A Devastating Family Loss Before Passover Amid Choir Show Update

My late, beloved cousin, Daniel Aaron Cuevas-Fisch, had attended law school and was an attorney advisor via Social Security Administration, but he grew up playing piano, and he and his family were patrons and great supporters of performing arts. He lived by the motto “joie de’vivre” and he’s synonymous with the term ‘optimism’. He grew up with a sunny disposition, raised Catholic alongside his brother, Steven Anthony, but his mother and father also made sure he celebrated his Jewish heritage, including Passover. Several years ago, he got badly sunburned on his forehead, and lost a patch of hair for a few weeks. His hair grew back on that spot, but it forever remained white (like Mr. Sheffield in “The Nanny”.) It gave him a whole new look and he cut a dashing figure. In his LinkedIn profile, he’s wearing a brilliant blue suit. He lived a full, vibrant life, traveling throughout the world, drank fine wine, and enjoyed every moment with family. 

He planned to continue both the Catholic faith, Jewish traditions and holidays with his new family this year. He and his girlfriend, Stephania, had tried to conceive for several years, and they finally were expecting in late December- early January. Since they love the performing arts, they planned to surround their new arrival with music. We saw they listed 4 childrens’ music story books on their baby registry, and we bought them for new arrival, which they wanted to be surprised themselves. The last time I saw him in person was Christmas. Elke Genevieve Fisch was born January 3rd. I had to remain at home during my uncle’s birthday because I was still sick, and I didn’t want to cause the new baby any illness. He brought Stephania and Elke for everyone to meet her that day. My brother David was especially close with him, and Gabby, my future sister-in-law, was advised by Daniel about law school, and he gave her points to remember. I was working on a personalized baby plaque for Elke, but I had a hard time designing the layout, and I put it off until I knew what to look for. 

Instead, I was painting a Passover ‘palette’ plate (inspired by a Jewish Israeli artist Avi Nadav) last Friday evening, April 11. In the middle of recording the project’s process, I heard commotion coming from the living room. I stopped recording, and ran out to find my parents in complete anguish. They were on the phone with another relative, and shared the shocking and devastating news that Daniel was killed in a car crash in Irwindale just after 4:30pm. I broke down, and thought about how he and Stephania just became first time homeowners and parents, and now to lose him…it’s so difficult to discuss him in the past tense. I just feel so bad for his girlfriend and his baby daughter: he ordered a special dinner they were going to cook for Passover with his family, and instead, they had an empty seat. We were watching some home videos afterwards, and we broke down knowing he’ll never celebrate his first Father’s Day, his upcoming birthday in July, which he would’ve been 43yrs, walk down the aisle, and see his daughter grow up. We were blessed to have him for 42 1/2 yrs, and we’ll continue to support his family in any way we can. 

Yesterday, I informed my choir that I wasn’t sure if I’ll be able to sing with them for our choir show “Campfire to Concert” show on April 27, 2025: https://sfvmc.com/ See information below. (Spring Sale is now thru April 20.) I informed them of what happened, and I asked if we could record the song “Light of a Clear Blue Morning” as a tribute and dedication to him and his family, and I’d create a video for them. After getting much more information, I’ll be performing the final song of the show with my choir.

Daniel’s funeral will be held on May 6. If you’d like to support his family, and for more info on what occurred, please visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/aid-daniel-stephanias-family-journey

Daniel…we will miss your company. Thank you for 42yrs. I wish you weren’t taken so soon.