Daniel "Danny" Chavez

Daniel “Danny” Chavez was born on August 21, 1975. He passed away peacefully, on December 13, 2023, after a very sudden decline in his health due to a surgery-related complication. His closest family members were bedside at the time he gained his wings. Diagnosed in early 2023 with Stage 4 Colon Cancer, Danny was determined to kick cancer’s @$$ (no typo). Although issues stemming from his diagnosis placed him in the predicament that he was in, it did not take his life. He was a fighter, until the last second. Danny was 48 years young at the time of his untimely passing. He leaves behind his wife, Christina; daughters: Jocelyn (Alejandro Meza) and Lylah; brother Jorge, and parents, Elia and Bulmaro (Bill) Chavez. Growing up in Joliet, from an early age, Danny was known to many as a jokester. He did anything to get a laugh (and often a rise) out of others. He made several life-long friendships that have supported one another into adulthood. In 1993, he graduated (barely as he would say) from Joliet Central High School. Danny was known as a dedicated employee and hard worker. In 1994, he began working at the Empress Riverboat Casino, now Hollywood Casino, where he worked until his passing. Calling himself the “Greatest Dual Rate Alive,” he is known to his Hollywood family as a jokester with a heart of gold. Throughout his tenure with the company, he made countless friends and provided many good times and laughs. He took the entertainment component of his job seriously and despite any personal or life- related issues, set out to keep smiles on his co-workers and customers’ faces. In 1995, Danny met Christina-whom he aptly referred to as “wifey”, his “ride or die” and this year “his rock.” Sneakily stealing a line from a piece of artwork in their bedroom, he would often tell Christina, “When we have each other, we have everything.” After laughing and being called a thief, he would say, “but it’s true, I mean it” and he did. In the 28 years spent together (marrying in 2004), they had two beautiful girls Jocelyn and Lylah. Otherwise known as/called by Danny (much to their dismay), as “Oldie Moldie” and “Baby Gurl” (no-typo) respectively. He could easily be described as both an amazing husband and father. However, that description just doesn’t do him justice. There wasn’t anything that he wouldn’t do for Christina or their girls. He proudly tattooed all of their names, along with Familia, on his arms over the last few years. This was his way of showing the world where his heart was. He was incredibly proud of them for their individual accomplishments and grateful for any time they spent together as a family, more so this year than any other. He was looking forward to Jocelyn’s upcoming wedding to her fiancé Alex (who had the stamp of approval-not easy!) where he planned a sequel to the epic Father/Daughter dance performed at Jocelyn’s Quinceanera. He was looking to the future and wanted to see Lylah graduate high school in 2025. While he won’t be there physically, a seat will be saved, as there is no doubt, he will be very present. He had the utmost love and appreciation for his parents Elia and Bulmaro (Bill) Chavez. He gave them a run for their money in his teens, but as he grew up and established a family of his own, he understood the gravity of the choices in his adolescence/early adulthood. His parents were unbelievably supportive throughout his life, but indescribably so this year, a very tough year for Danny and his family, as he navigated the effects of cancer and treatment. While he is not Elia and Bill’s only son, he proudly (and jokingly) referred to himself as the “favorite” son. He held a special place in his heart for his only sibling, his brother Jorge. Joking was his brotherly way of affection, as Jorge can attest to. It was important to him that others knew how he felt about them. If you were close enough to him, you are lucky to know how great he was at expressing love and appreciation, through words, acts of service, or sometimes jokes and insults! He loved socialization and any opportunity to crack a quick-witted joke. However, he was also the kindest of souls. Even while recently in the hospital he made sure to hunt down the supervisors of janitorial and nursing staff to ensure they knew just how wonderful they were, despite any pain he was in. Many knew that Danny was an avid fan of hip hop music, social media, and a great collector of “things” including GPK items, craft beer, coffee, and Funko figures. However, his favorite ways to spend his time included simply being with and laughing with his family, reading, or bird watching over coffee in the morning with Christina. He took pride in what he called “Bird Land”, which is where he made sure that no bird or squirrel remained hungry in any season! Danny loved both Halloween and Christmas, in particular, decorating his home with Christina, carving pumpkins with his family, and traveling to view haunted yard tours and holiday light tours. Danny’s passing has left an unbearable hole in the lives of many. His laugh and smile were contagious and will forever be memorialized in the hearts and minds of those that had the pleasure of crossing his path. So, whether you referred to him by his name or one of his “loving” nick names (Bullets, Big D, Danny Boy, Fubu, 815 No Limit Soldier, Focker, Chavs, etc...) he would love nothing more than people to honor his memory by continuing the laughter and jokes, but above all being kind and genuine at the core. Per Danny’s wishes, cremation rites have been accorded through Delgado funeral home. In addition, a Celebration of Life memorial will be held at a later date to allow people to come together and honor his life with stories and laughs while supporting one another. More information will be shared by the family in the coming months.

Daniel "Danny" Chavez

August 21, 1975 - December 13, 2023