BWH mourns the loss of Daniel Garza, a practice assistant in the Center for Chest Diseases and the Infectious Disease Clinic. He died unexpectedly on June 7 at the age of 35.

Mr. Garza’s friends say he lived life to the fullest and focused on the important things in life.

“Daniel and I started working at BWH within weeks of each other,” said Jessica Valentin, of the Center for Chest Diseases. “He was my best friend and was always there when I needed to laugh or a shoulder to cry on. Daniel was a big part of my everyday life; he was someone who listened without judgment and always gave honest advice on any situation. He was a cheerful and positive spirit to be around, always sharing a joke, funny story or one of his made-up sayings.”

Valentin added that Mr. Garza brought joy to many people’s lives with his upbeat comical personality.

“He was genuine and sincere and made sure his friends felt valued, important and loved by him,” she said.

Brandi Couto, LPN, of the Infectious Disease Clinic, was also a close friend and colleague of Mr. Garza.

“I wish I could share with BWH the many memorable moments I shared with him,” she said. “We all had our special moments with Daniel; many of them involved laughing, dancing or singing.”

Mr. Garza was dedicated to furthering his knowledge. He received his bachelor’s degree in foreign languages from the University of Montevallo, as well as a certificate in medical interpreting from the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Foundation. Outside of BWH, his interests included food, football and karaoke.

“Daniel was an important part of our team, on whom I could always depend for help,” said BWH psychiatrist John Grimaldi, MD. “I will miss his smile and caring ways.”

Mr. Garza is survived by his parents, sisters and brother, and other family members and friends.