July 6, 1962 – October 2, 2024
Daniel Mackey died of cancer October 2, 2024 in San Francisco at the home of a loving friend, just a few weeks after being diagnosed. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Marguerite Hill. Daniel was born in Westbury, New York, the youngest of seven siblings; he moved to California in 1973. As a youth he developed a fanatical dedication to the game of tennis; he played regularly and could spend hours discussing the fine points of Roger Federer's backhand versus that of Rafael Nadal.
Daniel worked as a server in restaurants all over the city; wherever he was, he made friends. An inveterate reader and traveler, he was on a first-name basis with many of the city's librarians, and had explored South and Central America, as well as Europe and the Middle East. Most recently, he spent a year in Mexico traveling and teaching English as a second language. Daniel moved through the world unencumbered, without attachment to material possessions. What he did have was a large, loving family and a wide circle of fiercely loyal friends, all of whom will miss his loving nature and witty sense of humor. May the four winds blow him safely home.
Never miss a story! Keep up to date on the latest news, arts, politics, entertainment, and nightlife.
Sign up for the Bay Area Reporter's free weekday email newsletter. You'll receive our newsletters and special offers from our community partners.
Support California's largest LGBTQ newsroom. Your one-time, monthly, or annual contribution advocates for LGBTQ communities. Amplify a trusted voice providing news, information, and cultural coverage to all members of our community, regardless of their ability to pay -- Donate today!