Michael Cuadrez OBITUARY
Michael Donald Cuadrez (Donny), a retired Fire Captain from Pasadena, passed away on September 7, 2024, after a long battle with Parkinson's Disease. Donny was an avid reader, photographer, and artist, and enjoyed traveling and watching British Crime series.
Donny was born in Pasadena, California, attended John Muir High School and Pasadena City College, spending his younger years working for his stepfather at Grant Iverson Stables in Altadena. He later served in the Army Reserves for two years (Fort Ord), and ultimately became a Fireman, Paramedic, and Fire Captain, serving Pasadena Fire Department from 1967 to 1989. Captain Donny, as he was called, supported a number of Pasadena Fire Stations throughout his career, most often Fire Station 32. After his retirement, he joined Whistlestop Wheels in San Rafael, where he spent 10 years driving and instructing other drivers in safe van transport for senior and disabled residents of Marin County.
Donny married Donna (Cuadrez) in 1979, and enjoyed many years living in Santa Monica, Orange County, and throughout the San Francisco Bay Area with their son, Jacob. Donny was so proud of Jacob's achievements, becoming a Police Sergeant in Mill Valley, and ultimately assuming a career in Executive Protection for CEOs of high-tech companies.
After Donny was diagnosed with Parkinson's, Jacob and his wife (Gail) moved him into their home to care for him and monitor his medical needs.
Gail lovingly cared for Donny, sitting with him many days during his hospital visits. When he needed further medical care, he was moved into Fremont Hills, where he was wonderfully cared for by the nursing and hospice staff until his passing.
Donny is survived by his sister, Reina Brown; his nephews and nieces, Grant Brown (Rosy), Jennifer Kober (Keith), Chris Brown (Kelli); his great nieces and nephews, Sofia, Nicolas, Maisie, and Teddy; his wife, Donna, and his son and daughter-in-law, Jacob and Gail. He is also survived by cousins and friends, including his best friend of 50 years, Rudy Castro (also Pasadena FD), and cousin Reggie Terrazone, whose friendships Donny deeply cherished.
Please remember Donny with your contributions to the Parkinson's Foundation.
