Grieving School Community Remembers Dublin Music Teacher During Luminaria Ceremony

DUBLIN, CA — More than a hundred people from the Dublin school community turned out Wednesday night to mourn the loss of a beloved music teacher during a luminaria ceremony held at John Green Elementary.

Daniel Yamaguchi, who worked as a music teacher in Dublin since 2005, died unexpectedly Tuesday afternoon. Staff, students and community members were shocked and saddened as news of his death quickly spread.

Grieving staff, parents and current and former students gathered to share their memories of Yamaguchi. Former principal Joe Ramanga and current principal Lorianne Ventura attended the ceremony, which was arranged by resident Colleen Pearson.

Luminarias set up along the sidewalks and school sign glowed softly in the night. Children wrote notes about Yamaguchi in colorful chalk.

“He was passionate about his work and his music,” Ventura told Patch. “He inspired many students to continue in performing arts.”

Pearson said the ceremony was magical.

“Families hugged and it was beautiful,” Pearson said.

District officials said counselors and psychologists were on site Wednesday to support the students, staff and community.

Photos courtesy Colleen Pearson and Tara Magnuson