Daniel A. Espinoza made his way peacefully home on September 14, 2018 after a short illness. He was 69.
Dan was born on April 28, 1949 in Trinidad, Colorado to Tony and Miquela Espinoza. He was the second of four children. He graduated from Trinidad Catholic High School and attended Trinidad State Junior College. He served 18 years in the National Guard. He was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Marie Naccarato on August 16, 1969. Dan and Marie had two girls, Pamela and Dannette.
Dan spent decades serving the people of Las Animas County. He was elected as Las Animas County Assessor in 1986. He was re-elected for 7 consecutive terms before his retirement in January, 2014. His brilliant work in the Assessor’s office resulted in 27 straight years of compliance with state standards. He served on the oil and gas committees with the Colorado Assessor’s Association. Always modest about his work, Dan was quick to credit his staff for their contributions. Re-election every four years became the family business and Dan enjoyed campaigning with his family. He looked forward to the parties held each election night and his family loved celebrating Dan and their immense pride in his accomplishments.
Dan also spent many years coaching young people at Trinidad Catholic High School. He coached girls and boys basketball, as well as football and baseball. He especially loved coaching young athletes as a junior varsity and junior high school basketball coach. His family spent most Friday and Saturday nights supporting Dan and his Trinidad Catholic Tigers, especially when he led the TC Lady Tigers to the Colorado State Basketball Finals. Coach Dan was well loved by his players and they were a huge source of love and pride for him.
Nothing made Dan happier than being with his family. His wife Marie was the love of his life and he was happiest spending time with her at the family cabin in Stonewall or just sitting on his porch, enjoying life. They enjoyed attending Mass and breakfast together. They also enjoyed going on adventures with “the kids”. It was always time well spent to Dan and he loved when his family was all together.
Dan was a huge Denver Broncos fan and enjoyed attending games. In 1995, he and Marie became Broncos season ticket holders, fulfilling a lifelong dream. He loved cheering for the Broncos from the South Stands with his family. Dan and Marie also especially enjoyed trips to Disneyland with their kids. It was a yearly tradition to spend Halloween at The Happiest Place on Earth. He loved being in Disneyland with his family, building memories that will last a lifetime.
Dan treasured his family. He was always involved in the lives of his daughters. No matter what, Dan was always there for his girls and they loved him so much for that. He shared a special bond with his son in law, Erik, who was his favorite son in law. Dan loved spending time with his grandchildren, who filled his life with love, laughter and joy. He was always ready for a new adventure with his partner in crime, Jaden. He spent time with his granddaughter, Hallie, watching dance, soccer and teaching her to drive. He and his grandson, Jaxon spent hours train watching Amtrak and BNSF. His grandchildren were his heart and soul and they will miss their Papa deeply.
Dan was a man of incredible strength. He survived two bouts of liposarcoma and was so proud of being “cancer free”. He valiantly battled septic shock due to gall bladder disease for the 38 days prior to his death. He was always a fighter and willing to do whatever it took to recover. He seldom complained about the pain and indignity of his illness and was a favorite patient of the nurses and doctors caring for him at CU Medical Center. He took everything in stride and remained positive until the end of his life. He wanted to recover so he could go fishing on the boat at Trinidad Lake, spend time at the cabin in Stonewall and tinker around his house.
Dan is preceded in death by his mother, Miquela Espinoza, his mother and father in law, Benny and Angie Naccarato.
Left to cherish Dan’s memory are his wife of 49 years, Marie, daughters Pamela Espinoza and Dannette Giles and her husband, Erik, grandchildren Jaden Daniel Espinoza, Helen-Marie Dannette Espinoza and Jaxon Erik Giles. He is also survived by his father, Tony Espinoza, twin brother Dennis Espinoza and his wife, Sandy Torres, Anthony Espinoza and his wife, Nancy, Victoria Armijo and her husband, John and special cousin, Tom Vigil. He is survived by nieces and nephews Denise Maldonado, Brian Espinoza, Deanna Espinoza, Kelli Trujillo, Brett Armijo, Steven Espinoza, Melody Merritt and Janelle Armijo. He is also survived by his aunt, Vera Espinoza and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
Visitation will take place Sunday, September 23, 2018 from 4:00pm to 7:00 pm at Comi Funeral Home. Rosary will be recited on Monday, September 24, 2018 at 12:30 pm at the Comi Chapel. The Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 1:30 pm at Holy Trinity Catholic Church.
Entombment will follow at the Resurrection Mausoleum, Trinidad Catholic Cemetery.
Active pallbearers are Brian Espinoza, Brett Armijo, Adolph Monarco, Jody Felthager, Solomon Zamora, Paul Starkovich and Steven Espinoza.
Honorary pallbearers are Paul Montera, John Marchiol, Anthony Veltri, Ralph Veltri and Bill Naccarato.
Arrangements made under the direction of the Comi Funeral Home.
