David Gustavo Mastranzo

David Gustavo Mastranzo

July 21, 2002 – August 7, 2025

 

With broken hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved David Gustavo Mastranzo, who left us far too soon at the age of 23. His name carried great meaning—David, “King”; Gustavo, “Royal Shield”; and Mastranzo, “a joker who loves to do pranks.” He embraced every part of that legacy, proudly calling himself "King David” and living up to the humor in his name, constantly playing jokes, pulling pranks, and filling lives with laughter.

 

David was born on July 21, 2002, in Phoenix, Arizona, to his parents Roberta and Alejandro. As a young child, he spent many days surrounded by cars while his parents worked tirelessly at their used auto sales lot. During that time, he developed a deep love of movies and video games. Though he faced learning disabilities, David leaned on his strengths and pursued the things that lit him up. At first, he dreamed of being a comedian, and he certainly had the talent for it. Later, he set his sights on becoming a chef—until the infamous “burnt egg on the stove overnight” incident changed his culinary path.

 

David’s first job as a busboy came during his foodie phase, but his adventurous spirit soon expanded to the outdoors. He loved scouting, camping, and fishing—often alongside his mom, aunts, uncles, cousins, and his grandparents, who shared his love of the great outdoors. In his later years, this passion for nature led him to spend much of his time living outside.

 

He had an enormous love for animals, frequently bringing home strays. Above all, his heart belonged to his pit bull, Storm, whom he trained as his service dog and loyal companion. In recent years, David found joy in commercial office furniture installation and demolition, and he discovered a knack for “dumpster diving” and fixing up items he would then resell—for profit. He loved the thrill of the find, the pride of restoration, and the satisfaction of turning hard work into earnings. One ofhis big dreams was to become a stockbroker—because, as he often said, he loved money and the independence it could bring.

 

David’s greatest joy was his family. He and his mom, Roberta, shared countless adventures, traveling together for months at a time. Their journeys took them to nearly all 50 states, much of Mexico, Central America, and Canada. His sister, Carmyna, was not just a sibling but a friend, with whom he shared inside jokes chili pepper tattoos, “it’s a little chili”, and countless meals, drinks, and songs. He was a great source of comfort to her. His niece, Kamari, was the light of his life. He loved swimming with her, bringing her gifts, and sharing simple joys—whether watching movies, playing on the swings, or sliding down park slides together. Seeing her smile brought him more joy than anything.

 

David had a gift for making people happy. He believed in living the “high life” and wanted others to experience that joy, too. He was a true friend, a devoted family member, and a source of comfort and laughter to those who knew him.

 

David would say, “I love you around the world and back again.”

 

David is survived by his mother, Roberta Reed; his sister, Carmyna, and niece, Kamari; his father, Alex Mastranzo; his siblings Alejandro Jr., Alicia, Jose, Esmeralda, and Lauro; and his grandparents on both parent’s sides. He is also survived by two uncles, three aunts, and nine cousins. He was preceded in death by his 5 year old precious loved pit bull, Storm, just one month earlier, and by his great-grandfather Steve.

 

Though his time here was far too short, David’s laughter, love, and light will forever live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

 

Funeral plans as follows: 

 

Saturday, August 23, 2025 

Viewing 10:00am - 12:00pm

 

 Services 12:00pm -1:00pm 

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints 47 E. Ashland Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85004 

 

Celebration of Life including some of David’s favorite foods.

 

1:30pm Fairfield Inn and Suites 2520 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85004

 

PLEASE DRESS IN COLORS, HIS FAVORITE COLOR WAS RED

 

Please send any photos and memories or comments to the following link:

 

https://www.afterall.com/obituaries/d-20580101/phoenix-arizona/david-gustavo-mastranzo/august-2025