David Mario Vasquez
August 23, 1978 - August 19, 2022
Riverbank, California - David Mario Vasquez transitioned on to his new journey beyond this world on Friday, August 19, 2022 after two years of battling stomach cancer. He was 43. David, known as Mario to his family, was born on August 23, 1978 in Sacramento, CA. He attended Chapman University and majored in Social Sciences and the University of Southern California for his Teaching Credential.
David was a devoted husband to his wife Jayme of 22 years and father to his 11 year old daughter, Arianna. His wife and daughter provided him with the family he had always prayed for and they were the most precious part of his life. David had been a High school history teacher for 15 years with his last four years of teaching in Hawaii where he had taught at Konawaena High school on the Big Island of Hawaii in what he had said were some of the best years of his life. He felt so fortunate to have been blessed with this experience and to share it with his loving wife and daughter. He passed away peacefully at home with his wife by his side.
David Mario's wish was to be returned home to Hawaii to have a private celebration of life.

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Published by Modesto Bee on Sep. 4, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for David Vasquez

13 Entries

Denise

August 1, 2025

I met David in SLO. He was very kind to me as an older lady. Sunshine Doughnuts and 711 were his jobs he did very good. Great customer service. U r missed and thank you for always being kind to me. God bless your family.

Scott

October 5, 2022

Aloha my friend. my best friend on this island. we shared so many aspirations and goals in life and for those around us. You never left anyone in a worse place; u always raised the spirits around you. such a warrior spirit you have i would always tell you. there´s something so special about you that i know we will all always carry with us forever. Im so blessed to have met you in this short time on earth. I feel your presence every day still and am so thankful for you brother. A Hui Hou

Randy Ruis

September 8, 2022

David was great, so kind, so fun and friendly. He is a part of our Konawaena High Ohana, where he was loved by his students. He had such a positive impact on their lives, an impact that will guide them for years to come. Rest in Aloha Señor Vasquez

Eric Parker

September 7, 2022

Some people you meet in this life significantly impact you no matter how long you've known them; David is one of those people in my life. His magnetic, loving energy immediately surrounded you when you met David. He was a person who treated everyone like family, even if you had just met him. My wife and I were so happy that we met David and Jayme on our trip to Kona, they were such gracious hosts, and we stayed connected even after we left. It's hard to imagine David not here anymore. If anyone could've beaten cancer, it would be David, somehow, I thought he would triumph, and we would be back in Kona celebrating his healing; however, God had other plans, and heaven called my brother and friend home. In the short time I've known David, I've learned some valuable life lessons I will share with you all.

#1 Be the hand that gives David was a giver with his knowledge, wisdom, possessions, and love. He truly enjoyed raising the next generation of scholars and was a huge advocate of them knowing their heritage, showing compassion for his students and for those who needed his help. I remember telling him I wanted to take a trip to Kona, and David offered his own home for me to stay in so I wouldn't incur a hotel bill. He was adamant about his home being my home, also. He was always the hand that gave, and that's why David was blessed in life.

#2 The most valuable treasure you have is your family David loved Jayme and Ari. It's typical for a good dad and husband to love his family, but even in his time of need, his number one priority was his wife and daughter when he became sick. I remember David telling me to ensure his family was cared for upon his passing. I told David to stop talking like that because he would pull through. However, my wife and I would always be there to look out for his family because we considered them family also. I was supposed to come to Kona to help celebrate Jayme's birthday, but alas, I allowed work to get in the way of my plans and didn't make it. David wanted Jayme to have a special day, and we planned to surprise her with a cake and a nice dinner. Again, even though sick, David was thinking of his wife and family. David loved Ari, who was his partner in crime. I loved seeing their pictures at the beach or spending quality time together. It's easy to parent passively, but spending quality time with your children is another thing David was very intentional about his time with Ari and the activities they did together. He was a genuine girl dad and someone all fathers can admire.

#3 Make a positive impact in all situations. The last time I talked to David, he sounded very down. While I still believed he would pull through, the reality that he might not caused an unsettling knot in my stomach. In that last conversation, David gave the final lesson. He told me that he lived a fulfilled life because he did his best to leave a positive impact on people. I think David's big loving personality helped him to live longer than the Drs may have expected him to. His love, compassion, and determination to positively impact all situations pushed him a little further each day until God finally called him home. I know he made a significant impact on me and the life of my family. I only met David face to face twice, yet his life will be one I will never forget and continue to honor for the rest of my days on this earth.

I can't express how much his passing hurts, and I can't even begin to understand how Jayme and Ari are managing the loss of the great man they had the privilege to call dad and husband. I only hope the village of love that David cultivated during his time here will rally and surround his family with love and support. It's easy to give condolences, but two years from now, will we still be here and telling Ari about her father's greatness? Or checking how Jayme is doing when we feel like enough time has passed or the grieving process is over? The grieving process will never be over, and the love, concern, and care David extended to all of us is now our responsibility to give back to his family. It is the least we can do to honor my friend and continue the legacy of love he left for us. David gave a blueprint for us to follow. Let's continue his good works on the earth until it is our time to see him again in the next realm of life. Until we meet again, brother; I love you.

Margo

September 6, 2022

I saw this photo in Ari´s phone last year and made her send it to me bc it shows the true love and light that David shared with the people in his life!

Antoinette Leyva

September 6, 2022

David was great teach and had very kind heart. My son had the privilege of having him as a teacher. Always a friend, love to all of his family

Corey Kaneko

September 5, 2022

With much Aloha we send our prayers to David and his family. While he was here in Hawaii he accepted our culture whole heartedly and was hanai'd into our Ohana. He was very generous and shared his love, time, and knowledge to help better the children of our Island. The world is a bit less brighter without him but he made sure to plant lots of sparks that will become their own beacons of light as they grow. A hui hou David (until we meet again).

Love the Kaneko Ohana.

Brenda & Dave Arauza

September 5, 2022

May you Rest In Peace Mario. To Jayme and Ari, sending prayers and hugs to you during this difficult time. May the beautiful memories you three shared remain in your hearts forever

Catherine Michener

September 5, 2022

He was such a caring and fun teacher at Vanguard in 2013. He was the only reason I enjoyed learning more about History. You could tell it wasn´t just about teaching and he wanted us to care and be better people. My condolences to his family, he will be missed.

Brianna Alba

September 5, 2022

My condolences to my Nina and my godsister Ari. Nino was lucky to have both of his girls with him till the end. My Nino was one of the great ones, I´ll miss his mind games and the lessons he´d teach me. I´ll always try to remember to think out of the box. Nino, I miss you. You left us too soon. I´ll love you forever, rest in peace.

Patricia Tapia

September 5, 2022

My condolences to Jayme and Ari, sending prayers to you both. Mario was a very lucky man to have you girls in his life. May you rest in peace Mario. You will be missed by us all.

Patty

September 4, 2022

To my niece Jayme and Adriana, my prayers and condolences are with you and may God guide you through this rough time. RIP Mario
May God bless you, you Aunt who loves you

Nancy Garcia

September 4, 2022

My thoughts and prayers to all of you. Mario had such a big heart and opened his to many people who became family to you all. He will truly be missed. God bless you all during this difficult time.

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