Donald "Elvis" Prieto

Donald “Elvis” Prieto unexpectedly passed away at his home on May 1, 2021 at the age of 54. For over 20 years, he battled kidney disease and was waiting on his 3rd kidney transplant. His second kidney came from Dottie Stewart and they were not only connected by kidneys, his “TK Twin” but by mutual love.

Donald is preceded in death by his grandparents Joe “Jucee” and Victoria Prieto, and his beloved dog Yukon. He is survived by his daughter Presley Ann, mother Linda (Mark Orsetti), sister Vikki (Dan O’Hara) and her two children Lance and Lauren Wolfsmith; his aunts: Carmen (Mike Mendosa) children Michael (Missy), Matthew(Stacey) and Melinda, Gloria Rottler sons Zachary Snyder and Devin Rottler (Godson), Joseph II and his son Joseph III, Sally (Louie Granados) daughters Stacie (Danny Soto) , Melanie (Benny Soto), and Amber Muniz, Patricia Prieto daughters Cyndi Prieto Muraoka and Shantal (Noe Rincon) and Melissa (Armando Alvarez) son Forrest. Our beloved late Maryellen Montoya, Cousins Joe, Carlos, Gina, Mel, Richard and Vince. And many more cousins. Donald was the center of our family circle and will be truly missed.

At age 7, Donald was diagnosed with Juvenile Brittle diabetes. His countless diabetic episodes and diabetic comas never deterred from his accomplishments and his spirit. He was a counselor at Diabetic camp where he mentored young children and taught them that diabetes was not the end all. He was a mentor. He gave hope to all. He excelled at Gilroy High on the wrestling team. He also played football at Gilroy High. He had a love for bodybuilding and was crowned Mr. Gilroy Bodybuilder in 1985. Anyone that knew him, knew him for his stronghold handshakes and stronghold hugs.

He was the heart of Victoria’s Mexican Restaurant. He never met a stranger. Everywhere he went, he made long life friends. He truly loved people and he made it known through his actions. Donald’s passion was performing on stage as the King of Rock n’ Roll, Elvis Presley. At the age of 7, he developed a love for Elvis Presley through albums his Mother had in her stereo console. He would entertain his Elvis moves with a broomstick in the living room in front of friends. In his early twenties, as an Elvis Tribute Artist, he started to perform at weddings, birthdays and fundraisers and even married couples as an ordained minister (dressed as Elvis). He performed at the Garlic Festival with The Hound Dogs and that was a local favorite. He performed at the Annual Gilroy Car show downtown. He performed at our local convalescent home twice a year, and Wheeler Manor.

“I do it because I love what I do! I put that suit on and it changes my persona”

In the 90’s, He picked up Led Zeppelin in SF in a limo and did a photoshoot and walked around in the SF city, they hired him because they loved “Elvis” He performed at the Reno Hot August Nights on many occasions. He received the Poppy Jasper Film Community Achievement Award. He also performed in Las Vegas at the Las Vegas Hilton.

But if fans and friends wanted to see more, they could catch him hosting karaoke nights at the family restaurant on Thursday evenings, performing the songs ‘All Shook Up,’ ‘Suspicious Minds,’ or family favorite, ‘Sweet Caroline.’ Performing gave him strength. It is what he loved. He made everyone feel special and that came from the heart (his big heart)! He offered laughs, and performances to brighten your day, and an extra shot in your Top Shelf Margarita– all with a smile.

Donald was a true fighter, father, son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, friend, and confidant. He was a loving, caring, devout Christian. He touched many lives.

Presley, his daughter, is his only child. His pride and joy, apple of his eye, his everything! His greatest gift in life. No prouder Dad than himself.

A Celebration of Life for Donald is scheduled for May 15, 2021 at New Hope Church, located at 8886 Muraoka Dr., Gilroy, CA 95020. 11 am to 12:30… Reception following at Victoria’s Mexican Restaurant
Please wear your Elvis scarf...

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, that donations can be made in Memory of Donald ‘Elvis’ Prieto Scholarship Fund, Gilroy Foundation, PO Box 774, Gilroy, CA 95021 or Paypal @ gilroyfoundation.org

His Love Had No Boundaries!!

Blessed to have met you, Blessed to have known you, Blessed to have loved you but truly blessed to have been loved by you!!

His generous loving spirit will be missed by all who knew him.

Thank you, Thank you very much