In Loving Memory

Dr. Darron Tomoki Tanioka

October 25, 1972 – November 18, 2024

Dr. Darron Tomoki Tanioka, DDS, 52, was born on October 25, 1972 at California Hospital in Los Angeles.  He is the 2nd child of Dennis and Kathleen Tanioka.  He has two siblings, Denyce and Dayne, with whom he had a special and close relationship.

Raised in Cypress, Darron attended Patton Elementary School, Bell Intermediate and Pacifica High School.  He also attended Japanese Language School on Saturdays for many years and played the saxophone in middle school.  With his love of sports, he was in Karate for a few years and won Kata awards at local Karate competitions. He also played youth basketball for the VFW Magic Bolts, where his Dad was the head coach.  During his years with the Magic Bolts, Darron was selected to be part of a Japanese-American team that traveled to Japan for a cultural exchange program by way of basketball. He continued playing basketball for his high school team.

Darron was a dedicated son and brother to his family and always put his family first.  He loved his parents and siblings.  During his childhood, they traveled as a family and created memorable moments together.  As an adult, he enjoyed grilling meat for his family and bringing them Julian pie and spring rolls.  Even with a busy schedule, he always made time to help out his family.  He was also known as the fun cousin and fun Uncle.  He knew how to relate to the kids so he was able to bring out the fun during family events.  Known for his generosity, he was someone who had the strong ability to instinctively understand what someone would truly appreciate as a gift.  He was incredibly thoughtful in that way.

Darron graduated college in UC San Diego in 1995.  He then pursued his passion for higher education at USC, where he earned his dental degree.  His dream of living in Japan was fulfilled when he was stationed there during his service in the United States Navy, where he rose to the rank of Lieutenant.  Soon after, he was in the aircraft carrier, where he found peace looking at the vast ocean.  After being honorably discharged from the US Navy in 2004, Darron began his dental practice in Temecula in 2007, where he began his career, building his dream job together with his partner/friend.  As a dentist, Darron was admired by his staff and patients not only for his skills but for his warmth, honesty, and integrity.  He was not only a great boss but a great leader, someone who truly cared for those around him.  His dental practice, Creekside Dental, became a second home to him, and he will always be known as their Dr. T.

Outside of his professional life, Darron was an adventurer, a foodie, and someone who truly embraced life.  He loved to travel, always seeking new experiences and flavors from around the world.  He was passionate about sports, especially UFC, the Dodgers, Lakers, and USC Trojans.  He also enjoyed playing golf, autocross racing, fixing up his car, grilling, and fishing.  He looked forward to his March Madness reunions with friends in Las Vegas, where he could share his excitement and love for house music and sports.  He was a loyal friend, and the friendships he formed throughout his life were some of the most important relationships he had.  His friends, like his family, knew that he would always be there for them.

Darron met his wife, Sancel, in Hollywood in early 2005, and from the moment they met, they became inseparable. They traveled the world and found happiness in each other.  He loved his wife and shared wonderful memories with her.  Their love grew stronger over the years, and they were married in 2011.  Darron was a devoted husband.  They loved experiencing different cultures, exploring new places, and tasting new foods were some of their greatest joys together. Together, they created a beautiful family, welcoming their first son, Landon, in 2013, and their second son, Caden, in 2016. Darron was a devoted and loving father, eager to teach his sons about sports, cooking, and the values that had shaped his own life. Darron's family meant the world to him.  His love for his children was limitless, and they were the light of his life, alongside his wife.

Darron passed away peacefully on November 18, 2024.  He is survived by his wife, Sancel, 2 young children, Landon and Caden, his parents, sister, and brother.