Obituary of Danny Flores-Villásenor

April 15, 1987 - October 12, 2023

Lifelong Santa Cruz Resident

Danny was a loving son, brother, uncle, and friend who passed away unexpectedly on October 12, 2023 at the age of 36.  He was born and raised in Santa Cruz, CA.  The youngest of 6 children, Danny was full of life, love, and radiant energy.  His smile, personality, and charisma could light up a room and bring laughter and joy to all. 

Danny loved listening to all types of music from Rancheras, Banda, West Coast 90’s Hip Hop, and his favorite of all time, Michael Jackson.  Along with his love for music, Danny loved watching movies.   Danny had a way of reenacting his favorite scenes from movies such as The Karate Kid, Friday, Home Alone, Beethoven, Rocky, La Bamba, and the Dukes of Hazzard.

Danny was a big WWE fan, with pro wrestling matches routinely on the screen at his home.  He was the "Ultimate Warrior" in the many ways he endured all his physical challenges in this life, and he channeled some of the energy of the WWE characters.   He mastered The Rock’s people’s eyebrow and regularly flexed his muscles like Hulk Hogan. 

Family trips to Ciudad Guzman and Apulco, Jalisco was something Danny looked forward to yearly.   He enjoyed visiting his abuelos and all of his extended family.  His presence at Mariachi parties will be deeply missed, as he could fill the room with happiness by playing his guitar and singing along.

Danny attended the Laurel Street program for 16 years.  Most recently he was attending Social Vocational Services in Watsonville.  Danny also participated in the Special Olympics competing in events such as bowling, basketball and track and field.  Another passion of his was dancing.   He was also a dancer at the Dance Center for over 5 years. 

He is survived by his mother and father, Maria and Aristeo Flores of Santa Cruz; his four brothers and four sisters-in-laws; Enrique and Alejandra Flores, Jose Maria and Alicia Flores, Miguel and Salina Flores, and Carlos and Sarah Flores. Danny also leaves eight nieces and four nephews, as well as many uncles, aunts, and cousins spread throughout Santa Cruz, Southern California, and Jalisco, Mexico.

The viewing and Rosary will be held at Pacific Garden Chapel, 1050 Cayuga Street in Santa Cruz on Sunday, October 22, 2023 beginning at 5:00 p.m. The Mass of Catholic Burial will be celebrated on Monday, October 23 at 11 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 435 Monterey Ave, Capitola. Burial will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, where he will be laid to rest beside his sister, Maria Socorro Flores, who preceded Danny in death in 2017. In honor of Danny’s Warrior spirit, feel free to dress up in something representing your favorite WWE character or Musician.