Danny worked in the food and beverage industry starting at the age of 16. He was a natural at caring for people through good food and great service. He knew how to make guests feel comfortable and would go out of his way just to be rewarded with a smile.

Danny was an incredibly talented musician and a guitar savant. He loved jamming with friends, a true metal God with his long blonde hair. When he was with family, he’d share lick or a new song he’d learned. He had a magical gift with the guitar (his treasured navy blue ’89 Ibanez was his pride and joy) and Danny was a true entertainer and natural comedian.

Losing someone you love is always hard to process. Danny’s passing is a reminder that life is truly fragile and can slip away like a guitar pick through a hole in your OP shorts pocket. Danny was loved by everyone he met and will be missed by many, but his memory will last in our hearts and minds forever, like a song you can never really get out of your head. We love you Danny… Son, Brother, Nephew, Uncle and Friend. Sleep with the Angels, Danzoil.

*A celebration of Danny's life will take place in early 2022.