Daniel Lazaro Sagastume

Daniel, 79, of Highland, California passed away at Loma Linda Hospital in Loma Linda, California. His death was unexpected and leaves a huge hole in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. Daniel was one of eight siblings born in a mountainous area of Zacapa, Guatemala. At an early age he became a tailor apprentice and proved to be skilled in this trade, learning quickly and becoming proficient as a master tailor. Eventually in the 1970s Daniel followed other family members who had immigrated to the United States of America in search of a better life. He settled in Los Angeles, California and quickly found work and success in the garment industry. He specialized in high-end denim garments and was appreciated by his supervisors and co-workers not only for his skill but also for his willingness to help others. He was always sought-after for his attention to detail to put the finishing touches on sample pieces before the new style went to production. There are many stories about Daniel helping newcomers find their way in the big city. Daniel once shared that he found a homeless man living in the dumpsters behind the factory where he worked. After assessing the situation, he helped organize efforts among his co-workers to help the man get back on his feet to the point that the man ended up getting a job at that same factory where he once had found refuge among the trash cans. Daniel was not a perfect man, but he had compassion for human beings, animals, and even plants, who like him, had a rough beginning. A proverb he lived by was “Haz el bien sin mirar a quien” which means that one must do good without discrimination or self-interest. And in his home, Daniel had framed a prayer by St. Francis of Asisi which reads, “Lord, make me an instrument of your peace: where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy.” He loved his children in the best way he knew how. Three of his children were born in Guatemala and stayed behind when he came to the US. Daniel did everything he could to ensure they also had the opportunity to come and create a better future for their families. Daniel’s dream became a reality and his children are forever grateful for his sacrifice. He also had two sons born here in the States. All five of his children loved him and will miss him, wishing he were still here with them to continue making memories together. All of his nieces and nephews will also miss their “Tío Daniel” and will remember him for the way he made them laugh and for his easy going personality. He was “Tío/Papá” to many of them. In his years as a retiree, Daniel enjoyed caring for birds, turtles, fish, and any other animals he could help. He also had a green thumb and recently he even managed to grow a pineapple in his tiny garden in the middle of the dry climate of Highland CA! He was always giving away plants he grew from tiny seedlings which shows how he valued humble beginnings and fighting against the odds to grow and flourish. Another distinct characteristic of Daniel was his sense of fashion. He often liked to complement his outfit with short-brim fedora style hats that made him look trendy. Other hobbies included watching soccer matches, fishing, listening to music on his IPad, and looking for rare antiques and coins to add to his collection. He still loved sewing and was always willing to help mend a garment or alter a pair of pants for family and friends. Daniel is preceded in death by his parents, Carlota Sagastume and Cipriano Lázaro, his sisters Bertha Lázaro, Angela Gonzalez, and Leticia de Búcaro. He will be lovingly remembered by his children, Veronica (Ken) Sansonetti, Hector (Dianna) Lázaro, Jorge (Marisol) Lázaro, Byron Lázaro, and Geovanni Lázaro; his grandchildren, Joshua (Kath) Sansonetti, Amanda Sansonetti, Brittney (Timothy) Jordan, Marquie Lázaro, Monique (Matt) Lázaro, Diego Lázaro, Zai Lázaro, Krystal (Liseth) Lázaro, Lucia Lázaro, Sofia Lázaro, and Scarlet Lázaro. Daniel will also be lovingly remembered by his sweet niece, Carla Correa and her family; they were very close to Daniel and watched out for his well-being, since they lived just a few blocks away from each other. Daniel is also survived by his beloved siblings, Olga Lázaro de Montoya, Rigoberto Lázaro, Mario Flores, and Oscar (Silvia) Flores. Friends and family will gather on December 9th at 11 a.m. at Transformation Calvary in Rancho Cucamonga, California, for a memorial service to honor Daniel’s legacy and remember the steadfast love of the Lord. “The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 2:22-23 In lieu of flowers, please consider supporting your local Salvation Army. For any questions, please call or text Veronica Sansonetti at 909-489-5250

Daniel Lazaro Sagastume

January 4, 1944 - October 26, 2023