Lasting Memories

Dylan Thomas Dantzig
Nov. 16, 1997-June 29, 2025
Nashville, Tennessee

Dylan Thomas Dantzig, beloved son, brother, grandson, nephew, uncle, and friend, passed away far too soon, leaving behind a legacy of curiosity, compassion, and connection. Born in Pleasanton, California on Sunday, November 16, 1997—two weeks early—Dylan arrived with wide blue eyes and a readiness to engage with the world. Minutes after his birth, he offered his first glimpse of the bright, inquisitive soul we would come to know and love. To the astonishment of the nurses and his family, he repeatedly lifted his delicate neck, eyes open while scanning the hospital room as if trying to memorize the faces and light around him, with a look that seemed to say, “So this is the world. I’m ready to know it.”

Born and raised in Pleasanton, Dylan shared a spirited and close-knit childhood with his three brothers—Alex, Tanner, and Connor—surrounded by cousins, books, big dreams, and a mind full of imagination and insight. He was an early and eager reader, often found with a book in hand, lost in imagined worlds. He delighted in the outdoors, where tadpoles, arrowheads, rocks, and hiking trails became treasures to him, and where his love of nature grew into something deeper: a place of sanctuary and perspective. Science captivated Dylan from an early age—he asked big questions about space, dark matter, and the mysteries of the universe. His fascination filled his childhood room, where every wall was painted with galaxies and glowing stars that lit up the night. He loved sky watching, often staying up late into the early morning hours in search of shooting stars, meteor showers, and lunar eclipses. Always eager to understand how things worked, Dylan threw himself into school science fairs, proudly presenting his projects and sharing his discoveries. Dylan also found deep meaning and connection in his Sunday School class at Trinity Lutheran Church, where his inquisitive spirit was welcomed and nurtured—reflecting both his growing faith and his lifelong desire to seek understanding, purpose, and truth. With Bible in hand, he would respectfully pepper the pastor with curious, heartfelt inquiries that reflected his thoughtful, searching nature.

At the age of ten, Dylan took a keen interest in the stock market. He began his personal investment portfolio with his allowance and joined a kids' investment club, where he learned about mutual funds, market trends, and the principles of long-term growth. He eagerly absorbed knowledge from online research and read Warren Buffett’s annual letters to shareholders, fascinated by the strategies and mindset of successful investors. Dylan graduated from Amador Valley High School in 2016, where he balanced a demanding academic schedule, part-time work, and lettered in varsity track and cross-country—all while forming friendships that would last his lifetime. He participated in chess and badminton clubs and, the moment he turned 16, began working to fund his passions and interests. Whatever he pursued, Dylan most valued the people around him—cherishing connections with teammates, coworkers, friends, coaches and teachers. After graduation, he attended Durham University in England to study history and later earned his Bachelor of Science in Business, cum laude, from St. Mary’s College in 2022. During his time in the UK, Dylan traveled throughout Europe with close friends from Durham, exploring new cultures and making memories that stayed with him always. Countries like Croatia and Hungary were among his favorites, with Budapest holding a special place in his heart.

Professionally, Dylan began his career as a financial advisor and was in the process of launching his own firm in Nashville, Tennessee—a city he discovered during a cross-country adventure and came to call home in the final two years of his life. In Nashville, Dylan found a close-knit and supportive circle of friends. Whether spending evenings downtown, playing golf, pickleball, tennis, or cornhole, or attending Duolingo mixers, he relished the simple joys of community and connection. But more than anything, he treasured deep conversations—especially those about politics, religion, investing, and life’s journeys—where his thoughtful, inquisitive nature truly shone. Outside of work, Dylan pursued a wide range of passions with curiosity and intensity. He spent countless hours exploring the United States mining for gems and gold, carefully refining stones into handcrafted jewelry and coasters—each piece a reflection of his patience, creativity, and love for the natural world. A proud board member of the Mineral & Gem Society of Castro Valley, he shared his knowledge with others and immersed himself in the study of gemology. He also curated an extensive antique coin collection, captivated by the rich history each piece held. He developed a passion for lake and stream fishing, crabbing in the Pacific, and metal detecting along the coast. He continued his travels and spent several months immersing himself in Argentinian culture while living in Buenos Aires, where he once again formed deep and lasting friendships—connections built on curiosity and conversation.

He had a special bond with his family—collaborating with his dad on investment strategies and sharing meaningful conversations about business, ideas, and life. They often spent evenings around the fire pit or on the phone, talking about Dylan’s financial firm, his dad’s insurance business, and market trends. He played a pivotal role in supporting his mom’s nonprofit, and would often say to her, “I’m so proud of you, Mama.” The two spent long hours in nature—running and hiking together, deep in conversation about what mattered most to each of them. His brothers remember him as endlessly curious, fiercely intelligent, and full of heart. Dylan shared their love of history and always took a genuine interest in their lives. He was a thoughtful gift-giver and the kind of brother who encouraged you to dream bigger and reminded you to live more fully. Their memories are stitched with laughter and adventure—fishing trips, games of corn hole, golf, catching crawdads, and mining for gold. Tanner fondly recalls their childhood “band,” which began with banging on pots and pans and eventually evolved into real instruments—a drum set, guitar, and keyboard. Their childhood was also filled with favorite family vacations to Pinecrest Lake, Pacific Grove, and Lake Tahoe, where Dylan’s boundless energy and vivid imagination made every trip unforgettable. Sharing a close connection with his grandparents, Dylan often engaged in heartfelt talks with them, where they served as a steady, trusted sounding board—offering the kind of wisdom and quiet support he truly valued. He also made time for his Howell-Esparza-Dantzig aunts, uncles, and cousins, ensuring he visited them whenever he was back in California—building and nurturing relationships that meant the world to him. Through it all, Dylan was a steady, passionate, and profoundly caring presence—someone who made life brighter, deeper, and more joyful simply by being part of theirs.

Dylan is survived by his parents, Melissa and Brian Dantzig; his brothers, Alex (Briegan & nephew Beckham), Tanner, and Connor; his grandparents, Beverly and Gary Howell, and Ed and the late Bernadette Dantzig; along with a wide circle of loving aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends. Dylan had a rare and beautiful gift for making people feel seen. He cared deeply, connected genuinely, and carried a quiet empathy that left a lasting impression on all who knew him. His heart, thoughtful presence, and ability to truly see others will be remembered always.