Daniel Lawrence Gonzales

Danny Gonzales, 26, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, passed away on March 27, 2026.

Danny was born on May 20, 1999, in Charlottesville, Virginia, he lovingly joined our family in 2003 and later moved to Albuquerque in 2004, where he was raised and later graduated from Freedom High School in 2017.

Danny grew up surrounded by a large and loving extended family. Some of his most meaningful memories were made on frequent trips to Mississippi, where he spent time with family. He also loved camping along the Navajo River, traveling the United States and parts of Europe and on a mission to Malawi, Africa. As a kid, spending entire cruises happily playing in the onboard pool never wanting to leave the ship. In his early adulthood, Danny spent time living in New York with his Auntie Nana, an experience that played a meaningful role in his growth and independence.

Danny had a wide range of passions and a personality that made an impression. He was a budding cinephile, especially when it came to horror films, a devoted Harry Potter fan, and a self-proclaimed hot wing connoisseur. He almost always had a strong opinion on movies, books, and pop culture, and he loved sharing those opinions with the people around him.

Writing was one of Danny's deepest passions. Inspired by his favorite author, Stephen King, he dreamed of becoming a writer himself. Over the past year, he made a real commitment to that dream, consistently carving out time every day to work on his novel.

Danny's greatest joy in life was his daughter, Kaelani. Being her father meant everything to him. He loved spending time with her, playing, watching movies, reading together, and in those moments, he was at his happiest with the biggest smile.

The last year of Danny's life was filled with meaningful time spent with family. He was always around at every gathering and event, bringing his unique character to every family game and tradition. It stands as a reminder of how deeply he cared for the people closest to him.

He is survived by his daughter, Kaelani Gonzales; by his parents and stepparents, Elaine and Randy Rizek and Larry and Linda Gonzales; his brother, Frank (Katie) Gonzales; his stepbrothers, Brad and Tony (Caroline) Sedillo; his grandparents, Rudy and Marcella Gonzales; and many loving nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends across Mississippi, New Mexico, New York, and beyond.

A funeral Mass will be held on April 8 at Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church. A viewing beginning at 10:00 AM, a rosary at 10:30 AM, followed by Mass at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to donate to your local chapter of Narcotics Anonymous in Danny's name.