Daniel “Danny” Charles-ruiz Wandersee
October 20, 1977 - August 17, 2021
Danny Wandersee of Sonora, passed away on August 17, 2021 from a heart attack. Born on October 20th, 1977 in French Camp,california to Dan and Michele Wandersee, he was the younger sibling to sister Hava.
Danny lived in Stockton until the age of 10 when he and his family moved to Mi-wuk Village and he attended
Twain Harte Elementary. These were the days in the late 80’s when he and his friends would roam carefree through the neighborhood, swim at the local pool and make friendships that would last a lifetime. Danny went on to attend Summerville High
School where he played football and baseball. Upon graduation, he attended Humboldt University where he was a part of their football program. He went on to attend colleges in San Diego and Modesto and worked various jobs before landing at Black Oak Casino in Tuolumne just after opening almost 20 years ago, where he started as a dealer. He later promoted to the Tuolumne Mewuk Tribal Gaming Agency’s Director of Compliance (although according to his co-worker friends, he was unofficially referred to as “Certified Bad-a** with a Heart of Gold.”
Danny volunteered as a coach for the Sonora Junior Cats Youth Football League which brought him back to his football roots and that special bond with the team that he loved. He was married and divorced twice before he met the love of his life, Corinne Pinocchio, a year and a half ago. Though they didn’t have the benefit of time, they loved deeply. His greatest joys were his children; Daniel Jr. (19), Koi (11), step-son Devun (20), and his beloved bonus sons Joziah, Asa, Joseph & Leron. Known as “The Frat House,” Danny’s home was always open to anyone who needed one. His legacy will be his mentorship and unconditional love. Always one to offer help, support and “fathership,” Danny was known as “Pops’’ to all.
Danny enjoyed playing the guitar and ukulele. He loved Reggae music and taught many of the kids how to play “Over the Rainbow” and “Three Little Birds.” He was a die-hard Oakland A’s and Raiders fan. He was once told that his spirit animal was the silverback gorilla which he always joked was fitting, because they are often mistaken as intimidating due to their size; however they are actually a peaceful, gentle and kind animal, leading their pack. His sense of humor was infectious and that laugh…unforgettable.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Dan and Michele Wandersee; cousins Monica Love and Tiffany Wandersee, his grandparents Phil and Millie Valenzuela, Charles and Irene Wandersee, and uncles Mike and Robert Valenzuela and Jack, Charles and Mike Wandersee. He is survived by his sister, Hava White and brother-in-law Aaron, sons Daniel, Koi, Devun, Joziah, Asa, Joseph and Leron, nephew Benjamin White as well as several cousins, aunts, uncles and friends who became like his family. A celebration of his life will be held on September 12th, 2021 from 2-6pm at Westside Pavilion 17807 Tuolumne Rd., Tuolumne, California where he will be remembered with stories, food, drink and his favorite music. All are welcome.