Daniel Richard Pawelczyk
Daniel Richard Pawelczyk
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Daniel Pawelczyk Obituary
A fan of sports, he grew up playing ice hockey, baseball, soccer and high school football. He loved being outdoors and mountain biking with family and friends. He was a car enthusiast and as a teenager was known for doing burnouts in his dad's pristine 1986 Mazda, but most famously known as "Minivan Dan" for cruising the streets of T.O. with his friends in his mom's 1994 Nissan Quest. The first car he bought was a 1994 Chevy Silverado and a few years later, with the huge help of his best friends, restored a 1965 Cadillac DeVille.
He is survived by his wife, Rebecca, three children, Madeline, Ethan and Erik, parents Elaine and Rich all of Thousand Oaks, CA; Aunt Cheryl Allen of Reseda, CA, Uncle Gary and Aunt Diane Pearson of Reseda, CA, Uncle Gregg and Aunt Kathy Pearson of Bailey, CO, and loving cousins.
The family will be planning a Celebration of Life.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
AUTUMN PEARSON
May 6, 2025
Yesterday marked two years, and not a single day goes by that I don´t think of you. The pain of your absence is still so real, but I find comfort in knowing you´re still with us in spirit. The kids are growing up so fast, and it fills my heart to see Rebecca´s posts-she´s a beautiful reminder of the love and joy you brought into our lives. I miss you more than words can say. There´s a hole in our lives that only you could fill, but I know you´re watching over us, guiding us, and sending us strength. Your love lives on in all of us, and I promise we´ll keep moving forward, carrying you with us every step of the way
Tammie Harris
May 5, 2025
I can´t believe it has been 2 years You were such a spark of life to so many people Daniel. The hole that has been left in all of us varies, but is obvious whenever your name is brought up. I still don´t understand it, but I trust God has some great reason for taking you home at the peak of your life. We all miss you and love you.
Autumn Pearson
May 7, 2024
It´s been a yr since you left us on earth! There´s hasn´t been a day I haven´t thought about you or a holiday that has passed that it didn´t remind me of your physical absence, but at the same time I still dream about you, think of our memories together, and have plenty around that reminds me of the wonderful human you were! Thank you for watching over us! Thank you for keeping Becca & your kiddos safe, thank you for keeping your mom and dad healthy, and thank you for being our angel!
You are missed everyday Cuz and I can´t wait to see you again someday!
Love you!
Jean Sullivan
September 2, 2023
Rebecca, I was so sorry to hear of Daniel´s death. I remember him from Deckers as such a good man.
I am sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my prayers for peace and comfort.
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Jane Jackson
May 30, 2023
Dear Elaine,
You are in my thoughts and prayers every day.
My sympathies to all the family who have suffered this loss.
Sincerely, Jane Jackson
Eric Taylor
May 23, 2023
I have many fond memories growing up around Daniel in my neighborhood. He got most of the kids on the block interested in mountain biking, and we'd spend most of our time after school riding together. He was a natural leader and the connecting fabric between a lot of different groups throughout our time in elementary through high school. I always appreciated how inclusive he was-whether he was challenging us to get better at biking, beat us in hockey or including everyone in the games we would play. His patience and kindness were apparent from a young age, and we were always welcomed by him and his parents into his loving home. Thank you for all of the laughter we shared, Daniel.
Sherry Stevens (tai chi)
May 22, 2023
Elaine,
My heart aches for you in the loss of your son, Daniel ! I think of you daily and how overwhelming your grief must be. Loving family and friends are there to help support you in your grief...lean on them. Grief is such a struggle to work through! Allow the wonderful memories of your son to comfort you and begin to help your heart to heal!
Lucas Allen
May 21, 2023
I remember playing ping pong with Daniel at Aunt Elaine and Uncle Rich's garage on Thanksgiving. Daniel had a red pick up truck with hydraulics and he put me in the bed, then made me go up and down. I thought it was so cool. I remember him fixing up the Cadillac. Daniel gave me a few of his model trucks and cars which I still have up on display.
susan girard
May 19, 2023
i am so sad to hear about your son, elaine..he sounds like he was a wonderful person and thoughts of him will help soften your grieving.
susan girard [tai chi]
Neighbors
May 18, 2023
Dear Rich and Elaine,
We are so sad to hear of the passing of son. We are thinking of you and praying for some kind of comfort and peace.
Bringas Family
Jaclyn Pieper
May 17, 2023
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Shawn Bean
May 16, 2023
I was so sad to hear about Daniel passing as I worked with him at TD Ameritrade and he was a great person, and dad to his kids. Prayers go out to his family and friends for his sudden loss.
Jamie (Ohlrich) Regan
May 15, 2023
I simply can´t believe Daniel is no longer here with us. My heart aches for the pain his family is going through. Sending my deepest condolences to Elaine and Rich, and to Daniel´s wife and children. I´m so glad he got to experience the joy of fatherhood before he was taken too soon. And I hope that in time, peace and comfort will come, although he will always be missed.
I will forever be grateful for the perfect childhood I had growing up in the same cul de sac with Daniel. Memories of riding bikes, chalking up the sidewalks, trick or treating, 4th of July fireworks, Lincoln logs, legos, building forts in Daniel´s garage storage shelves, and video games will forever live in me. Nintendo, Super Nintendo, and Sega Genesis are synonymous with Daniel for me, that will never change. I remember "seeing Santa and his reindeer" outside of Daniel´s living room window on Christmas Eve one year. I remember swimming nextdoor in the "other" Jamie´s pool. Us Jamie´s would be the mermaids and Daniel was the shark. He was always such a sport playing with the girls. The 3 only children on the street and it was such fun! I still have dreams of riding my bike down the cul de sac to see if Daniel is out to play. It´s amazing how someone´s presence can imprint memories to last a lifetime, even when you haven´t seen them in years. It´s those memories that will live on, planting seeds that will continue to impact all who knew and cared for Daniel. Rest in Peace Daniel. You will be remembered.
Brad Schermer
May 14, 2023
I had the best childhood growing up with Daniel. Meeting at the bottom of the hill so we could ride our bikes to school. Every single day. We rode our bikes all around town. We camped. We talked. We played N64 together. Went to the beach. Rich would take us on mountain bike rides to the ocean. I miss you my friend and I love you.
Pat and Joyce Ryan
May 13, 2023
We are so grateful that you and Rich brought Daniel into the world...what a blessing he has been to so many people! He has been a joy to know, always kind and thoughtful and we will sorely miss him.
We send our love and prayers to you and all the family.
Brad Schermer
May 13, 2023
Laurie Hitchens
May 13, 2023
Laurie Hitchens
May 13, 2023
Laurie Hitchens
May 13, 2023
Laurie Hitchens
May 13, 2023
How do I begin? I´ve procrastinated for days putting into words what my heart is feeling.
Elaine & Rich & Daniel were our next-door neighbors and like family. Our daughter, Jamie & Daniel grew up together. They played in the cul-de-sac and yards like brother & sister. Jamie was very protective over him and considered herself as Daniel´s big sister. They played for hours on end riding their big wheels and then on to removing their training wheels on their bikes.
It seems like yesterday that Elaine and I would set our chairs out and visit while watching our kids.
Swimming in our pool, making tents, playing with hot wheels, creating together with Legos and chalk art on the driveway.
Daniel was the sweetest. He did not have a mean bone in his body and he and Jamie got along so well. He had that adorable smile and kind demeanor along with hilarious reactions and comments that always made us chuckle!
I remember he always wanted to fit in with the older kids. When we would make treats for them all, he would gladly take one nibble hoping to like it only to run into his house and quickly return without it! I´m sure Elaine or Rich would find it in the trash! He did not have a sweet tooth!
He loved to run and play sports and it became evident early on that he would be very athletic. He was a joy to be around and quite entertaining.
Elaine & Rich, you were such great friends and great parents. You raised Daniel to be polite, respectful, kind, and to have good manners. I knew that he would someday be a great husband and father. I moved away when he was about 6 but Jamie & Paul & Elaine would keep me up to date.
Daniel was taken from us way too soon. But he packed a lot into his life and certainly touched a lot of ours. He left wonderful memories and a rich legacy.
My heart goes out to you Elaine & Rich and to Rebecca, the kids and family. I pray for strength as you go through your grieving and peace with the loving memories. I know I will treasure them forever.
R.I.P. Daniel.
Jamie and Paul
May 13, 2023
Jamie and Paul
May 13, 2023
Jamie and Paul
May 13, 2023
I grew up living next door to Daniel and it was such a blessing. He made my childhood the BEST. Every weekend morning I´d wake up early, run to the front window and look to see if he opened the garage door which was the sign he was also up and ready to play. We lived on the best little cul-de-sac where we went from riding Big Wheels to bikes, playing Lincoln Logs and Hot Wheels. We made forts and hideouts. My dad would be working in the yard and hear, "Hi Paul", as he looked around he couldn´t tell where he was until Daniel would reveal he was in his little hideout/not quite treehouse in the corner olive tree. Daniel always knew the neighborhood scoop and if anyone came into the cul-de-sac he could tell the visitor where the neighbor went and when they´d be back. He would eat the red berries off the bush secretly until we told him that probably wasn´t good for him. He also made the most realistic police car siren noise which always made me laugh. The summers we lived in our swimming pool and for the sound of the ice cream man, even though Daniel wasn´t big on sweets he loved a popsicle. As we got older we loved playing Mario Cart, NHL and NBA on Nintendo. We also looked forward to trips to the local Best Buy store to get the newest CD´s and Daniel keeping his hard earned money in his wallet with the big chain. Whenever we were playing at his house Elaine would bring us a salami and crackers snack which Daniel loved so much. We were both only children but growing up so close he was not only my best friend but my little brother. I was his protective and loving big sister. Daniel was such a gift to everyone´s lives and it´s so heartbreaking he was taken too soon. He left us with such precious memories and so much love in our hearts. I couldn´t have asked for a more amazing, kind hearted, sweet, funny, thoughtful and all around such a great little brother and neighbor. Every good childhood memory he was there. Elaine and Rich have always been like my second parents and to this day still the BEST neighbors we could ever imagine that they are family and we love so much. They raised such a genuinely great son and man. Paul, my dad, and I send your entire family and friends our deepest sympathies and comfort hugs. We are devastated for the loss of such an amazing man that brought so much light, love and laughter to all our lives. Daniel will forever live in our hearts.
Darby & Buzz
May 12, 2023
We moved into the neighborhood and one of my earliest memories of Daniel was the cutest little 2 or 3 year old dressed as a lion for Halloween.
Not hard to fall in love with from the on start. We spent many after work evenings with Rich & Elaine, and other neighbors, winding down from our workdays while our kids played.
Well, eventually they all grew up.
Daniel was the all American boy.
What a fine family to know.
Daniel got married. He was loved. He was happy. We grieve for your loss and pray that Daniel will visit in your dreams and bring comfort to you. We pray that time will ease your pain. Rich & Elaine, you really did such a wonderful job raising your son. Daniel was doing the same wonderful job being a husband and father, raising his family. Daniel will always be remembered with love.
autumn pearson
May 12, 2023
My Dear Sweet Cousin,
Those words don't even do justice to how much I love you and what you mean to me! My heart is crushed knowing that the memories we have made our whole lives together have come to an abrupt end.
Growing up you were always more mature than your age and we got along so well! I will always remember listening to 311 and Glycerine, by Bush, in your room together over and over. Most kids your age weren't as "in to music" but the 2 of us shared that special bond!
You and Graydon also made the BEST young models for me to practice make-up on! Always down for anything!
You were always so ambitious and I remember the day we spoke about you buying "Cruella"
I can not believe how beautiful you made that car! I bragged about you all the time! Proud of everything you did. So funny, driven, an amazing friend and dedicated to your family. Anybody who met you was better off knowing you and you were a blessing to all.
When you entered the next stage of your life and built the most amazing family w/ Rebecca our closeness grew even stronger!
You were an amazing uncle and a natural father! I loved watching you in your element. Living so far apart, it was hard to see each other as often as we would've liked, but we made it priority to have our families be close!
To say you will be missed is not even something I can comprehend at the moment, but I know, Rebecca and I will keep the tight bond between our families and Uncle Dan will be known in my daughters´ hearts forever.
I love you so much and I can't even fathom, that this might be my last message to you, but I know you will be watching over us all! I love you Cuz!
Chris DeLuca
May 12, 2023
RIP DP, was such a pleasure and honor to have coached you in Roller Hockey. I will remember your free spirit, passion, love of hockey and Life until the sunsets for me in this life journey. See you again my friend,
Coach Chris
Autumn Pearson- Eastridge
May 12, 2023
Autumn Pearson- Eastridge
May 12, 2023
Autumn Pearson- Eastridge
May 12, 2023
Autumn Pearson- Eastridge
May 12, 2023
Autumn Pearson- Eastridge
May 12, 2023
Autumn Pearson- Eastridge
May 12, 2023
Autumn Pearson- Eastridge
May 12, 2023
Autumn Pearson- Eastridge
May 12, 2023
Autumn Pearson- Eastridge
May 12, 2023
Autumn Pearson- Eastridge
May 12, 2023
My Dear Sweet Cousin,
Those words don't even do justice to how much I love you and what you mean to me! My heart is crushed knowing that the memories we have made our whole lives together have come to an abrupt end.
Growing up you were always more mature than your age and we got along so well! I will always remember listening to 311 and Glycerine, by Bush, in your room together over and over. Most kids your age weren't as "in to music" but the 2 of us shared that special bond!
You and Graydon also made the BEST young models for me to practice make-up on! Always down for anything
You were always so ambitious and I remember the day we spoke about you buying "Cruella"
I can not believe how beautiful you made that car! I bragged about you all the time! So proud of everything you did. You were always so funny, driven, an amazing friend and dedicated to your family. Anybody who met you was better off then they were the day before and you were a blessing to all who knew you.
When you entered the next stage of your life and built the most amazing family w/ Rebecca our closeness grew! You were the most amazing uncle and a natural father! I loved watching you in your element. Living so far apart, was hard to see each other as often as we would've liked, but we made it priority to have our families be close like we were!
To say you will be missed is not even something I can comprehend at the moment, but I know, Rebecca and I will keep the tight bond between our families and Uncle Dan will be known in my daughters´ hearts forever.
I love you so much and I can't even fathom, that this might be my last message to you, but I know you will be watching over us all! I love you so much Cuz!
Annette & Paul
May 12, 2023
The news that Daniel passed was shocking and so very sad. We grieve for the pain it has caused. We have known Daniel since he was born. An adorable, sweet child grew up to be a wonderful young man. A great son, a great husband and a great father. He will truly be missed.
Annette & Paul
Tammie Harris
May 11, 2023
Daniel was a very knowledgeable, fun and family guy. The best kind of person there is. I can´t imagine the lost you are feeling. I know I am in shock and so broken hearted. I pray you get some comfort in your memories and his great love for you that will never change.
Our lives will not be the same, and a day won´t go by that we won´t think about Daniel. What a blessing we have with his kids that we will be able to see Daniel´s influence. I will be praying for strength and peace. I love you all
Barb and Robs
May 11, 2023
We are heartbroken to hear of Daniel´s passing. We have wonderful memories of him, he will be sorely missed. May the glow of his spirit be an inspiration to all.
Christs Peace be with your family
Uncle Robs & Aunt Barbara
Aunt Diane and Uncle Gary
May 11, 2023
this picture fits Daniel to a 'T' ,his uniform ,T-shirt ,shorts, and if you could see his feet ,no shoes. and always a smile
when Daniel was younger,his grandma would take him to Reseda Park to feed the ducks,which led to his tattoo (nice one ) We will miss him and his smile.Farewell Nephew ,RIPAun
Jake Border
May 11, 2023
Daniel was such a special person. Always made me feel like on of the guys even though I was just Jesses little brother. Growing up Daniel and I always stayed in close contact. He always gave me the best life advice and was always someone I could count on to just answer a phone call and catch up on life. I have so many amazing memories with Dan I don´t even know where to begin. I love you Dan. Till we meet again
-Jake
Linda Arnemann
May 11, 2023
Rebecca and family,
We were heartbroken to hear about Daniel´s passing. You and you beautiful children are in our thoughts. Your mom is a wonderful person and I am sure that she will help and support you in your grief. We only met Daniel a couple of times but he was a great person.
With love,
Linda and Steve Arnemann ((Randy´s sister)
Cheryl Allen
May 11, 2023
I remember when Daniel was very little both Mom and Dad worked on Saturdays so he got to spend the day with Grandma and Grandpa. He always came with a HUGE box of toys and a giant fire engine that was almost as long as he was tall. When he was really little and people would ask his name he would say, "Daniel Richard Pawelczyk" , a difficult name for a little kid, but he pronounced it perfectly. He was always smiling, always friendly and always fun to be with. He was an all around wonderful young man and I am proud to be his Aunt. He will be truly missed and loved forever.
Aunt Cheryl Allen
Sue Carlin
May 11, 2023
We are so sorry to hear about Daniel, we pray that you will find comfort in your family. We love you, Ed and Sue
Ashley (Ryan) Freas
May 11, 2023
My heart is grieving with you all. Daniel is an incredible person and will be so deeply missed. He was someone you loved to be around, so funny, sweet, so easy to talk to and so genuine. I have been constantly thinking of you all - Elaine, Rich, Rebecca and your sweet babies - I hope, in time, the memories will bring you smiles and comfort knowing what a gift he was and if it brings you any peace at all - I have found it to be brutally true - only the good die young. Daniel will be so incredibly missed. Big Hugs.
Ashley (Ryan) Freas
Harrie Ng
May 11, 2023
Dear Elaine, we are so sorry for your loss,
Daniel had impacted the world in so many beautiful ways. He will be remembered with love and joy.
Uncle Gregg and Aunt Kathy
May 11, 2023
It seemed that Daniel excelled in anything he tried.. he took up mountain biking with our group and surpassed me in a month...and i had been doing it for years..
No words can describe the shock of this , but thousands of good words describe what an all around good individual he was..
Pure love goes out to Rebecca ,Eric,Ethan ,Maddie , Elaine and Rich and all the rest of us that shed tears for him.
Hopefully we all see him again in the future
Rosie Hale
May 11, 2023
I am so sorry Elaine and Rich. I hope that God will comfort you and give you peace. I will call you. Love Rosie click click
Julie and Will Dere
May 11, 2023
Dear Elaine and Rich, We are so sad to hear of your son, Daniel´s passing. I cannot imagine your grief. I remember the baby shower for Madeline and Daniel´s great joy of being a father to her and his other children. Our thoughts and prayers are with all the family.
Love,
Julie and Will Dere
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